Slater just misses clinching title

Kelly Slater came within 0.58 points of clinching his record ninth Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour title yesterday at Les Estagnots, France.

Slater advanced to the final of the Quiksilver Pro France, but lost to Australia's Adrian Buchan 15.74 to 15.16. Had Slater won the event, the world title would have been his. Instead, Slater must wait until next week's event at Mundaka, Spain, where he can clinch the world championship by placing ninth or better.

Local gymnasts headed to nationals

The Hawaiian Island Twisters qualified six female gymnasts for the USA Gymnastics National Talent Opportunity Program's Testing in Houston, Texas, Oct. 3-5. The competition is looking for the nation's top young gymnasts and will feature 300 qualified participants, narrowed from a field of 2,500.

Kiana Palin, Amanda La Penes, Tawny Motoyama, Lauren Lauro, Caitlyn Alejo and Sarah Barron all qualified for the event after their performance in a regional event and will be competing to be among the top 20 gymnasts in each of the three age levels for a spot on the TOP national team.

Conference golf match ends in draw

Brigham Young-Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University played to a draw in men's golf yesterday at Koolau Golf Gourse. The Seasiders and Sea Warriors both finished with an aggregate score of 38-over 326.

Only two golfers, HPUs Collin Rumpf (77) and BYUH's Michael Klem (79) broke 80 on the par-72 course.