Camiko Smith lost ground on the leaders, despite producing his best round of the $100,000 Jamaica Open.

The Bermudian fired a two-under 70 at the Half Moon Golf Club in Montego Bay that left him tied for sixth at three-under after the penultimate round yesterday.

Smith started the day one shot off the lead tied for fifth, but was unable to close the gap as his woes with the putter took its toll.

“Was an interesting round; when I missed a green I scrambled really well,” Smith told The Royal Gazette. “I’m feeling good. I love the way I’m hitting the ball right now.

“Unfortunately my putter wasn’t hot today. But I made a few birdies to keep me under par.

“A little upset I missed a few makeable putts, but that’s golf. I just need to stick with what I’ve been doing and stay focused.”

Smith warmed up for the tournament with a solid fifth-place showing at last week’s Gosling’s Invitational that earned him $3,265.

Also flying the island’s banner in Jamaica is Dwayne Pearman who is tied for 50th at nine over for the tournament.

The former Bermuda Open and Belmont Invitational, now referred to as the Gosling’s Invitational, champion carded a three over 75 yesterday that included two birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey at the par-four 16th.

Hernan Borja, of the United States, leads the field at ten under at the Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed layout.

Three-shots back in second at seven under is Tarik Can, also of the US, with compatriot Michael Maguire a further two shots adrift in third at five under.

Borja carded a bogey-free nine under 63 which included nine birdies, the lowest round of the day, to give himself a bit of breathing space at the top of the leaderboard with 18 holes left to play.

Jamaica’s Sean Morris leads the amateur field by one shot over compatriot Justin Burrowes.

In addition to the prize money on offer, the top three finishers will qualify for the inaugural $175,000 Jamaica Classic at Cinnamon Hill in Montego Bay in April.