ISLE FILE
Kaua'i's Ballard surfs to second at Tahiti

Advertiser Staff

The runner-up run of Kaua'i's Rochelle Ballard continued yesterday.

Ballard placed second in the women's division of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo surfing contest yesterday in 3- to 4-foot waves at Teahupoo, Tahiti.

Ballard has advanced to the finals of all three World Championship Tour contests this year, placing second each time. Her second-place consistency has placed her No. 1 in the 2004 women's world rankings.

"I'm actually really stoked to have three finals in a row," said Ballard, 33. "I'm just a little disappointed in not winning."

Peru's Sofia Mulanovich defeated Ballard in the final, 14.23-13.50. Ballard led for the first half of the heat before Mulanovich recorded a near-perfect score of 9.23 (out of 10) to take control.

Mulanovich received $10,000; Ballard received $6,000.

Earlier yesterday, Ballard eliminated six-time defending world champion Layne Beachley of Australia in the semifinals, and fellow Kaua'i surfer Keala Kennelly in the quarterfinals.

Megan Abubo of Waialua and Melanie Bartels of Wai'anae were eliminated in the third round.

Through three contests, Ballard has 2,916 points. Mulanovich is ranked No. 2 with 2,760.

The men's division did not run heats yesterday.