International Junior Golf Tournament yesterday when he fired an even-par 70 under almost perfect conditions.

Garland, however, faces a tough battle to retain his title and the boys 18-21 division crown as another local, Craig Brown, also matched par yesterday and several other players turned in scores in the low 70s.

Perhaps the most impressive round of the day came from 11-year-old Bermudian Aaron James, who carded a three-over-par 73 to lead the boys 12 and under division by six shots from Fraser Hunt and Mark Robinson.

In the 15-17 boys division, Bermuda's Michael Sims and Quinton Sherlock shared the early lead with Canada's Calvin Kupeyan as all shot rounds of 71. David James (72) and Robbie Spurling (73) are close behind. Bermuda's Neil Fenton led the 13-14 boys group by three shots after a round of 77.

Among the girls, Sarah Thomson of Ontario, playing in the 15 and over division returned the day's best score of 79, two better than Bahamian Jameica Duncombe, the defending overall girls champion, who carded 81.

Play in the 72-hole tournament continues today at Mid Ocean Club.