Curren Moves In on Third Straight Surfing Title at Huntington Beach

Santa Barbara’s 21-year-old Tom Curren, who has won the Ocean Pacific Pro Surfing Championships the past two years, took a step closer to his third straight title Friday, as the 1985 competition continued at Huntington Beach.

Curren advanced to the third round by eliminating Australia’s Robert Bain. The two-time champion, getting off to a slow start so far this season, is currently rated 14th on the pro circuit. He will be matched against Australia’s Greg Day today.

Australia’s Tom Carroll, who has been No. 1 in the Association of Surfing Professionals two straight years, also advanced Friday. Carroll has also struggled this season, being ranked 17th in the ASP going into the championships. Today he will be challenged by San Diego’s Joey Buran.

Another Australian, Barton Lynch, currently the top-ranked ASP surfer, also won his heat. He will face fellow countryman Richard Cram today.

Competition continues today near the Huntington Beach Pier, starting with the men’s third round at 6:30 a.m. The women’s semifinals are scheduled to follow at 10:30, with the men’s semifinals at 2 p.m.