Australia's Layne Beachley clinched the 1998 women's world championship by winning her first-round heat at the Kana Beach Lacanau Pro surf meet at Lacanau, France, yesterday. Beachley takes
world surf titleBeachley has won five of the first eight events on the tour this year, with three contests remaining. She ends the four-year reign of Florida's Lisa Anderson.
Waialua's Megan Abubo also won her first-round heat, while Kauai's Rochelle Ballard, currently second to Beachley in the season standings, placed second in her heat but still advances to the second round.
In the men's competition, Hawaii's Sunny Garcia, John Shimooka and Kalani Robb won first-round heats.
BUDER THIRD: Hawaii's Jackie Buder finished in third place at the T&C Dropknee Pro bodyboarding meet at Anglet, France.
Ardiel Jiminez of Spain won the event.