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Lion Rock at Piha Beach - Source: ONE News -
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Raglan's Ben Poulter is the sole New Zealand boy surfer remaining in the main qualifying round after the fifth day of the world junior surfing championships at Piha Beach.
In long-awaited clean conditions and 1m waves, Poulter struck late in the third round of under-16 boys qualifying to advance. In a low-scoring heat, Poulter nailed a score of 6.50 on one of his last waves to climb to second place behind Tahiti's Tefaafana Arihoe, shutting out Kain Daly of Hawaii in the process.
"I was so relieved to get through the heat," Poulter said.
"It was pretty intense for the last six or seven minutes. But I had to do it. I felt pretty bad, but I'm so stoked to get through."
Compatriot Johnny Hicks continued to fly the flag at under-18 level, winning his repechage round three heat.
Hicks was on song from the outset, grabbing a 9.00 wave and backing it up with a 6.75 to beat South Africa's David Brand and Australia's Wade Carmichael.
