N.Z. finishes sixth in world surfing

Press, 30 September 1986, Page 24

N.Z. finishes sixth in world surfing

HUGH BARLOW

NZPA staff correspondent New Zealand finished in a provisional sixth place at the world surfing championships in Cornwall on Sunday. After three qualifying events New Zealand had 410 points, just eight less than fifth-placed Brazil but well down on the 734 scored by the winners, the United States. The United States were followed by Australia (709), Hawaii (588) and French Polynesia (496). The team manager. Wayne Spence, who had hoped his squad would improve on the fifth placing New Zealand achieved at the last two championships, said the results were unofficial but he did not expect changes. Today the top 16 men, including Erin Saunders (New Plymouth), and the top eight women, juniors and

kneeboarders contest the individual titles. Results in those competitions do not affect the team placings. Despite some impressive performances yesterday Saunders was the only New Zealander to reach the “grand final.”

Jeannie Shanks, of Auckland, and a kneeboarder, Luke Porter, of Christchurch, reached the finals of the last event yesterday while Carol Cranch, of Auckland, and the second kneeboarder, Clive Reid, also of Auckland, both reached the quarter-finals. Chris Hislop (Whangarei), Lynden Kennings (Whangamata), Wayne Pitcher (Gisborne), Shane Grimes (Auckland) and Wayne Lowen (Tauranga) were eliminated in the second round of the men’s open and David Boonaerts (Auckland) was knocked out in the third round.