Surfers Set for Huntington Beach

Thirty-nine of the world’s top 44 surfers have committed to participate in the Op Pro surfing championships June 27-July 3 at the Huntington Beach Pier, Op officials announced Monday.

Entries for the $85,000 world qualifying event include defending world champion Kelly Slater of Cocoa Beach, Fla., 1989 world champion Martin Potter of Great Britain and 1991 Op champion Barton Lynch.

Several local surfers also have entered, including 18th-ranked Shane Beschen of San Clemente, No. 20 Richie Collins of Newport Beach, No. 25 Jeff Booth of Laguna Beach, No. 42 Dino Andino of San Clemente, No. 43 Mike Parsons of San Clemente and No. 30 Marty Thomas, a Seal Beach native.

Only five surfers, all from Australia, have turned down Op invitations--second-ranked Damien Hardman, No. 7 Gary Elkerton, No. 14 Tom Carroll, No. 19 Nicky Wood and No. 37 Bryce Ellis.