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Kiwi surfer JC Susan - Source: Photosport -
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Nine of 12 New Zealand surfers remain in contention after the world junior championships reached the halfway point in Auckland on Sunday.
That was the outcome after a mammoth day of 51 heats at Piha Beach in less-than-favourable conditions as organisers played catch-up following time lost early in the event.
Check out the highlights clip.
The girls' under-18 competition finally began in 1-1.5m waves featuring a strong rip, with two New Zealanders recording heat wins to advance directly to the last 16 in the qualifying rounds.
Jayda Martin-Fitzharris of Gisborne surfed to an 8.65 point heat total, holding off a French rival in the dying stages of their heat.
"I was pretty nervous this morning but couldn't wait to start - it has been three days of hanging around supporting the rest of the team. I have a solid heat tomorrow but I can't wait to get back out there" Martin-Fitzharris said.
Alexis Poulter of Raglan clocked up 10.20 points to also win her heat but Sarah Mason and Grace Spiers found the going tough and were relegated to the repechage rounds.
The New Zealand under 18 boys produced a mixed bag of results.
JC Susan of Mt Maunganui progressed through two heats - his last by a mere 0.05 points.
Johnny Hicks of Gisborne also surfed to second place in a close heat, managing to progress through to repechage round three.
Hicks has a tight third round match up against South African David Brand and Australian Wade Carmichel.
