23 Challengers Beat Deadline for ’91 Cup Series

Royal Perth Yacht Club of Australia was chosen the Challenger of Record for the 1991 America’s Cup defense at a challengers’ meeting in London Wednesday.

The list of official challengers was completed when the deadline passed Tuesday night. Twenty-three yacht clubs from 10 countries had challenged the San Diego Yacht Club.

“There has never been this kind of interest in the America’s Cup before,” said Doug Alford, commodore of the club.

Eight of the yacht clubs that submitted challenges are from countries that are involved with the America’s Cup for the first time--Japan, Denmark, West Germany and the Soviet Union.

One country missing was New Zealand, which lost its challenge in September but continues with a court case against the SDYC.

“Anyone who wants to now be admitted can be admitted with the authorization of the Challenger of Record and the San Diego Yacht Club,” said Sail America spokesman Tom Mitchell.

SOCKERS

Steve Zungul arrived at the Sockers’ practice and announced that if all goes well, he will be ready to join the defending MISL champions by Dec. 1.

Sockers’ President Ron Cady said the Sockers would like to have Zungul, but will wait to see how he performs during practices before a decision is made.

“This is no tryout,” Zungul said. “If I can play, I’m playing for the Sockers this season. In a couple of weeks, we’ll know for sure.”

CHARGERS

Inside linebacker Cedric Figaro and safety Patrick Miller were activated by the Chargers from the injured reserve list. Figaro suffered a back injury in training camp and Miller injured a knee against Denver Sept. 11. Figaro, a rookie from Notre Dame, was a sixth-round draft choice this year. Miller, from Florida, played a replacement game for the Chargers last year. He was a fifth-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 1986.

BASKETBALL

Kansas State defeated San Diego-based Athletes in Action, 97-91, at Manhattan, Kan. Lorenzo Romar scored 31 points for AIA (4-5).

GOLF

U.S. International’s Allison Shapcott shot a 1-under-par 72 to lead the field after the first round of the USIU Women’s Invitational at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. USIU shot 301 and trails leader Stanford (299). San Diego State and Brigham Young (315) are tied for third. The tournament continues through Friday.