HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Borrelli’s of Lynn, Mass., rolled up a 22-2 record while USA East, a team featuring Maine bowlers, turned in a strong 16-8 effort in the first day of the 23rd World Team Candlepin Bowling Championships Tuesday at Halifax Fairlanes.

Borrelli’s notched the day’s high team single at 778, which is believed to be the highest single-string total in the tourney’s history.

Borrelli’s also recorded the day’s high series of 2,064 behind the efforts of Chris Sargent (138 per string average), Gary Carrington (136), Shawn Baker (134), Dave Godwin (133), and Bob Bettencourt (124).

Borrelli’s leads the 12-team Coca-Cola division while Beazley’s Lanes of Nova Scotia recorded an 18-6 record to lead the Ramada Hotel division, where USA East is fourth.

USA East turned in a strong first day behind Mike Morgan of Lynn, Mass., who compiled a 418 series with a 176 string. Also contributing for USA East with solid efforts were Nate Nealey of Westbrook (404 series), Chip Carson of Bangor (374), and Shawn Morrison of Brewer (360).

The tourney qualifying rounds continue through Friday morning with playoffs starting that afternoon. The semifinal and championship rounds follow on Saturday.