Kaneko qualifies for next round

Ayaka Kaneko of Honolulu tied for sixth at the LPGA Sectional Qualifier yesterday at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The Sacred Hearts graduate shot 71 in the final round to finish at 6-under-par 282 and advance to the LPGA’s final Qualifying Tournament in December.

The top 30 and ties qualifed for the final stage. Hilo’s Kimberly Kim (72–294) missed advancing by a shot, finishing tied for 31st. Maui’s Shayna Miyajima finished at 78–302.

The medalist was Eileen Vargas of Colombia at 71-278.

The second sectional qualifier begins Sept. 28 in Florida.

Irons, Payne eliminated

Hawaii surfers Andy Irons and Dusty Payne were eliminated yesterday in the third round of the Hurley Pro Trestles at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, Calif.

Irons lost to Australian Chris Davidson, 12.27-12.00, in 5- to 7-foot waves and light winds. Payne fell to Australian Mick Fanning, 15.20-8.16.

The event is the sixth of 10 on the 2010 Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour, and features a new 36-man competitive format, including a nonelimination, three-man fourth round.