the Bermuda Amateur Strokeplay Championships at Port Royal yesterday when he grabbed the first round lead.

Ascento, who strolled to a 12-shot victory last year, was the only player in the field to break par yesterday, carding a one-under score of 70.

But the big surprise of the day was former squash champion Trevor Boyce who fired his lowest-ever competitive round, an even par 71. He stands alone in second place, two shots clear of Tim Carr (73).

Boyce, a seven handicapper, described it as "the best round of golf I've ever played.'' Besides Ascento, a group of other former champions also moved into contention with veteran Hav Trott, the 1980 and '81 winner, and college student Duncan Zelkin, who won two years ago, both returning scores of 74 along with Michael Sims.

Robert Vallis, champion in 1991, New Yorker Jeff Kiley, who triumphed in 1989, and last year's runner-up Arthur Jones were all grouped on four-over 75.

Today sees the second round of the 72-hole championship while a small field of 15 will begin the 54-hole Ladies Strokeplay in which Wake Forest star Kim Marshall bids to win an unprecedented fourth straight title.