Maine Juniors field shrinks after first day

What began as a 126-golfer field was pared to 40 as Chris Bixby of Portland, Ronald Kelton, and David Gushee all emerged from the first day’s action at the Maine Junior Championships at the head of their respective packs.

In the ages 15-17 division, Bixby, a student at North Yarmouth Academy, carded the day’s lowest round with a 68. Shawn Warren of Windham is second at 71. Bangor’s Jesse Speirs is 10 strokes back.

In the 13-14 division, Kelton’s 74 led the way as 2001 ages 12-under champion Michael Amato of Blue Hill is four strokes behind.

The top 16 players in the two upper age divisions advance to match play Tuesday. Action starts at 8 a.m. The winners will advance to the quarterfinals in the afternoon with the top four advancing to Wednesday match play.

In the 12-under group, the 37 by Wells’ Gushee was the best score of the nine-hole division. Johnny Hayes IV was just behind at 38. The top eight players advance to match play competition Tuesday with two, nine-hole rounds determining the top two players. Those two will play 18 holes Wednesday to determine the champion.