Friday, July 9, 1999

Kop’s birdies bounce Asao

Star-Bulletin staff

Brandan Kop unleashed a barrage of birdies at the 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th holes to beat Norman-Ganin Asao, 5 and 4, to advance to today's third round of the Manoa Cup.

Asao, who'll be a sophomore at the University of Hawaii this fall, battled Kop on even terms for eight holes before going 1-down at the turn. Kop then went on his birdie binge.

The two-time defending champion, who is seeking his fifth title in Hawaii's oldest golf tournament, will face Kendall Fukumoto in one of four quarterfinal matches today at the Oahu Country Club.

Fukumoto, who rallied from 2-down after nine holes, eliminated Ryan Nakata, 1-up.

In other upper-bracket matches yesterday, Tommy Kim ousted Paul Kimura, 4 and 3, and Sean Doi downed Eric Molina, 2 and 1.

In the lower bracket, Tony Okano ousted medalist Joey Tadeo, 3 and 1; Shane Hoshino beat Kevin Goto, 4 and 3; Gundy Jones beat Doug Williams, 3 and 2, and Fred Hanamoto defeated UH-Hilo sophomore Sean Sadaoka, 1 up, on the 19th hole.