Isle File
Australians sweep titles in Masters World surfing

Advertiser Staff

Michael Ho of O'ahu's North Shore placed third in his division of the Quiksilver Masters World Championship, which was completed in 3- to 4-foot waves yesterday at Bundoran, Ireland.

Ho was eliminated in the semifinals of the grand masters division (for ages 44 and older) by Australian Mark Richards. Ho, who won the grand masters division last year, earned $3,500 and was the top finisher among the Hawai'i surfers.

"I did what I could do, but (Richards) was just better," said Ho, 44. "I think he stepped it up a notch. I'm pretty disappointed not to get into the final, but that's how the ball bounces."

Richards defeated fellow Australian Wayne Bartholomew in the final to earn the $6,000 first prize. Hawai'i surfers Bobby Owens and Buzzy Kerbox tied for fifth in the grand masters division and received $3,000 each.

In the masters division (for ages 35 to 43), Derek Ho, Michael's younger brother, tied for fifth place and earned $3,000. He was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Australian Gary Elkerton, who went on to win the masters division for the second consecutive year. In the masters final, Elkerton defeated fellow Australian Dave Macaulay and earned $6,000.

Two other Hawai'i surfers, Hans Hedemann and Jeff Hakman, did not qualify for the final day of competition.

GOLF

• Kaneshiro two short: Maui's Dawn Kaneshiro missed the cut by two shots Wednesday at the second LPGA Sectional Qualifying Tournament.

Kaneshiro, the 1998 state stroke play champion, shot 75-78—153 at Mission Hills North Golf Course, in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The cut was made at 7-over-par 151, with 73 players advancing to the final two days of play.

The top 30 players after today's round advance to the Final LPGA Qualifying tournament, Oct. 10-13.