Hatton paddles to top surf finish

Orewa surf lifesaver Teneale Hatton has continued her impressive Australian form, finishing second in the open women's ski race in the second round of the prestigious Ocean Assault series in Kawana, Queensland, today.

Hatton proved her win in the under-19 ski race at the Australian championships earlier this year was no fluke, dominating that agegroup in both races this weekend and improving on her fifth in the opening round yesterday to place just behind Cronulla's Kelly Jury.

There was further success from New Zealand's world champion beach sprinting contingent - New Plymouth Old Boys star Ben Willis won the beach flags title in yesterday's first round, with Fitzroy's Paul Cracroft-Wilson third and Gisborne's Daniel Harris fifth.

Harris was also fifth in the beach sprint, while Cracroft-Wilson backed up with a win in today's beach flags.

Reigning world Ironman champion Shannon Ekstein took out the blue riband open ironman title today after rising star Pierce Lonard beat him yesterday.

There are four further rounds in the series next month before the Ocean Assault grand final in Southport in January.