Hareb through at Margaret River

New Zealand's leading surfer Paige Hareb cleared her first hurdle at the World Qualifying Series at Margaret River in Western Australia today.

Hareb comfortably progressed through her first heat as the women's field was trimmed from 60 to 48 and then 24.

A member of the current 17-strong women's elite tour, Hareb was excused the first elimination round today and then dominated the 12th and final heat carried out in a gentle three to four foot swell.

Hareb put down an early marker to lead her three rivals when registering 5.50 with her first scoring wave. Her next best wave (4.10) enabled her to post 9.60 and see off the challenge of South African Bianca Buitendag who also survived the cut with a combined score of 7.67.

Although the event does not count towards the ASP world tour title, it has attracted a high quality field because points still go towards the year-ending world rankings.

New Zealand's other female entrants, Jessica Santorik and Wini Paul, bowed out in their heats while in the men's competition Richard Christie was also eliminated in his first round of qualifying.

Hareb is currently in a seven-way share of ninth on the world tour after the opening round on the Gold Coast last week. The second round will be held at Victoria's Bells Beach from March 30 to April 5.

- NZPA