Kim advances to publinx final

DEVENS, CONN. » Kimberly Kim is poised to become the first golfer with Hawaii ties in 30 years to win the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.

The former Big Island resident, who lists Hilo as her hometown, won both of her matches yesterday to advance to today's championship. Kim, living in Arizona, faces Jennifer Song of California in today's 36-hole competition at Red Tail Golf Club.

“;I'm in a state of shock,”; Kim said after winning her semifinal match 4 and 3 over Joanna Coe of New Jersey. “;I can't believe it. I never thought I'd make it to the final ever again.”;

Kim, currently an Arizona resident, was the youngest U.S. Women's Amateur champ at 14 in 2006. She was also the runner-up in this event that same year.

Hawaii's Lori Castillo won the Publinx title in 1979 and 1980.

Bell, Yada win tournament

Alika Bell of Kaneohe shot a 69 for a two-day total of 137 to beat Justin Keiley of Haiku by three strokes and win the Aloha Section Junior PGA Championship yesterday at Waikoloa.

Britney Yada of Hilo also shot a 69 to finish with a 147 and beat Alina Ching of Honolulu by a stroke.

Bell and Yada will represent Hawaii at the Junior PGA Championship on July 28-31 in Cincinnati. Bell played in the tournament last year. Stephanie Kono was the last Hawaii player to win it, doing so in 2005.

Yawata leads after 1 round

Kyle Yawata fired a 68 at Pearl Country Club yesterday, taking the first-round lead in the A flight of the Pearl Presidents Cup.

Michael Miguel is in second after shooting a 71. The second round will begin today at 11 a.m.

Leilehua lineman picks UH

Leilehua defensive end Charles Tuaau suspects he might get some feelers from other colleges during the recruiting process. If so, he has an answer ready.

“;I'm going to tell them the truth: I'm going to UH. That's the team I want to play for,”; Tuaau said.

Tuaau (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) joins a group of linemen who committed to the Warriors this week. He got a taste of working with the UH coaches at this week's Big Man's Camp.

“;They keep pushing you until you give it all you've got,”; Tuaau said.

Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda said Tuaau contributed on both sides of the ball for the Mules and is “;a dominant player.”;

“;Quick off the ball, he's just a beast,”; Tokuda said. “;He's a coachable kid and always gives his best for us.”;

UH road games on sale

Hawaii is offering a “;Road Warrior”; package for fans attending away football games.

For a $50 fee, fans can buy priority tickets for any or all of the six away games. Those who don't want to become a “;Road Warrior”; can also do so, but will be given a lower seating priority.

The $50 goes to 'Ahahui Koa Anuenue, the athletic booster group, to help underwrite scholarships. The fee is 80 percent tax deductible, and includes Koa Anuenue membership and discounts.

Fans can purchase up to four tickets for any or all UH football road games. The Warriors' away games are: Washington State in Seattle, UNLV, Louisiana Tech, Idaho, Nevada and San Jose State.

For more information, call 956-6500. The Web site is http://www.hawaiiathletics.com.