CLAYTON — Mike Desforges extended his advantage over the field in the professional flight of the Stren Series BP Eastern Division tournament Friday on the Thousand Islands.

Desforges snagged a five-bass catch of 19 pounds and eight ounces. The Burlington, Ontario, native has a three-day total of just over 60 pounds, and he holds a two-pound, nine-ounce edge over the closest competitor.

Dustin Edwards of Ellington, Conn., pulled ahead in the co-angler division with a three-day limit of 49 pounds, eight ounces.

The professional and co-angler flights were trimmed down to the top 10 participants. Those competitors will go for their respective grand prizes today. Pro winners may receive as much as $65,000, while co-anglers are up for $35,000.

The final weigh-in is open to the public. It will be held at 4 p.m. at Wal-Mart on Route 3 in Watertown.

TIMES STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS