Phillip Duke tagged and released an estimated 150-pound Pacific blue marlin yesterday to help Team Malaka of California surge ahead after Day Two of the 50th Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in waters off Kailua, Kona.

Team Malaka, which shared the first-day lead with Malibu Marlin Club, has amassed 900 points. Old South Marlin Club, thanks to a 443-pound Pacific blue marlin caught by team captain Bob Lowe, is second with 691 points, followed by Malibu Marlin Club and Bay of Islands Swordfish Club (New Zealand) with 600 points apiece.

Twenty-three billfish were tagged, with one ahi and one billfish boated.

"This is really how the tournament functions best," said HIBT founder Peter Fithian. "Lots of fish, the scoreboard always changing and most teams are seeing plenty of action."

Lowe, fishing aboard the Kona Seafari, made his catch on 50-pound test line.

"This was the toughest fish I've ever caught in my life — what a fight!" said Lowe, competing in his 25th HIBT. "I caught my last grander in 45 minutes, but this fish would have none of that. Finally, 3 hours and 34 minutes later, we had her."

GOLF

ISLES TRIO ADVANCE

Three golfers with Hawai'i ties yesterday made the cut in stroke play to advance to match play at the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J.

Maui's Cassy Isagawa (1-over-par 73) and former Big Island resident Kimberly Kim (78) tied for 14th at 5-over-par 149 after two rounds of stroke play in the USGA tournament for amateurs under 18 years old.

Alina Ching of Honolulu shot 77—156 to tie for 50th.

The low 64 scores advanced to today's first round of match play.

Cyd Okino of Honolulu shot an 81 and tied for 116th at 166.

In the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, also at Trump, Lorens Chan of Honolulu shot an 11-over 82 for a two-round 12-over 155, missing the cut for match play by one stroke.

BASEBALL

MID-PACIFIC WINS

Marcus Doi hit a grand slam and Ivan Dilda pitched a three-hitter as Mid-Pacific defeated Leilehua, 7-1, yesterday to capture the American Legion 17-Under Championship at the MPI field.

Doi batted 2 for 3 to lead all hitters.