Stephanie Kono led three Hawai'i golfers into today's first round of match play at the 57th U.S. Girls' Junior Championship at BanBury Golf Club in Eagle, Idaho.

Kono, who will be a sophomore at Punahou, shot a 2-under-par 69 yesterday and finished tied for 13th at 140.

The top 64 from a field of 156 advanced to match play.

Kimberly Kim, 13, from Pahoa, shot a 72 and was tied for 25th at 144. Mari Chun, a recent Kamehameha graduate, shot 71 and was tied for 32nd at 145.

Taylore Karle, 15, of Scottsdale, Ariz., followed up her opening-round 63 with a 67 to set a stroke-play qualifying low and earn medalist honors.

Kaitlen Miyajima, of Wailuku, finished with a 73—154 (tied for 90th).

LOW JUST ABOVE CUT AS PLAY IS SUSPENDED

Hilo's Jacob Low was in a 14-way tie for 58th yesterday when play was suspended during the second round of stroke play at the U.S. Junior Amateur at Longmeadow Country Club at Longmeadow, Mass.

The top 64 advance to match play after the completion of the second round this morning.

Low, 17, completed his round of 2-over-par 72 and was at 146.

The tournament was stopped twice because of lightning and later suspended because of darkness. Thirty golfers were to complete their rounds this morning.

Sam Saunders, 17, of Windermere, Fla., made six birdies in his first 12 holes en route to a 65. His 36-hole total of 133 is expected to earn him the top seed in match play.

CHOY TIED FOR 28TH AT TRANS NATIONAL

Wahi'awa's Britney Choy shot a 4-over-par 76 and is tied for 28th after the first round of qualifying at the 75th annual Trans National Championship. The tournament is being played at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.

Choy, the 2004 state high school champion for Leilehua, needs to finish in the top 64 after today's round to advance to the championship bracket. The rest of the field will be placed in 16-player flights.

Leaders are Christine McArdle, of Florida, and Taylor Leon, from Texas, at 2-under 70.

PAHOA'S KIM TIED FOR 21ST AT PING JUNIOR

At the Ping Junior in Patterson, Calif., 2005 state high school champion Christine Kim, from Pahoa, is tied for 21st after opening with an 83. Kamuela's Max Bonk shares 66th at 79.

There are 91 boys and 29 girls from 11 states in the American Junior Golf Association event, being played at Diablo Grande's Legends West Course.

Kim is 14 shots behind leader Jenny Kim.

Patrick Tom leads the boys after shooting a 68.

PGA ASSISTANT PROS

KEITER TAKES FIRST-ROUND LEAD IN CHAMPIONSHIP

Chris Keiter of Hualalai Golf Club shot a 4-under-par 68 yesterday to take the first-round lead at the Aloha Section PGA TaylorMade-adidas Assistant Professional Championship at Honolulu Country Club.

David Havens of Kapalua Village Course shot a 71, followed by Regan Lee of Pearl Country Club at 72 and Joey Tadeo of Mililani Golf Club at 73. Lance Taketa (Hilo Municipal Golf Course), Shane Abe (O'ahu Country Club) and Kevin Larroque (Wailea Golf Club) are tied at 74.

The second round of the 36-hole championship is today.

The top two assistants will advance to the national PGA Assistant Professionals Championships, Oct. 27 to 30 at PGA Golf Club South course in Port St. Lucie, Fla.