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Thursday, July 6, 2000

Wie on way to
cut at Publinx

The Punahou student can
assure herself a spot with
strong finish today

Associated Press

ABERDEEN, N.C. -- Severe weather and the solid play of 10-year-old Michelle Wie highlighted yesterday's second day of qualifying for the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links championship.

The United States Golf Association championship for players who aren't members of private clubs was delayed for a second day by lightning and rain. A two-hour stoppage during the first round of qualifying had several groups finishing in the dark.

Yesterday, a pair of delays at Legacy Golf Links in the North Carolina sandhills totaling three hours prevented 71 players from completing the second round.

Wie, a rising Punahou Schools sixth grader from Hawaii who is the youngest amateur in a USGA event, was at 6 over through 29 holes -- and barring a total collapse this morning -- will advance to match play against a field loaded with college players.

Wie was at 1 over for the day after carding a 2-over 74 Tuesday, but had a triple-bogey 6 on the par-3 11th hole after hitting her tee ball in the water.

Then the horn to suspend play sounded.

"I am kind of tired, so I'm glad I get to finish (Thursday)," Wie said.

The leader among those who completed two rounds was Candie Kung of Taiwan. The sophomore from Southern Cal, who won this year's Pacific-10 individual title, had a 69 for a 2-under 142 total.

Katie Quinney of Jacksonville, Fla., and Tenille Howe of Ogden, Utah, were another shot back at 143. Two other golfers were at even-par 144.