retain his lead after the second round of the Belmont Invitational yesterday.

But rather than stretch that lead, the Atlantan saw his advantage slashed as the man many regard as his main threat, Bermuda's own Dwayne Pearman, went one better with a scintillating five-under-par 65.

That cut the gap to two -- Conley on 132 and Pearman on 134 -- and with two rounds remaining today and tomorrow the battle's far from over, and by no means a two horse race.

Also in the hunt are Fran Marello, the 1994 champion who added a 68 yesterday to his first day 69 to stand on 137, just five shots back.

A further two shots adrift, and arguably the surprise of the tournament so far, stands former Southampton Princess pro Eardley Jones who improved on his opening round 70 with a one-under-par 69 yesterday to lead the senior professional division.

Also moving into contention was former Cup Match cricketer Barry DeCouto who equalled Conley with a 66, his best ever local tournament round since turning professional two years ago. He stands on 140 with Bob Mucha (69, 71), eight shots off the lead.

In the amateur division, Zane DeSilva carded a 73 to add to his first day 74 and take a share of the lead with last year's winner Nick Mansell, who could manage only a 76 yesterday, and Scotsman Ronnie Milton (73, 74).

On a day when conditions were slightly more difficult than during the opening round, due mainly to a swirling wind, five players ducked under par.

But it was Ocean View pro Pearman who stole the spotlight.

And, depending on the weather, Nike Tour pro Conley might need two more rounds in the 60s if he's to lift the Invitational crown for a fourth time in six years.

He registered a bogey-free round with birdies on holes one, five, eight and 10 yesterday, hoping that would have been enough to stretch his lead before later learning of Pearman's 65.

Pearman had two bogeys on his card, at 13 and 18, but offset those with an eagle at 10 and birdies at 12, 16, two, three and nine. Starting on the back nine, he got off to a flyer with an eagle three at the par-five tenth and continued to attack the course.

"I hit the ball pretty well, but I'm still not happy with my putting,'' said Pearman last night. "I'm standing over those three footers and wishing them in the hole rather than hitting them with any confidence.

"This tournament's a bit like a putting contest. So if I can get my confidence back on the greens, I think I can hang around over the next two days.'' DWAYNE PEARMAN -- cut Tim Conley's lead to two after yesterday's low round of five-under-par 65 in the Belmont Invitational.