Surfing: Hareb no match for champ

SYDNEY - New Zealand surfer Paige Hareb was no match for seven-time world champion Layne Beachley in her first heat of the Rip Curl Women's Pro in Victoria today.

Australian Beachley, 36, was too good in her return from semi-retirement for the 18-woman world tour event at Bells Beach, scoring 15.57 points for a comfortable heat win.

South Africa's Roseanne Hodge scored 8.50 points while Hareb made a quiet start with a score of 6.33.

Reigning world champion Stephanie Gilmore, of Australia, started well with victory in the next heat.

Hareb, 18, made a strong start in her world tour debut on the Gold Coast last month, making the semifinals before being eliminated by Gilmore.

The second round of heats may be run later today, weather permitting.

- NZPA