ANACONDA -- The professionals were looking to narrow the gap in first-day play Tuesday at the 2009 Montana Cup being played on the nationally touted Old Works Golf Course.

But through two rounds, the amateurs made good use of some wide margins and looked poised to win again in the team format annually played by the state's top amateurs, and club pros.

Butte player Jon Johnstone was a double-winner for the amateurs. He combined with State Am runner-up D.J. Kovach of Malta for a 3-0 blanking of Billings pro Dave Doherty and his partner, Cameron Milton of Polson in the four-ball competition. Then, in Chapman play, Johnstone paired with State Am champ Bill Dunn of Missoula for a 2-1 victory over pros Ryan Malby and Jason Letolah of Kalispell and Hamilton, respectively.

Kelbi Lee of Billings and Marcus Williams of Missoula were partners in both arounds for the amateurs. And they won both times. One win was by 3-0 over Scott Pekovich of Billings and Malby in four ball. The other was 2-1 over Laurel pro Tom Anderson and Doherty.

Former Dillon standout Ed Kavran, now of Billings, was part of two wins for the pros. He and David Owens of Seeley Lake beat Spencer Williams of Great Falls and Jordan Michael of Billings 2-1 in four ball. Kavran and Pekovich then paired for a 2 1/2 -1/2 win over Shawn Tucker of Whitefish and Spencer Williams of Great Falls in Chapman competition.

The amateurs lead the series 12-10-2. The third and final round of this year's competition is set for Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the Old Works.