in the shortened Bermuda Senior Men's Championships at Belmont that he would be back to defend his title.

Yesterday, he took his first step towards that goal when he carded a 71 on the par-69 Riddell's Bay course to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the 54-hole tournament.

The event has its biggest ever field, attracting a total of 45 players, nine from overseas.

MacKenzie was a comfortable winner by seven strokes in last year's rain-shortened tournament but indications are this year's event will be much closer.

With only four strokes separating the top six players, MacKenzie knows the pressure will be on in the next two days.

Second behind the American is Bermuda's Howard DeSilva on 72 while Winfield Jones, Eldon Raynor and Jack Wahl are tied on 74. Eddie Marshall is a further stroke back on 75.

Noel Van Putten, a four handicapper who was third last year, is just off the pace on 78 while former champion Brendan Ingham carded a 77 yesterday.

The second round starts this morning, following the start of the 36-hole ladies championship. Results and times, Page 24 THE LEADER -- Defending champion Clark MacKenzie (top) holds a one-stroke lead after yesterday's opening round of the Bermuda Men's Senior Amateur Championships at Riddell's Bay. Former champion Brendan (Bees) Ingham trails by six strokes.