Posted on: Friday, January 2, 2004

ISLE FILE
Hawai'i juniors survive first round

Advertiser Staff

T.J. Barron of Hale'iwa was the only Hawai'i surfer to win a first-round heat in the Billabong World Junior Championships yesterday at North Narrabeen, Sydney, Australia.

The first 12 heats of the first round were completed yesterday in 2- to 3-foot waves.

Barron was one of the day's top performers, recording a two-wave score of 14.5.

Five other Hawai'i surfers did not win first-round heats, but no surfers were eliminated. First-round winners receive a bye in the second round, while the non-winners must compete in the second round, where eliminations begin.

The other Hawai'i competitors in the event are Nathan Carroll, Sean Moody, Joel Centeio, Jamie O'Brien and Kekoa Bacalso. Daniel Jones and Ola Eleogram did not surf yesterday.

The contest is considered the world championship for surfers age 21 and younger.