True battler as Kumeroa qualified for semi-finals

True battler as Kumeroa qualified for semi-finals

The drama has started to unfold on the last day of the 53rd Golden Shears in Masterton, highlighted by the progress of cancer-stricken Joanne Kumeroa in qualifying for a semi-final a chance still to win the Open woolhandling title for a seventh time.

Competing in the quarterfinals t this morning, the 43-year-old Australia-based Kiwi survived in fifth place in a field halved to eight for the penultimate stage before tonight’s final. All of the favourites made it through, headed by Pagan Rimene, now based in Masterton but having grown up in the South Island.

Reigning New Zealand Open champion and 2008 World champion Sheree Alabaster qualified in second place, while TAB favourites Joel Henare, of Gisborne, and Keryn Herbert, from Te Awamutu, were third and fourth on the list, all vying to win the Golden Shears title for the fiurtst time.

The top qualifier from the heats, 2007 Huia Whyte-Puna, of Napier, qualified in eighth place.

ENDS

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