Isle File
Pipeline Masters to start today

Advertiser Staff

After an eight-day wait, the Xbox Gerry Lopez Pipeline Masters will finally commence today at Ehukai Beach.

The contest was postponed for the eighth consecutive day yesterday because of a lack of quality surf.

With only two days remaining in the holding period to run two days of competition, contest officials have no choice but to start the event today and complete it tomorrow. Fortunately for them, waves of 6 to 10 feet are expected to arrive on O'ahu's North Shore today.

Only 48 of the world's top surfers have been invited to compete in the contest, which is the final jewel in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Andy Irons of Kaua'i won the first jewel, the G-Shock Hawaiian Pro at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach on Nov. 20. Myles Padaca of O'ahu's North Shore won the second, the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach on Dec. 7.

Padaca is the current leader in the chase for the Triple Crown championship, which is awarded to the best overall performer in the three contests.

TENNIS

• Waikoloa tickets: Tickets for the third annual Hilton Waikoloa Village USTA Challenger, Jan. 20-27 on the Big Island, go on sale Thursday through Ticket Plus.

They can be purchased by phone at (808)-526-4400, or at one of 45 Ticket Plus outlets statewide. The three Big Island outlets are in Foodland stores, two in Hilo and one in Kona.

Admission for the main draw (Jan. 22-27) ranges from $8-20. Discounts are available to U.S. Tennis Association members. There is no charge to see qualifying matches, Jan. 20-21.

Paul Goldstein and Andy Roddick won the first two Waikoloa Challengers.

For information on event sponsorship packages and box seat sales, contact Total Eclipse Sports at (518)-274-1674 or www.tesports.com).