Surfing: NZ trio through to third round

New Zealand's trio of surfers contesting the Legendary Pacific Coast Pro off Newcastle on the New South Wales coast today progressed to the third round.

Paige Hareb, New Zealand's only fulltime presence on the ATP women's tour was the best performed, winning her heat from Nikita Robb of South Africa, Armedine Sanchez (France) and Australian Freya Prumm.

Sarah Mason, a wildcard entrant in the ATP tour opener on the Gold Coast last week and Wini Paul were both second in their heats to Pauline Ado (France) and Australia's four-time defending world champion Sally Fitzgibbon.

The event serves as a lead-up to the second Australian-based round of the ATP tour, which starts at Bells Beach in Victoria on March 30.