BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS CALLED OFF FOR TODAY

North Narrabeen, Australia (Mon. Jan 1, 2007) – With only a messy one metre swell pushing across the famous location of North Narrabeen Beach in Sydney, Australia, organisers of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships have opted to call the event off for today.

After waiting for tide and wind conditions to improve throughout the morning Contest Director Luke Egan eventually decided that the waves were not suitable to hold competition and will make the next call tomorrow morning at 7am with the hope of kicking off proceedings at 7.30am sharp.

Despite the lack of cooperation from the weather today the forecast for the waiting period looks promising with a swell increase predicted over the next few days.

Local forecasters are predicting that a three foot swell will hit the area within the next 24 hours and will be coming in from an Easterly direction, which is well suited to the world class Narrabeen arena.

The competition format of both the men's and women's is identical to that of ASP's elite surfing tours – the Foster's ASP World Tour and the ASP Women's World Tour – in that both will begin with three-man first round heats (16 men's heats and eight women's) with heat winners going through to round three and second and third going to round two.

The field will then be whittled down via man-on-man heats with instant elimination for those in second.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for all the updates.

Men's Round One Heat Draw

Heat 1: Heitor Pereira (BRA); Casey Brown (HAW); Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF); Sterling Spencer (USA); Vincent Duvignac (FRA)
Heat 3: Dion Atkinson (AUS); Romain Cloitre (FRA); Heath Joske (AUS)
Heat 4: TJ Barron (HAW); Nobuyuki Osawa (JAP); Reubyn Ash (GBR)
Heat 5: Hank Gaskell (HAW); Shota Nakamura (JPN); Halley Batista (BRA)
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS); Klee Strachan (ZAF); Bernardo Martins (BRA)
Heat 7: Ola Eleogram (HAW); Torrey Meister (HAW); Tamarao McComb (PYF)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA); Dusty Payne (HAW); Luke Cheadle (AUS)
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF); Marc Lacomare (FRA); James Wood (AUS)
Heat 10: Sam Page (AUS); Eric Geiselman (USA); Mitch Coleborn (AUS)
Heat 11: Dylan Graves (PRI); Kento Takahashi (JPN); Matias Mulanovich (PER)
Heat 12: Mason Ho (HAW); Shu Hagiwara (JPN); Angelo Lozano (MEX)
Heat 13: Hideyoshi Tanaka (JAP); Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA); Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 14: Nick Rozsa (USA); Granger Larsen (HAW); Rory Beach (ZAF)
Heat 15: Gavin Gillette (HAW); Thiago Camarao (BRA); Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 16: Jean Sebastien Estienne (FRA); Brandon Jackson (ZAF); Adrien Toyon (REU)

Women's Round One Heat Draw

Heat 1: Nikita Robb (ZAF); Marina Werneck (BRA); Nao Amura (JPN)
Heat 2: Erica Hosseini (USA); Arini Mason (NZL); Alize Arnaud (FRA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS); Lee Ann Curren (FRA); Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN)
Heat 4: Nicola Atherton (AUS); Jessica Hickson (AUS); Kristie Jones (AUS)
Heat 5: Tammy Lee Smith (ZAF); Pauline Ado (FRA); Leile Hurst (HAW)
Heat 6: Anali Gornez (PER); Sage Erickson (USA); Coco Ho (HAW)

DE SOUZA TO LEAD CHARGE AT BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sun. Dec 31, 2006) – While the bulk of the planet will still be in party mode as they cheer in the new year, a host of the world's most talented under 21-year-old professional surfers will be toiling it out in the hope of claiming junior surfing's most prestigious crown – the Billabong ASP World Junior Championship.

With the Von Zipper Trials rounding up today in one metre (three foot) and wind affected waves at North Narrabeen, Sydney, Australia, the draw for the main event has been finalised with Von Zipper Trials winner James Wood (AUS) plus second and third place getters Mitch Coleborn (AUS) and Luke Cheadle (AUS) now joining the already sizzling field.

Heading up the pack of junior world champion hopefuls is Foster's ASP World Tour number 20 and 2003 Billabong ASP World Junior Championships winner Adriano de Souza (BRA) who will take on Dusty Payne (HAW) and Cheadle in heat eight of the opening round.

The exciting youngster, who excels in beach break conditions, loves surfing at Narrabeen because it is so similar to his hometown of Guaruja in Brazil.

"I love coming here," said de Souza. "The waves are so much fun, so much like what I surf every day at home. And the place is really nice and everything about it is great."

While de Souza regularly mixes with the big boys on the Foster's ASP World Tour, he indicated that competing in the Billabong ASP World Juniors was very important for his career aspirations as in years to come many of the competitors here will be alongside him on top of the surfing pile.

"It's really important for me that I compete with my generation," said de Souza who is still only 20 years of age. "These boys who are competing here today will be up there with us on the Foster's ASP World Tour in years to come so it is good to compete against them now and get to know how they surf. The guys here today surf a bit different to the guys on tour so I'm checking the talent that is coming through… seeing what they are doing."

De Souza will also use the event as a springboard for his 2007 top tour campaign, hoping that if he were to secure a win here he will gain the confidence required to take it to the sport's biggest names when the Foster's ASP World Tour resumes in March.

"It would be great to start the year with a win as it will give me confidence going into the new season," said de Souza. "Plus by competing here I stay sharp and focussed and I learn something new every time I go out there."

Speaking on his chances of claiming win number two here this week…

"I'm confident because I know this beach," said de Souza. "And having won here before helps. I like Narrabeen a lot. Hopefully I can get another good result!"

After surfing a hotly contested final, Australian rising star Wood claimed victory in the Von Zipper Trials ahead of fellow countrymen Coleborn, Cheadle and Nick Riley.

After grabbing a solid ride early which scored well into the 9.0 range he pretty much had the affair in the bag, thus cementing himself a place in the main event draw in the process.

"I was lucky and caught that good wave early," said Wood. "It wrapped around and I was able to get some good turns in and grab a good score. I'm really happy to make it through to the main event."

It is the second time Wood has claimed a Von Zipper Trials win and along with Coleborn and Cheadle he will have to face off with some of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championship's top seeds.

"I'm feeling confident going up against them [the top seeds]," said Wood. "I have a new board that keeps going better for me every time I ride it so… yeah… bring on the main event."

With a strong wind blowing it is hoped that the swell will increase over night just in time for round one to kick off tomorrow morning, New Years Day 2007.

The event waiting period extends until January 8 but with four days needed to complete proceedings, organisers will wait for only the best waves on offer before seding out the troups.

Contest Director Luke Egan will assess conditions at first light tomorrow and will make a call regarding starting the event soon after.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for all the updates.

Heat 1: Heitor Pereira (BRA); Casey Brown (HAW); Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF); Sterling Spencer (USA); Vincent Duvignac (FRA)
Heat 3: Dion Atkinson (AUS); Romain Cloitre (FRA); Heath Joske (AUS)
Heat 4: TJ Barron (HAW); Nobuyuki Osawa (JAP); Reubyn Ash (GBR)
Heat 5: Hank Gaskell (HAW); Shota Nakamura (JPN); Halley Batista (BRA)
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS); Keegan Nel (ZAF); Bernardo Martins (BRA)
Heat 7: Ola Eleogram (HAW); Torrey Meister (HAW); Tamarao McComb (PYF)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA); Dusty Payne (HAW); Luke Cheadle (AUS)
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF); Marc Lacomare (FRA); James Wood (AUS)
Heat 10: Sam Page (AUS); Eric Geiselman (USA); Mitch Coleborn (AUS)
Heat 11: Dylan Graves (PRI); Kento Takahashi (JPN); Matias Mulanovich (PER)
Heat 12: Mason Ho (HAW); Shu Hagiwara (JPN); Angelo Lozano (MEX)
Heat 13: Hideyoshi Tanaka (JAP); Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA)
Heat 14: Nick Rozsa (USA); Granger Larsen (HAW); Rory Beach (ZAF)
Heat 15: Gavin Gillette (HAW); Thiago Camarao (BRA); Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 16: Jean Sebastien Estienne (FRA); Brandon Jackson (ZAF); Adrien Toyon (REU)

VON ZIPPER TRIALS UNDERWAY NOW

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sun. Dec 31, 2006) – As a small swell hits the famed banks of North Narrabeen Beach, organisers have sent out the first heats of the Von Zipper Trials – the forerunner to the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

The Von Zipper trials will consists of four, four-man heats, two four-man semi finals and one final with three from the final progressing through to the main event which is scheduled to kick off from tomorrow.

The draw for today will be:

Heat 1: Michael Spencer (AUS); Stephen Walsh (AUS); Moi Meluka (ISR); Jonathon Kelen (ISR)
Heat 2: James Wood (AUS); Luke Cheadle (AUS); Dean Bowen (AUS); Tim Wrench (AUS)
Heat 3: Nick Riley (AUS); Hidetoshi Kinzume (JAP); Owen Wright (AUS); Wayan Rhondi (IND)
Heat 4: Mitch Coleborn (AUS); Tom Rudd (AUS); Brendan Leckie (AUS); Heiari Williams (PYF)

A release outlining the round one draw for the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be circulated later today at the completion of the Von Zipper trials.

About the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships

The Billabong ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Junior Championship is the most sought after junior surfing accolade on the planet and is recognised globally as the future of surfing.

Seen as a stepping-stone to elite world tour, the event, now in its eighth year was originally held in Hawaii before relocating to Australia. Finding a home at the historically esteemed North Narrabeen beach in Sydney, it now run's during the first week of January each year.

The prestigious event attracts qualifiers from eight world regions including Australasia, North America, South America, Hawaii, Asia, South Africa, Europe and a specially sanctioned ASP International region.

Each of the representatives has won through grueling regional circuits to earn their place among the top 45 junior men and 18 junior women in the world, a feat in itself. The $US 62,000 ($AUD 80,000) prize purse qualifies the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships as the richest junior surfing event in the history of surfing.

The eventual victors will stand alongside the 2006 elite men's world tour winner Kelly Slater and the eventual women's world champ at the official ASP ceremony in March 2007, crowned as the worlds only true professional junior surfing champions. They will also join an esteemed list of former champions including Three Time World Champion Andy Irons (Haw) and Australian super-star Joel Parkinson.

NARRABEEN TAKES SHAPE FOR BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sat. 30, 2006) – Organisers of and competitors in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, to be staged from January 1 at North Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia, are brimming with excitement as first inspections of the venue have indicated that the sand banks are in tip-top shape for competition.

North Narrabeen, an iconic location within Australian surfing, is a punchy beach break with world class left and right breaking waves, and due to the opening of the lagoon which sits behind the beach's sand dunes, the banks have been finely tuned and will provide amazing waves when the Von Zipper Trials begin tomorrow morning.

North Narrabeen is one of the planet's most consistent beaches as it needs only the slightest of swells in order to produce quality rides and with a promising forecast adding to the mix, spectators both at the beach and those watching it LIVE on www.billabongpro.com will be treated to some incredible surfing action.

Heading into the week ahead swell charts indicate that one to 1.5 metre (three to four foot) waves will hit the Sydney coast over the next few days with the swell direction and wind direction being perfectly suited to Narrabeen's new streamlined banks.

Contest Director, former Foster's ASP World Tour legend Luke Egan is confident that the event will get off to a flying start.

"I was worried that the bank might have changed during the big swell that hit during the week," said Egan. "But at this stage it all looks positive and not much damage was done if any at all. The forecast looks promising with a nice east swell and favourable wind and that's going to hang around pretty much for the duration of the event. And from all my years of surfing Narrabeen I'd much rather see that than a big southerly buster coming through to wipe us out!"

As to the location's iconic status within Australian surfing, Egan went on to say that Narrabeen has not only shaped the careers of many of the locals it has been a proving ground for many international juniors.

"In many ways Narrabeen has been the home of professional international junior surfing," said Egan. "While there have been a few top tour events here over the years, international junior surfing has been part and parcel of this time and place since the late '70s and many contestants have gone on to have amazing careers after finishing well here."

Tomorrow's Von Zipper Trials will consist of four, four-man heats, two four-man semifinals and one four-man final.

The draw will include eight Australasian series seeds plus two Billabong/ VZ wildcards and six ASP International selections.

Only first and second from the final will make it into round one of the main event of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships scheduled to kick off on Monday morning (local time).

Egan noted that he will assess conditions first thing tomorrow morning (local time) and will make a call by 8am as to the starting time of the first Von Zipper Trials heat.

"I'll check it out tomorrow morning and will make a call as to the start time," said Egan. "Because we only have a few heats to run I'll pick the time and take advantage of the best tides. Whatever the case it'll be an exciting start and a great event."

The Von Zipper Trialists:

Australasian Seeds:

Mitch Coleborn (Maroochydore)
Owen Wright (Culburra)
Brendan Leckie (Palm Beach QLD)
Tom Rudd (Avalon)
Nick Riley (Fairlight)
Luke Cheadle (Culburra)
Stephen Walsh (Lennox)
Tim Wrench (Ulladulla)

ASP International Selections:

Mor Meluka (Israel)
Jonathon Klien (Israel)
Wayan "Raditya" Rhondi (Bali)
Hedetoshi Kirizume (Japan)
Heiari Williams (Tahiti)

Billabong/VZ Wildcards:

Dean Bowen (Gerroa)
James Wood (Lennox Head)

Complimenting the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be Sonic Bloom, a music festival that will feature some of Australia's top music talent.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.billabongpro.com for all the LIVE action plus all media information.

Daily releases, TV new feeds, audio grabs plus transcribed athlete quotes will be available.

Billabong ASP World Junior Championships Honour Roll

Men:
1998 Andy Irons (HAW)
1999 Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2000 Pedro Henrique (BRA)
2001 Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2002 Not held
2003 Adriano de Souza (BRA)
2004 Pablo Paulino (BRA)
2005 Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)

Women:
2005 Jesse Miley Dyer

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SET TO KICK OFF NEW YEAR WITH A BANG

North Narrabeen, Australia (Thurs. 28, 2006) – With the elite senior tours of the Association of Surfing Professionals having wrapped up prior to Christmas in Hawaii, the only title yet to be resolved for 2006 is that of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championship for both men and women.

And as is the tradition, a host of the sport's most outstanding under-21-year-old talent will descend on Narrabeen, Sydney, Australia come January 1 where they will battle it out for junior surfing's ultimate prize.

Contesting the event will be 48 junior men and 18 junior women – all of whom have had to battle through preliminary rounds within their respective home regions in order to be chosen to compete for the prestigious crown.

The contestants have come from eight world surfing regions including Australasia, North America, South America, Hawaii, Asia, South Africa, Europe and a specially sanctioned ASP International region.

"This year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championship event looks to be one of the best yet," said ASP President Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew. "Just sifting through the names there are many who could not only win here at Narrabeen but could and will one day win at the sport's top level.

Past winners of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships have used the event as a platform to launch their top tour careers.

"It is always a great event for uncovering our future super stars," said Bartholomew. "That is if the competitors aren't already stars in their own right."

The most notable of those who have tasted victory at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships then have gone on to enjoy stellar top tour careers include Andy Irons (HAW), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Pedro Henrique (BRA) and Adriano de Souza (BRA) and last year's inaugural women's event winner Jesse Miley-Dyer (AUS) who forged on to claim Rookie Of The Year on the 2006 ASP Women's World Tour.

This year's eventual victors will go on to stand alongside the 2006 Foster's ASP World Tour champion Kelly Slater (USA) and the ASP Women's World Tour champion Layne Beachley (AUS) at the official ASP world champion's ceremony in March 2007 and will be crowned as the worlds only true professional junior surfing champions.

Narrabeen, located 40 minutes north of Sydney's famous Harbour Bridge, is iconic in the history of Australian surfing as its world-class wave is the stomping ground for many of the sport's greatest athletes.

The locals watching over the vast array of new talent will include twice Foster's ASP World Tour champion Damien Hardman, three-fin Thruster inventor Simon Anderson plus past top tour stalwarts including Nathan Hedge, Nathan Webster, Mark and Brett Bannister and Chris Davidson just to name a few.
With a promising forecast on the horizon expect the best value for money surfing action when the event kicks off.

Complimenting the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be Sonic Bloom, a music festival that will feature some of Australia's top music talent.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.billabongpro.com for all the LIVE action plus all media information.

Daily releases, TV new feeds, audio grabs plus transcribed athlete quotes will be available.

The teams as they stand:

Junior Men:

USA– Eric Geiselman, Dylan Graves, Alex Gray, Nick Rozsa, Spencer Sterling

Europe – Joan Duru, Marc Lacomare, Jean Sebastien Estienne, Romain Cloitre, Adrien Toyon, Pierre Valentin Laborde

Africa – Rory Beach, Damien Fahrenfort, Keegan Nel, Brandon Jackson, Jordy Smith

Australasia – Wade Goodall, Julian Wilson, Dion Atkinson, Matt Wilkinson, Laurie Towner, Sam Page

Hawaii – Dusty Payne, Granger Larsen, Torrey Meister, Ola Eleogram, Hank Gaskell, Casey Brown

South America – Heitor Pereira (Brz), Matias Mulanovich (Peru), Halley Batista (Brz), Thiago Camarao (Brz), Bernardo Martins (Brz), Adriano De Souza

Japan – Hideyoshi Takana, Shu Hagiwara, Shota Nakamura, Kento Takahashi, Nobuyuki Osawa

International – Tamara McComb, Ruben Ash, Mason Ho
Wild Cards – Heath Joske, T.J Barron

Junior Women

USA – Erica Hosseni, Sage Erikson

Europe – Lee Anne Curren, Alizée Arnaud

Africa – Tammy Lee Smith, Nikita Robb

Australasia – Airini Mason, Jessica Hickson

Hawaii – Coco Ho, Leila Hurst

South America – Anali Gomez, Marina Werneck

Japan – Sayuri Hashimoto, Nao Omura

Wildcards – Nicola Atherton, Kirsty Jones

Billabong ASP World Junior Championships Honour Roll

Men:
1998 Andy Irons (HAW)
1999 Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2000 Pedro Henrique (BRA)
2001 Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2002 Not held
2003 Adriano de Souza (BRA)
2004 Pablo Paulino (BRA)
2005 Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)

Women:
2005 Jesse Miley Dyer

NEW FACES SET TO RAISE THE PERFORMANCE BAR IN 2007

COOLANGATTA, AUSTRALIA: (December 21, 2006) – With a massive influx of new talent and the introduction of new technology, the Association Of Surfing Professionals (ASP) premium tours – the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour and the ASP Women's World Tour – are looking forward to 2007 as being the most exciting in the sport's history.

With the completion of the final events of the year in Hawaii, the 2007 cast for both tours has now been confirmed with many of both tours' old guard being replaced by a swag of exciting up and coming youngsters.

The new faces on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour will include Jeremy Flores (FRA), Ricky Basnett (ZAF), Roydon Bryson (ZAF), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Gabe Kling (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS) and Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA).

Making a return to surfing's elite men's tour after a hiatus will be former world number two Mick Campbell (AUS), plus Neco Padaratz (BRA) and Bernardo Miranda (BRA).

On the women's front, 2007 will see Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) Caroline Sarran
(FRA) and Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) make their tour debuts with Melanie Bartels (HAW) and Amee Donohoe (AUS) enjoying a welcome return to the fold.

"We had a big influx in 2006 to both tours," said ASP President and 1978 world champion Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew. "And with another influx in 2007, particularly in the mens, we've seen almost 50 per cent of the personnel change. It's going to be really exciting!

Looking at the lineup of talent for both tours Bartholomew was adamant that the new blood will once again drive up the performance standards, as the incomers will be eager to unleash with a barrage of progressive moves.

"For both the guys and the girls, we'll see people come in who have a good combination of old school power and new school tricks," said Bartholomew. "They are the real deal. Some of the guys and girls are aerial freaks but have a sound grasp of convention so at top level this is going to add plenty of spice. Not that it wasn't exciting before but when we head towards the business end of events we're going to see the bar raised and the older competitors are going to have to dig deep and push themselves to hold off the challenge."

As a result of the performance standards being raised, judges at top tour events are forever facing increasing pressure to be 100 per cent accurate in the delivery of scores and results.

For this reason, for the first time ever in the sport, ASP will be introducing instant replays via personal monitors for each individual judge so they can access previous waves and further scrutinise over wave scores.

"As a tool this will be invaluable for judges," said Bartholomew. "Having seen it trialled in Brazil in 2006, it was extremely beneficial in giving judges a means for being 100 per cent accurate in score delivery. It will aid the guys in judging when two competitors are riding or when something is critical – it will also allow judges to check at any time that their scores are in line with the scale.

"It really is amazing technology," Bartholomew continued. "It's a great step in the evolution of judging… And with the standard of the tours rising at every event, everything is just so critical. The replays will ensure that the judges will not miss a thing."

The 2007 season for both the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour and ASP Women's World Tour will begin on February 28 on Australia's Gold Coast at the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro.

For all pro surfing information head to www.aspworldtour.com

The 2007 Foster's ASP Men's World Tour Lineup

Kelly Slater (USA)
Andy Irons (HAW)
Mick Fanning (AUS)
Taj Burrow (AUS)
Bobby Martinez (USA)
Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Damien Hobgood (USA)
Tom Whitaker (AUS)
Taylor Knox (USA)
Dean Morrison (AUS)
Tim Reyes (USA)
Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Cory Lopez (USA)
Bruce Irons (HAW)
Bede Durbidge (AUS)
C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Daniel Wills (AUS)
Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Chris Ward (USA)
Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
Travis Logie (ZAF)
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Luke Stedman (AUS)
Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Michael Campbell (AUS)
Ricky Basnett (ZAF)
Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Troy Brooks (AUS)
Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Josh Kerr (AUS)
Ben Dunn (AUS)
Bernado Miranda (BRA)
Gabe Kling (USA)
Victor Ribas (BRA)
Leonardo Neves (BRA)
Kai Otton (AUS)
Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA)
Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Luke Munro (AUS)

Replacements:
Trent Munro (AUS)
David Weare (ZAF)
Peterson Rosa (BRA)

2007 ASP Women's World Tour Lineup

Layne Beachley (AUS)
Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Silvana Lima (BRA)
Megan Abubo (HAW)
Rochelle Ballard (HAW) *
Samantha Cornish (AUS)
Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Amee Donohoe (AUS)
Caroline Sarran (FRA)
Roseanne Hodge (ZAF)

ANDY IRONS WINS ARGUABLY BEST EVER RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS FINAL

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006) – In what was arguably the best finale ever seen at the 36-year-old Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, Andy Irons (HAW) has claimed a well-deserved victory over long-time rival Kelly Slater (USA), Cory Lopez (USA) and Rob Machado (USA).

Putting on a totally courageous show in the two metre (six foot) plus conditions, the former three-time Foster's ASP World Tour champion and defending event champion, put his body on the line and showed the world that when he puts his mind and his heart into his surfing he is a truly inspirational athlete.

The final began with all surfers scoring some serious tube time but as per the classic event script, Slater had the early upper hand.

By the eight-minute mark of the 35-minute extravaganza, Slater had a 9.00 and a 7.40 in his score line, after disappearing and reappearing from a Pipeline left and then a Backdoor right.

He then surged further forward, locking in an 8.53 for a crazy Backdoor barrel where he willed himself through a mammoth section of water.

And while the massive crowd were roaring their appreciation at the newly-crowned eight-time world champ, who looked like he would romp on home with his sixth Pipe Master crown, none would have fathomed what was about to unfold.

Irons' passion for surfing, and especially winning, constantly burns deep within, and while the masses were about to slap the back of Slater, Irons was in no way about to lay down and let him walk away with the final prize of the year without a spirited tussle.

After notching up some rides that were mind boggling to say the least, Irons was back in the race but still looked to be huge outside chance as he needed a 9.10 to reign in his foe.

And then it happened… A solid set wave lurched through the infamous break and Irons grabbed the inside, took off deep, freefalling a full two metres down the face.

At the bottom of the wave he grabbed the edge off his board, digging his body into the wave to stall. He then raced through and under an unbelievable cascade of water and emerged to a deafening crowd roar.

It was a 9.87 and Irons had pulled the unthinkable and taken the lead.

Slater lashed back… another amazing Backdoor barrel and an 8.73. So close but yet so far… Irons was leading but it wasn't over yet.

The two then jockeyed for position in the lineup and Irons had the inside. He dropped into Backdoor yet again, freefalling, just edging in his rail then lining up the barrel on which many mere mortals would have floundered, fallen and been eaten by the ocean.

Irons shot out at light speed and with the judges holding up scorecards of perfect 10.0s across the board, Irons pumped his fists hard as the action lusting crowd leapt to their feet and shrilled a glass shattering cheer.

"I just never count myself out," said Irons. "I know Kelly is an amazing surfer, but he's out at the same spot I am. It's hard to put it in words [how I feel]. It worked out perfect. I fought back and then that last wave at the end the 10.0… Kelly [Slater] almost got it, and if he had he would have had me. He would have won. I'm glad that I didn't back down at all."

For Irons it was an amazing end to a year where outside of Slater, the rest of the tour front-runners were finding it difficult to string together results.

And after taking today's illustrious victor's trophy Irons sent out a message that he would in no way back away from reclaiming the world crown, which Slater stole from him in 2005.

"He knows that I'm not going away quietly and I'm in no way disappearing," said Irons. "I'm still here and I still want to fight back. Hopefully next year, things will go my way instead of them going against me like they did this year."

Another highlight to what was an extraordinary day for the explosive 28-year-old, was his claiming of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title – his fourth such series win in five years.

His impressive run included a win at Haleiwa, a second at Sunset and the win here at Pipeline today.

"Wow! I just love winning!" said Irons "I love to come here to the North Shore and do well in the Triple Crown. It's such an honour."

Slater, who would have loved to finish his year with a final event win, was full of praise for Irons, and he admitted that while he had amassed a solid lead early he never felt like he was home and hosed.

"I have to give it to him," said Slater. "He ended up with that last one and finished up on the sand. You couldn't finish the contest any better way!"

"You have to think if you're sitting on 18 points, a guy can come back and get two 9.0s pretty easy out at Backdoor," said Slater. "I honestly never felt comfortable with the lead I had as Backdoor is such a high scoring wave."

For the remaining two competitors, Lopez and Machado, while they didn't find the waves that Irons and Slater were fortunate enough to have caught, they witnessed one of the greatest Banzai Pipe sessions ever.

"That was incredible!" said former tourer Machado. "It pretty much got to the point where I was just spectating out there. I broke a board and wasn't in a rhythm. That's the way it goes sometimes. But I was just really stoked to be in the final and to see those guys ripping and going at it on the rights... It was really fun to watch."

Lopez heartily agreed.

"The Backdoor waves that those guys were getting werd really sick," said Lopez. "I had fun and I was psyched to be in the final. I would have loved to win, but Andy and Kelly are just great competitors and they had some really good rights. Andy had that one unbelievable left… It was a great heat!"

With the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters in the bag, it signifies an end to what has been another epic Foster's ASP World Tour season.

With ground breaking events such as the Rip Curl Pro Search in Mexico, mixed in with the regular "Dream Tour" stops such as the Quiksilver Pro on Australia's Gold Coast, the Billabong Pro Tahiti, The Globe WCT in Fiji and the Boost Mobile Pro in California (just to name a few), the 2006 season has been another landmark year, the 30th year in fact, in pro surfing's colorful history.

And while the focus is aimed mainly at the front runners on surfing's elite tour, it should be acknowledged that the 2007 season will have a completely different complexion as many long time competitors have been forced out of contention for next year's world title race.

Those exiting the ranks will include:

Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Darren O'Rafferty (AUS)
Jake Paterson (AUS)
Nathan Hedge (AUS)
Roy Powers (HAW)
Paulo Moura (BRA)
Mikael Picon (FRA)
Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Pedro Henrique (BRA)
Toby Martin (AUS)
David Weare (ZAF
Yuri Sodre (BRA)

A release outlining the 2007 tour contenders will be sent within the next 24 hours.

Head to www.aspworldtour.com and www.ripcurl.com for the rundown of this amazing day.

Heat by heat rundowns, athlete quotes and video highlight packages are available.

Results Round Three:

Heat 1: 1. Rob Machado (USA) 14.00; 2. Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.50; 3. Tory Baron (HAW) 10.66; 4. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 4.03
Heat 2: 1. Ian Walsh (HAW) 12.93; 2. Mick Lowe (AUS) 12.87; 3. Kalani Chapman (HAW) 11.67; 4. Taj Burrow (AUS) 4.07
Heat 3: 1. Bruce Irons (HAW) 13.50; 2. Dustin Barca (HAW) 13.23; 3. CJ Hobgood (USA) 6.13; 4. Hank Gaskell (HAW) 5.10
Heat 4: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 14.00; 2. Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.67; 3. Reef McIntosh (HAW) 7.53; Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 6.16
Heat 5: 1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.37; 2. Chris Ward (USA) 9.40; 3. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 5.70; Jamie Sterling (HAW) 5.40
Heat 6: 1. Bruno Santos (BRA) 15.34; 2. Cory Lopez (USA) 11.87; 3. Tom Whitaker (USA) 9.53; Makua Rothman (HAW) 5.76
Heat 7: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 14.83; 2. Roy Powers (HAW) 9.47; 3. Tamayo Perry (HAW) 9.17; 4. Jake Paterson (AUS) 6.50
Heat 8: 1. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 14.50; 2. Evan Valiere (HAW) 12.30; 3. Bobby Martinez (USA) 9.31; 4. Travis Logie (USA) 4.10

Quarterfinal 1: 1.Damien Hobgood (USA) 18.00; 2. Rob Machado (USA) 13.50; 3. Mick Lowe (AUS) 8.43; Ian Walsh (HAW) 5.97
Quarterfinal 2: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.56; 2. Luke Stedman (AUS) 7.83; 3. Bruce Irons (HAW) 5.60; 4. Dustin Barca (HAW) 4.74
Quarterfinal 3: 1. Chris Ward (USA) 15.70; 2. Cory Lopez (USA) 14.23; 3. Mick Fanning (USA) 13.53; 4. Bruno Santos (BRA) 13.10
Quarterfinal 4: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 17.96; 2. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 14.34; 3. Roy Powers (HAW) 9.56; Evan Valiere (HAW) 5.77

Semifinals:

Semifinal 1: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 17.70; 2. Rob Machado (USA) 13.43; 3. Damien Hobgood (USA) 8.34; 4. Luke Stedman (AUS) 2.07
Semifinal 2: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 13.07; 2. Cory Lopez (USA) 12.34; 3. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 11.50; 4. Chris Ward (USA) 9.43

Final:

1. Andy Irons (HAW) 19.87; 2. Kelly Slater (USA) 17.73; 3. Cory Lopez (USA) 12.50; Rob Machado (USA) 8.96

2006 Foster's ASP World Tour Final Ratings

1.Kelly Slater (USA) 8124 points
2.Andy Irons (HAW) 6948 points
3.Mick Fanning (AUS) 6828 points
4.Taj Burrow (AUS) 6480 points
5.Bobby Martinez (USA) 6350 points
6.Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6240 points
7.Damien Hobgood (USA) 6096 points
8.Tom Whitaker (AUS) 5138 points
9.Taylor Knox (USA) 4880 points
10.Dean Morrison (AUS) 4856 points
11.Tim Reyes (USA) 4770 points
12.Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 4696 points
13.Cory Lopez (USA) 4696 points
14.Bruce Irons (HAW) 4684 points
15.Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4539 points
16.C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4448 points
17.Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 4320 points
18.Daniel Wills (AUS) 4230 points
19.Greg Emslie (ZAF) 4172 points
20.Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4073 points
21.Chris Ward (USA) 4048 points
22.Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 4044 points
23.Travis Logie (ZAF) 4040 points
23. Michael Lowe (AUS) 4040 points
25. Luke Stedman (AUS) 4007 points
26. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 3941 points
27. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 3855 points
28. Trent Munro (AUS) 3850 points
29. Victor Ribas (BRA) 3792 points
29. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 3792 points
31. Darren O'Rafferty (AUS) 3617 points
32. Jake Paterson (AUS) 3602 points
33. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 3290 points
34. Roy Powers (HAW) 3237 points
35. Troy Brooks (AUS) 3105 points
37. Paulo Moura (BRA) 2915 points
38. Mikael Picon (FRA) 2910 points
39. Raoini Monteiro (BRA) 2862 points
40. Jarrad Howse (AUS) 2725 points
41. Pedro Henrique (BRA) 2545 points
42. Toby Martin (AUS) 2540 points
42. David Weare (ZAF) 2540 points
44. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 2355 points
44. Yuri Sodre (BRA) 2355 points
46. Richard Lovett (AUS) 1800 points
47. Jihad Khodr (BRA) 1045 points

2006 Vans Triple Crown Final 10

1. Andy Irons (HAW) 4325 points
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 4025 points
3. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 3200 points
4. Taj Burrow (AUS) 2829 points
5. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 2829 points
6. Mick Fanning (AUS) 2776 points
7. Joel Centeio (HAW) 2504 points
8. David Weare (ZAF) 2375 points
9. Mikael Picon (FRA) 2354 points
10. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 2338 points

RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS TO BE COMPLETED TODAY

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006) – A new two to three metre (five to eight foot) swell is steadily bashing the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii today and organisers of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters had no hesitation in calling for the first heat of round three to hit the water at 8am local time.

Swell and wind conditions pending, it is hoped to run right through to the end of the event with the final kicking off at around 3pm this afternoon.

There are eight round three heats, four quarterfinals, two semi finals and the final – making up 15 heats in total.

The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is the 11th and final event on the Foster's ASP World Tour and a win here at the Banzai Pipeline is one of the sport's highest honours.

Adding to the drama will be the duel for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title.

After two events Andy Irons (AUS) is poised to take his fourth series after winning the coveted crown in 2002, 2003 and 2005. All Irons must do is progress one more round.

His main rival for the series was Joel Parkinson (AUS) who was eliminated from the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters in round two – but there is an outside chance that Taj Burrow (AUS) could steal Irons' thunder if Iron's were eliminated in round three and Burrow went on to win the event.

A fourth series title for Irons would give him one up on career rival and eight-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA), who has also posted three Triple Crown victories.

Also adding spice to today's already action packed mix will be the intense battle amongst the Foster's ASP World Tour tail enders as they fight for their pro surfing lives.

A host of long-time tourers could potentially find themselves relegated to ASP's second tier World Qualifying Series in 2007 if they fail to move toward the pointy end of competition today.

The list of tail enders includes Jake Paterson (AUS), Nathan Hedge (AUS), Chris Ward (AUS), Luke Stedman (AUS), Peterson Rosa (USA), Pancho Sullivan (USA) and Mick Lowe (USA), and all will have a point to prove when they stroke into the Banzai Pipeline today.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com and www.ripcurl.com for the action coming at you LIVE!

Round Three Heat Draw

Heat 1: Damien Hobgood (USA); Peterson Rosa (BRA); Rob Machado (USA); Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS); Mick Lowe (AUS); Ian Walsh (HAW); Kalani Chapman (HAW)
Heat 3: Bruce Irons (HAW); CJ Hobgood (USA); Dustin Barca (HAW); Hank Gaskell (HAW)
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA); Pancho Sullivan (HAW); Luke Stedman (AUS); Reef McIntosh (HAW)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS); Chris Ward (USA); Nathan Hedge (AUS); Jamie Sterling (HAW)
Heat 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS); Cory Lopez (USA); Bruno Santos (BRA); Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Heat 7: Andy Irons (HAW); Jake Paterson (AUS); Roy Powers (HAW); Tamayo Perry (HAW)
Heat 8: Bobby Martinez (USA); Travis Logie (ZAF); Jamie O'Brien (HAW); Evan Valiere (HAW)

RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS OFF AGAIN FOR TODAY (Wed. Dec. 13)

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006) – After a wait until 1.30pm local time to see if a predicted new swell would arrive, organisers of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters have decided to call the event off for today after the ocean failed to produce quality waves.

At first light this morning the swell appeared to be a touch larger than yesterday with one metre plus (three to four feet) waves on offer.

But despite the very slight increase, the Banzai Pipeline was nowhere near its incredible best and wasn't offering enough potential for the remaining mix of Foster's ASP World Tour surfers and local wildcards to show their wares.

Delaying the continuation of the event increases the angst of those surfers who are relying on a near perfect event result to keep their hopes of requalifying for surfing's elite tour alive.

On the cusp of being relegated to ASP's second tier tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS), are Jake Paterson (AUS), Nathan Hedge (AUS), Chris Ward (AUS), Luke Stedman (AUS), Peterson Rosa (USA), Pancho Sullivan (USA) and Mick Lowe (USA), and all will have a point to prove when competition resumes.

Being a Pipe Master himself, Paterson (who won here in 1998) knows exactly what lies before him and realizes that he must lift physically and mentally in order to make the business end of the event.

Adding to the pressure is the four-man heat format – so while there is the initial challenge of surfing over one of the world's deadliest reefs, it's also a case of stealing waves from three others who are equally as hungry to grab surfing's most prestigious crown.

"We're stringing along by a thread and hopefully the string doesn't break for me," said Paterson regarding his tour standings. "In the event I'm trying to play really smart heats. It's really tough out there with four guys as every single wave there is someone trying to take it from you. It's a totally different strategy to the usual man-on-man format where if you had priority, you could sit out there and be more selective. It would be really cool to finish out there year knowing that you can take any wave you want out there but I'm dealing with it."

Paterson also indicated that he was mentally prepared for whatever the outcome.

"I'm ready to move on if that's the way it happens [if he were to lose and be ousted from the Foster's ASP World Tour]. I'm also ready for another year on tour if that's the way it happens too. I'm stoked. I just want to have a good run at this."

Surfing the powerful Hawaiian swells generally suits Paterson but if he had a preference of the best conditions he indicated that he would prefer for the righthanders of Backdoor Pipe to be breaking as being a regular footer this would best suit his approach.

"Confidence wise I go in and out from day to day," said Paterson. "If the conditions suit me, I feel way more confident. Like if the rights are better... I feel way more confident going right. I just have to take it as it's coming. I'm just frothin'."

Organisers will reconvene tomorrow morning at first light and will assess conditions.

It is hoped that the predicted swell will have arrived and if conditions are right competition will resume.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.ripcurl.com for all the updates and for all the highlights of the earlier rounds where some of the best Pipe action seen in years is waiting.

Round Three Heat Draw

Heat 1: Damien Hobgood (USA); Peterson Rosa (BRA); Rob Machado (USA); Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS); Mick Lowe (AUS); Ian Walsh (HAW); Kalani Chapman (HAW)
Heat 3: Bruce Irons (HAW); CJ Hobgood (USA); Dustin Barca (HAW); Hank Gaskell (HAW)
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA); Pancho Sullivan (HAW); Luke Stedman (AUS); Reef McIntosh (HAW)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS); Chris Ward (USA); Nathan Hedge (AUS); Jamie Sterling (HAW)
Heat 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS); Cory Lopez (USA); Bruno Santos (BRA); Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Heat 7: Andy Irons (HAW); Jake Paterson (AUS); Roy Powers (HAW); Tamayo Perry (HAW)
Heat 8: Bobby Martinez (USA); Travis Logie (ZAF); Jamie O'Brien (HAW); Evan Valiere (HAW)

RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS OFF FOR TODAY (Tuesday Dec 12.)

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec.12, 2006) – With swell size backing off over night organisers of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters have decided to call the event off for today.

While the previous two days have seen the incredible wave that is the Banzai Pipeline at its best, this morning was by no means up to scratch as a one meter (three to four foot) swell pulsed in over the reef.

The event, which is up to the third round, could potentially be finished in one day given that there are only 15 heats remaining (eight in round three, four quarterfinals, two semifinals and one final) and with the waiting period extending out until December 20 organisers will wait only until the biggest and best waves are on offer.

As mentioned the past two days were epic to say the least and many were buzzing that some of the duels were up there with the finest moments of the event's lengthy 36-year history.

"Both days were unbelievable," said ASP International President and 1978 world champion Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew. "The two days that we just witnessed were the best Pipe this winter and the surfing from the guys was just insane!"

TOP SEEDS BACK ON TRACK IN RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec.11, 2006) – Surfing's most prestigious event, The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters was greeted once again this morning by incredible two to 2.5 metre (six to eight feet) Pipeline waves and organisers wasted no time in sending out competitors for round two.

And while yesterday was dominated by the hordes of local wildcards who were revelling in the heavy yet pristine tubes, today saw numerous top seeds find their sea legs to get their campaigns back on track.

Topping the score of the day in what was an extremely dramatic heat, was Taj Burrow (AUS) who totalled a 17.07 out of 20 after riding some amazing Backdoor Pipe tubes.

Looking relaxed and surfing with complete control, Burrow was standing hard on the tail of his board slowing up in order to spend as much time under the cascading walls as possible in order to impress the judges.

And while he looked to be home and hosed early in the heat, behind him there was a feisty battle to grab second. (First and second move through to round three.)

"I had a great heat," said Burrow. "I got a couple of good little rights and then got a good Pipe wave as well so I was pretty comfortable the whole time. I was stoked that I had my scores in the bag and I could avoid the hassling because those guys were really fighting for second place."

The second place showdown was eventually won in dramatic style by Nathan Hedge (AUS), who rose to the occasion by making a barrel that many assumed would clip him from his board.

Burrow stated that it was "cool to watch" Hedge as he loaded up an enormous amount of momentum which shot him out from behind the hefty curtain of water to massive crowd applause and a 9.90 from the judges.

That score saw him jump from fourth to second place.

The goofyfooter from Sydney is fighting for his Foster's ASP World Tour life and needs close to a win in the event in order to give him any chance of requalifying for 2007. Knowing this he wasn't going to hold back.

"I knew the wave was my last chance so I just gave it my all and pumped the board hard," said Hedge. "There was a little opening for me so I popped out… I was so psyched! But tomorrow's another day so we'll see how we go…"

Nailing the day's only perfect 10 on the way to a spectacular win was 2005 Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Master's finalist and Foster's ASP World Tour current number two, Mick Fanning (AUS).

Taking possibly the heaviest drop of the event on a huge Backdoor Pipe righthander, Fanning risked life and limb all the way.

Moving as though he was in slow motion Fanning dug in his rail and took a line through a massive section and five seconds later shot out, again to massive crowd appreciation.

The 10.0 score instantly took him from third to first and will now also set him up for a round three berth.

"That wave turned the heat around for me," said Fanning. "I saw it and I knew it was going to be a nuts one. I was just lucky that I was in a position to go. I think that's probably the best wave I've ever had out at Backdoor."

Fanning in past has often struggled in the early stages of this event but once he starts moving through the rounds he is always hard to stop.

"I never win my first heat here at Pipe so it felt good," said Fanning. "It's always difficult here at Pipe with four guys in the heat but you get the bad heat out of the way early and hopefully get going all the way to the final."

Kelly Slater (USA) was another to find his way back to the winner's circle when in the first heat of the day he took advantage of the clean conditions to put away some very special rides.

Yesterday he was well and truly savaged in round one by 2004 Pipe Master Jamie O'Brien (HAW) and today he was eager for some water time in order to get reacquainted with one of his favourite waves.

"It's just like jumping back on a bike," said Slater. "If you surf there a lot, you remember pretty quickly. I had one, short free surf and caught two waves the other night – I wiped out on one and went straight on the other – and that was about the extent of my Pipe winter so far before yesterday."

While the seeds forged on, like yesterday there were still a large number of locals excelling on their home turf.

Ian Walsh, Makuakai Rothman and Dustin Barca all took first place in the final three heats of the round after slicing through some major barrels.

Walsh in particular was charging and on one occasion after threading a huge Pipe barrel he launched himself from his board and was smashed in less than 30 cm (12 inches) of water.

For him, competing against the best of the best at Pipe is a huge honour.

"Just to put the jersey on and paddle out in the Rip Curl Pro Pipe Masters is a dream come true," said Walsh. "If you look at all the names of the people who have won it over the years, every one of them is my favourite surfer. It's a real honour to surf out here."

Following the completion of round two of the main event the Foster's Expression session was run and won.

Taking equal first place for riding epic tubes were Jake Paterson (AUS) and Bruce Irons (HAW).

Both picked up US$2000 for their trouble.

Conditions will be assessed tomorrow (Tuesday Dec 12) at first light and a decision will be made regarding running round three shortly after.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.ripcurl.com for all the updates.

PIPELINE IS PUMPING - RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO TO COMMENCE AT 8.3

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec.11, 2006) – With the swell still pumping in at around two to three metres (six to eight feet) at the Banzai Pipeline this morning, organisers of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters have made the call to send out round two.

And if today's spectacle turns out to be half as exciting as yesterday, the hordes viewing the event at the beach or LIVE via www.ripcurl.com and www.aspworldtour.com will be in for a massive treat.

Today's draw will kick off at 8.30am (local time) with eight-time and 2006 Foster's ASP World Tour champion Kelly Slater (USA) taking on Paulo Moura (BRA), Roy Powers (HAW) and 16-year-old Australian charger Owen Wright.

And while the race for the ASP world crown has been sewn up by Slater, the focus now is one who can win the Vans Triple Crown.

Andy Irons (HAW) and Joel Parkinson are the only remaining competitors in contention and Parkinson faces sudden death again today when he surfs in heat four against Luke Stedman (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Tamayo Perry (HAW).

If he is eliminated the Triple Crown honour will instantly go to Irons.

Two out of the four man heats today will progress and will meet up against yesterday's heat winners in round three.

Round Two Heat Draw

Heat 1:Kelly Slater (USA); Paulo Moura (BRA); Roy Powers (HAW); Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS); Marcelo Nunes (BRA); Pedro Henrique (BRA); Jamie Sterling (HAW)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS); Nathan Hedge (AUS); David Weare (ZAF); Aamion Goodwin (HAW)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS); Luke Stedman (AUS); Adrian Buchan (AUS); Tamayo Perry (HAW)
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA); Jake Paterson (AUS); Yuri Sodre (BRA); Randall Paulson (HAW)
Heat 6: Dean Morrison (AUS); Darren O'Rafferty (AUS); Ian Walsh (HAW); Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 7: TaylorKnox (USA); Mark Occhilupo (AUS); Rob Machado (USA); Makua Rothman (HAW)
Heat 8: CJ Hobgood (USA); Trent Munro (AUS); Nathan Carroll (HAW); Dustin Barca (HAW)

MILEY-DYER ENDS BANNER SEASON WITH A WIN AT THE BILLABONG PRO MAUI

HONOLUA BAY, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006) - Tour rookie Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) has defeated Keala Kennelly (HAW) to win the final event on the 2006 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui, in excellent four to six foot (two metre) surf in Honolua Bay today.

Miley-Dyer beat just-crowned 2006 World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) in the semis enroute to her final against Kennelly. She has finished her rookie season No. 4 in the world – the three surfers above her were all world title contenders.

"I'm still tripping!" Miley-Dyer said. "I'm just so stoked to have been able to surf against Layne, she's won seven world titles, so to surf against her and manage to get all the good waves in that heat and then make the final and get another chance to surf Honolua with one other girl out… well, it was just amazing."

Miley-Dyer lead the majority of the 30-minute affair, though Kennelly tucked into a tube that could have changed things with just seconds to go.

"KK had this amazing wave at the end; if she would have come out of that barrel she would have beat me for sure," Miley-Dyer said. "I caught the wave behind it, turned around and my heart just dropped down to the floor thinking, 'She just beat me in the last second of the heat.' I don't even know what to think, I'm just so excited."

Miley-Dyer has had a banner year across all ASP disciplines.

"I'm really stoked," Miley-Dyer said. "I started off the year really well winning the World Juniors and then when I wasn't doing so well on the Women's Championship Tour I decided to do the World Qualifying Series and somehow managed to win that series too. When Silvana [Lima] got injured, I jumped up to earn 'Rookie of the Year,' so winning the final event too… I'm pretty excited. I was just hoping to requalify so everything else is a bonus!"

Kennelly, who jumped from 14th to 8th on the ASP Women's World Tour ratings with her Billabong Pro final showing was the in-form surfer of the event. The big barrels on offer at Honolua Bay were tailor-made to suit Kennelly's kamikaze style.

"I was just inches away from a 10.00 and claiming the whole thing," Kennelly said. "I was standing up to celebrate already so I got clipped in the head; I started celebrating too early but it's cool if I was going to lose, I was going to lose trying to get a 10.00! I'm lucky I got that bomb that came right at the end and I was able to get into it, if I would have just come out of that thing it would have been amazing. I had an amazing event, what a great way to end the year!"

Though she qualified for the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, Kennelly has relinquished her position to pursue other endeavors.

"I'm going to be working on a television series on HBO," Kennelly said. "I got a part as a season regular on a show called 'John from Cincinnati.' I think it's going to amazing for me and amazing for women's surfing to get a more mainstream audience interested in the sport. When I'm not doing HBO and not competing in select events, I'm going to be doing some adventure and vision stuff with Billabong, kind of a Shane Dorian type of thing, just flying around the world and surfing the best waves. That's going to be way more my thing. I think when you put a time limit on me and I have the pressure of being judged, my best surfing doesn't shine through. It's going to be really good for me."

Despite donning the world crown for the seventh time just an hour before, Beachley bowed out of the Billabong Pro Maui in the semis.

"The bubble burst in the semifinals," Beachley said. "Once I found out that I was the champion, I could barely even concentrate in my quarter against Rebecca [Woods]. I was fortunate enough to pick up that first wave [for which she earned a 9.80], if I didn't have that, I probably wouldn't have won that heat."

Beachley, who has clinched five of her seven world titles at the Billabong Pro Maui, has never won the event.

"Going out in the semi I was just a little bit too relaxed and just not focused enough," Beachley said. "I was just really relieved that [the world title] was all over. It was just one of those heats where I was completely out of rhythm, but I chose the right heat to have that happen. I fell apart in the heat but I'm not beating myself up over it – I'm just grateful that I made it as far as I did and that I won the World Title. I am really proud of Jessie, but I thought Keala would have won this event for sure since she was surfing amazing for the entire contest. At least I lost the event to the winner."

Also finishing equal 3rd and cementing her spot on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour with her best result of the season was Claire Bevilacqua (AUS). The second-year surfer was in jeopardy of not requalifying prior to her strong season-finale showing. She was beaten by Kennelly in the semis.

"I'm stoked on all the positive things that happened here, but I hate not surfing to my best ability and that's what really hurt out there," Bevilacqua said. "If I would have just taken it to KK the entire time, until the buzzer, I would have been happy to lose. It's like someone stole my mojo."

Sofia Mulanovich (PER), who was world champion in 2004, can now add the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title to her resume – and US$10,000 to her bank account. Mulanovich won the first jewel in the Hawaiian big wave surfing series, the Op Pro Haleiwa, finished 7th at the second, the Roxy Pro Sunset and clinched the Triple Crown title after her 3rd place finish in Maui put her at the head of the class.

"I'm stoked, ten thousand bucks!" Mulanovich said. "It's amazing – to win the Vans Triple Crown is one of the biggest honors ever – it's amazing to win in Hawaii. I had so much fun at Haleiwa and so much fun at Sunset. Maui was amazing too, I got comboed but it was still fun."

The ASP Women's World Tour will take a three month break. Competition will resume in February of 2007 on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com to access heat by heat interviews, audio grabs and high-quality images.

FINAL: 1st earns US$10,600, 2nd earns US$6,600
FINAL: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 14.25 def. Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 10.00

SEMIFINALS: 1st advances to FINAL, 2nd finishes equal 3rd
Heat 1: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 14.25 def. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 6.55
Heat 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 16.0 def. Layne Beachley (AUS) 4.65

QUARTERFINALS: 1st advances to the SEMIFINALS, 2nd finishes equal 5th
Heat 1: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 18.25 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.10
Heat 2: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 15.OO def. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 5.50
Heat 3: Layne Beachley (AUS) 9.8O def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 2.15
Heat 4: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 10.25 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 9.00

2006 Final ASP Women's World Tour Ratings
1. Layne Beachley (AUS) 6374 (2006 World Champion)
2. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 5802
3. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 5797
4. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 4440
5. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 4105
6. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 3794
7. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 3564
8. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 3516 (has relinquished her spot on next year's tour to pursue other interests)
9. Silvana Lima (BRA) 3408
10. Megan Abubo (HAW) 3398 (Places 10 and above automatically requalify)
11. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 3312 (requalifies with Kennelly's withdrawl)
12. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3218 (has been given ASP wildcard to compete next year)
13. Heather Clark (ZAF) 3180
14. Julia Christian (USA) 2834
15. Trudy Todd (AUS) 2244
16. Serena Brooke (AUS) 2232
17. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 2142 (qualified for the elite tour via the World Qualifying Series)

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Ratings
1. Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
2. Melanie Bartels (HAW)
3. Layne Beachley (AUS)
4. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
5. Claire Bevilacqua (HAW)
6. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
7. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
8. Rochelle Ballard (HAW)
9. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
10. Rebecca Woods (AUS)

LOCALS STEAL THE SHOW IN RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND ONE

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec.10, 2006) – It was all about the locals today as the infamous Banzai Pipe and a squadron of Hawaiian Pipe specialists put on a fantastic show in round one of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.

With waves of up to three metres plus (10 foot) hitting the contest arena, it was always going to be a day where a sound knowledge of the environment would be a vital component – and those who surf the break day in day out were always going to be heavily advantaged.

Keeping that in mind, the large contingent of wildcards pushed performance levels to new heights with 2004 Rip Curl Pro Pipe Masters champion Jamie O'Brien (HAW) leading the way when he put on a phenomenal display to take down new eight-time Foster's ASP World Tour champion Kelly Slater (USA).

Scoring a total of 18.86 out of a possible 20 he partnered with Slater on a few occasions to "split the peak" (share the same wave but go in opposite directions) and the resulting epic tube riding from both surfers had the huge crowd in awe.

O'Brien stated that his win was lucky as he was pushed to the inside of the break due to the surfers aggressively jockeying for position. But every time he thought he was out of position for the large lefts on offer, a large right hander "Backdoor" Pipe wave would arrive.

"In the end the result was very lucky. There was a little bit of hassling going on out there and every time I would sit deep, a right would come," said O'Brien. "And they just kept on coming and coming and coming – it was surreal!"

Perhaps feeling a little cocky after serving up Slater on a platter early (he had Slater needing two good scores to catch up) O'Brien amazing switched stance and took a meaty drop on a large lefthand breaking wave.

A slight slip and he showed that even experts must to have respect for the famous location, which has in past claimed lives as large set heavily pounded the youngster.

"It's good to have the water patrol out there," said O'Brien. "You feel confident and safe. After that one switch stance and I got pounded I was looking up and thought, oh at least they're watching. It feels good to have the best in the world watching you out there."

His main foe and fellow Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Master Slater was full of praise for O'Brien's world beating performance.

"I started out the heat and got a couple of scores, but then Jamie [O'Brien] started going off his head and I had to start playing catch up," said Slater. "It's always great to have guys like that in a heat. It pushes your surfing and you can't scrape by being average out there."

While O'Brien was all smiles after his win none were grinning harder than Bruce Irons (HAW) who grabbed some of the longest and heaviest Backdoor barrels ever seen in the event and was awarded with the largest combined of the day – a 19.90 out of a possible 20.

Irons, also a former Pipe Master in 2001, has been noted by his peers as being the best tube rider in the world to date and today he certainly lived up to all the hype as with complete control he steered through some thundering three metre plus walls of water.

"That was really, really fun," said a beaming Irons. "That's the first time I surfed Pipe all winter and I didn't want the heat to end. I've been surfing the break close by called Off the Wall, but the last time I surfed (Pipe) was last winter so I'm just psyched to get out there."

Scoring a 9.90 then a perfect 10 on the following wave Irons is oozing with confidence and will be hard to pin down as the event progresses. But like all the seasoned Foster's ASP World Tourers, he is wary that the hordes of remaining locals could inflict more damage.

"It is good that they get to come and surf against the best guys in the world," said Irons. "A lot of guys that are wildcards are the best Pipe surfers out there. Bring it on… I'm ready for all of them."

Making an untimely exit in the first round today was currently ranked world number two Mick Fanning (AUS) and currently ranked number three Taj Burrow (AUS).

Both surfers fell at the hands of wildcards or lesser ranks tourers and their demise will open the door for the likes of former three-time world champion and defending event champion Andy Irons (HAW) to leap past them into a second place tour finish.

Like his brother Bruce, Andy Irons was in total control of his heat where he blitzed, Ian Walsh (HAW), Nathan Carroll (HAW) and Greg Emslie (ZAF).

As always he lifted himself when surfing at Pipe and he revelled in the overhead conditions today.

"I feel good. I feel solid," said Irons. "I'm psyched. Hopefully the waves stick around like this for the whole event. I'm definitely after The Triple Crown and a Pipemasters win would make me happy – I think they would make anybody happy!"

On the Van's Triple Crown pointscore, Irons sits atop with Joel Parkinson (AUS) lurking just behind.

Irons took out the first Triple Crown event at Haleiwa and Parkinson the second at Sunset, and with the only other contender Fred Patacchia exiting later in the day, a win here by either will seal their Triple Crown fate.

Parkinson was in fact very lucky today when he was almost sent packing in heat six when in a nail biting finish the likable naturalfoot surfer finished in second place behind a rampaging local in Hank Gaskell.

There was drama in the final seconds when he was almost ousted by tour legend Mark Occhilupo (AUS) who snuck in tube with less than a minute to go but fortunately for Parkinson he will live to fight another day as Occhilupo failed to find the score he needed.

In yet another case of wildcard domination Bruno Santos from Brazil turned some heads when he closed the 2006 tour door on Fanning and Danny Wills (AUS).

Santos was in no way fazed by the task and after a tradesman-like performance he will now find himself alongside his heroes in round two.

"I have been travelling to Hawaii for many years and I always stay with my good friend Jamie O'Brien right here at Pipeline," said Santos. "I love surfing here, it's my favourite spot in the world. I feel really comfortable out there and I'm so stoked to get through."

Santos also defeated former tour legend Rob Machado (USA) and was abuzz with himself.

"I started out with a few good waves and then Rob (Machado) pulled ahead," said Santos. "The lefts were really open today so I focused on those. Rob got a really good one at the end and I got one just after and I was lucky that it worked out better for me."

Organisers of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters will return to the beach at first light tomorrow morning to make a call for round two.

It is anticipated that there will be swell tomorrow but as to whether it will be suitable for competition will be determined at around 7am.

Head to the www.aspworldtour.com media centre for all transcribed athlete quotes and heat by heat updates.

Also on www.aspworldtour.com and www.ripcurl.com are video highlights from today's play.

ROUND ONE RESULTS

Heat 1: 1. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 14.17; 2. Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.50; 3. Randall Paulson (HAW) 7.77; 4. Toby Martin (AUS) 5.13
Heat 2: 1. Kalani Chapman (HAW) 15.33; 2. Pedro Henrique (BRA) 9.16; 3. Darren O'Rafferty (AUS) 8.84; Phil MacDonald (AUS) 7.23
Heat 3: 1. Tom Whitaker (AUS); 2. Tory Baron (HAW) 11.00; 3. Davey Weare (ZAF) 7.17; 4. Victor Ribas (BRA) 6.83
Heat 4: Evan Valiere (HAW) 16.33; 2. Bobby Martinez (USA) 13.27; 3. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 6.66; Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 2.86
Heat 5: 1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 16.40; 2. Yuri Sodre (BRA) 9.24; 3. Makua Rothman (HAW) 8.50; 4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 3.86
Heat 6: 1. Hank Gaskell (HAW); 2. Joel Parkinson (AUS); 3. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 10.04; Ben Dunn (AUS) 8.67
Heat 7: 1. Travis Logie (ZAF) 16.16; 2. Dustin Barca (HAW) 10.84; 3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.84; 4. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 7.44
Heat 8: 1. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 18.86; 2. Kelly Slater (USA) 17.14; 3. Trent Munro (AUS) 12.94; Heiarii Williams (PYF) 7.20
Heat 9: 1. Bruno Santos (BRA) 13.27; 2. Rob Machado (USA) 11.90; 3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.94; Danny Wills (AUS) 6.23
Heat 10: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 17.50; 2. Ian Walsh (HAW) 9.10; 3. Nathan Carroll (HAW) 4.26; 4. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 2.53
Heat 11: 1. Michael Lowe (AUS) 11.33; 2. Tamayo Perry (HAW); 3. Taylor Knox (USA) 7.50; 4. Jarrad Howse (AUS) 7.03
Heat 12: 1. Bruce Irons (HAW) 19.90; 2. Jake Paterson (AUS) 13.24; 3. Roy Powers (HAW) 12.06; 4. Solomon Ortiz (HAW) 10.17
Heat 13: Chris Ward (USA) 13.83; 2. Aamion Goodwin (HAW) 11.77; 3. Jamie Sterling (HAW) 9.50; Bede Durbidge (AUS) 2.67
Heat 14: 1. Reef McIntosh (HAW) 18.27; 2. Luke Stedman (AUS) 15.67; 3. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 11.66; 4. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 11.34
Heat 15: 1. Reef McIntosh (HAW) 18.27; 2. Luke Stedman (AUS) 15.67; 3. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 11.66; 4. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 11.34
Heat 16: 1. Cory Lopez (USA) 11.84; 2. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 9.86; Owen Wright (AUS) 5.57; 4. Troy Brooks (AUS) 5.47

Due to the round two heat draw being unconfirmed at time of going to press, head to www.aspworldtour.com or www.ripcurl.com to find the draw on the results page.

SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR LAYNE BEACHLEY AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI

HONOLUA BAY, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006) Seventeen-year ASP Women's World Tour veteran Layne Beachley has won an unprecedented 7th ASP Women's World Tour Title in Honolua Bay, Maui today. It has been two years since Beachley last secured a world title.

"It's surreal, absolutely surreal," Beachley said. "It's been such a journey this year and to not have to actually fight for it, to have it almost handed to me, it's one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. This is probably one of the most rewarding and satisfying world titles I've ever won."

This is the fifth world crown the 34-year-old has clinched in Maui. She clinched her first title in 1998 in France, and her second, in 1999, at Sunset Beach. Each of her five since have been won at Honolua Bay.

"This is my fifth world title in Maui and my seventh title overall," Beachley said. "Maui obviously has a very special place in my heart; it's such an amazing amphitheater. It's been such a beautiful day and such a surreal experience – I don't know how to explain it."

Beachley's win came after Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), the only surfer who could challenge Beachley for the title, was eliminated by Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) the quarterfinal before hers. Beachley paddled into her heat against Rebecca Woods the 2006 ASP Women's World Champion.

"I'm not finding it anti-climatic that Chelsea didn't get through her quarterfinal but I anticipated it coming down to the final so we could fight for it – that's how I've won all of my other world titles out here," Beachley said. "To have Chelsea go down and to paddle out there as the 2006 ASP World Champion rather than fighting for it was unbelievable."

Beachley was the world's No. 1 female surfer for six successive years – from 1998 to 2003 – and holds the record for the most consecutive surfing world championships, male or female. Her ASP Women's World Title stranglehold was interrupted by Sofia Mulanovich (PER) in 2004 and Georgeson in 2005.

Only Kelly Slater (USA) has won more ASP World Titles than Beachley, having won his eighth ASP crown this year. Slater's five consecutive titles from 1994-1998 are the closest anyone has come to nearing Beachley's six-year pro-surfing monopoly.

When asked what it meant to her to have seven world titles to Slater's eight, Beachley joked: "It means I'm going for eight and Kelly better not win nine! It's means I'm going to go out there and have some more fun. I think Kelly is going to go for 10 and if he does he can have it!"

Beachley fought with Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), who won the first three events of the 2006 season, for pole position through much of the year, but Redman-Carr bowed out of contention with a Round Three loss earlier this week. She finished the season as world No. 2.

Defending world champion and 2006 world No. 3 Georgeson was a late addition to the 2006 title race.

"It was a pretty interesting year," Georgeson said. "I definitely didn't make it easy for myself. I left my run a little bit late. Coming off a [world title] win last year; it's pretty hard to back that up. I was pretty excited coming into this last event, having a chance still so I'm happy with third place, it could have been worse."

Georgeson, who at 23-years-old is 11-years younger than Beachley, was gracious in defeat and full of praise for Beachley's contributions to the sport.

"Layne has always been there and she's always been such a good role model for all of us girls," Georgeson said. "What she's done for women's surfing –running her own event, still competing on tour and then winning seven world titles – it's pretty amazing. I give her a lot of credit. It takes a lot to just win one, but to be able to go back each year and win; it's pretty awesome to see."

The ASP Women's World Tour will take a break until late February of 2007 when it resumes on the Gold Coast of Australia – Georgeson's home turf.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens next year… if Layne's still hungry for more," Georgeson said. "I'm sure she'll probably be heading for eight now so congratulations to her for sure. She's an amazing competitor."

###

Layne Beachley's 2006 ASP Women's World Tour Results:
Roxy Pro Australia (Feb. 28 – Mar. 12): 2nd place
Roxy Pro Fiji (Apr. 22 – Apr. 29): 2nd place
Billabong Pro Tahiti (May 14 – May 16): 3rd place
Billabong Pro Brazil (Aug. 21 – 28): 1st place
Rip Curl Pro France (Aug. 31 – Sept. 5): 5th place
Havaianas Beachley Classic (Oct. 9 – Oct 15): 2nd place
Roxy Pro Hawaii (Nov. 24 – Dec. 6): 5th place
Billabong Pro Maui (Dec. 8 – Dec. 20): 3rd place

Layne Beachley's ASP Women's World Tour Career Year End Results:
2006: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title in Maui)
2005: 5th
2004: 4th
2003: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title in Maui)
2002: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title in Maui)
2001: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title in Maui)
2000: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title in Maui)
1999: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title Sunset Beach)
1998: 1st (Clinched the ASP Women's World Tour Title France)
1997: 2nd
1996: 3rd
1995: 2nd
1994: 4th
1993: 6th
1992: 17th
1991: 12th
1990: 10th

2006 Final ASP Women's World Tour Ratings
1. Layne Beachley (AUS) 6374
2. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 5802
3. Chelsea Gerogeson (AUS) 5797
4. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 4440
5. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 4105
6. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 3794
7. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 3564
8. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 3516
9. Silvana Lima (BRA) 3408
10. Megan Abubo (HAW) 3398
11. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 3312
12. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3218
13. Heather Clark (ZAF) 3180
14. Julia Christian (USA) 2834
15. Trudy Todd (AUS) 2244
16. Serena Brooke (AUS) 2232
17. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 2142

TITLES ON THE LINE AT THE FINAL DAY OF THE BILLABONG PRO MAUI

HONOLUA BAY, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006) – Only three rounds of competition (seven 30-minute heats) are left in the Billabong Pro Maui which will get underway at 10am at Honolua Bay. Due to the intensely close nature of the ASP Women's World Title Race, the 2006 title could be decided within one hour of competition commencement.

Six-time world champion Layne Beachley (AUS) and reigning world champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), each of whom have been Billabong Pro Maui champions at some juncture, will headline proceedings in excellent four to eight foot (two to three metre) waves.

If Georgeson fails to advance out of Quarterfinal 2 against Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Beachley will win world title No. 7 before she even paddles out for her Quarterfinal heat against Rebecca Woods (AUS).

Should Georgeson beat Bevilacqua and Beachley lose to Woods, Georgeson would have to make the final to clinch. If both surfers advance through their quarterfinal heats, Beachley has to bow out in the semifinals and Georgeson has to make the final to win.*

Georgeson has won the Billabong Pro Maui and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series for the last two years. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Melanie Bartels (HAW) are the surfers still competing in the Billabong Pro Maui who look like likely contenders for the 2006 Triple Crown Title.

Logon to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com to watch it all live!

RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND ONE TO BEGIN TODAY

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec.10, 2006) – With two to 2.5 metre (six to eight foot) plus waves charging into the famed arena that is the Banzai Pipeline, organisers of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters will push the green for go button this morning and send out round one.

Today is day three of the waiting period which extends right up until December 20 and with the waves showing plenty of potential it will be like letting the horses loose as the best 45 surfers in the world from the Foster's ASP World Tour take on a host of wildcard outsiders.

The pressure will be on the "backend" rated surfers from surfing's top tour as the 3rd and 4th placed surfers in heats will be eliminated from the event thus scoring minimum ratings points and placing their 2007 qualifying hopes in jeopardy.

On the edge of the qualifying "bubble" as it is known, are those surfers ranked from 25 down. With the cut-off for next year's tour being slot number 27, today will make or break the careers of some of surfing's finest athletes.

While 25th Victor Ribas (BRA) has gained enough points in ASP's second tier tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) to make it into next year's elite comp, today will be testing for 26th through to 33rd – Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Mick Lowe (AUS), Darren O'Rafferty (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Jake Paterson (AUS) and Nathan Hedge (AUS) – who are mathematically in with a requalifying chance with solid result to a win needed to leap frog back into contention.

Expect the sparks to fly!

Stay tuned to www.ripcurlpro.com or www.aspworldtour.com for the LIVE webcast, which will kick off shortly.

LAY DAY CALLED FOR DAY TWO OF RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006) – As howling winds have islanders on surfing's Mecca, the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii battening down the hatches for the second day in a row, organisers have once again called another lay day for the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.

It is hoped however that conditions will improve over the next few days and will enable a start as the 64 competitors lining up for round one are champing at the bit to tackle the world famous Pipeline wave.

Adding an exciting dimension to one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet, 21 wildcards will be thrown into the draw at the 2006 Rip Curl Pipeline Masters, held from December 8-20, 2006.

The final event on the 2006 Foster's ASP World Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters will be the deciding factor for surfers still looking to qualify for next season's "Dream Tour".

With the top-15 surfers on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) already determined and the top-27 qualifying spots from the Foster's ASP World Tour still up for grabs, these 21 wildcards will no doubt wreak havoc on the increased 64-man field.

Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), who is the current ASP World Junior Champion, has already experienced success at this elite level of competition with wildcard berths in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, where he defeated Nathan Hedge, and at the Rip Curl Pro Mexico where he defeated Shaun Cansdell (AUS).

Both of those event runs however were abruptly ended by an in-form then seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) but with the added benefit of competing in his backyard at Pipeline, look for Bacalso to lead the deep Hawaiian field into battle against the Foster's ASP Top-45.

"I'm really focused on finishing the year strong seeing as how it is the last event of the season," Bacalso said. "Every time I surf an event out at Pipe I get my best waves of the season because it's usually so damned crowded that it's nice to surf with just three guys out.

"The Hawaiian contingent (16 of the 21 wildcards) is gnarly," he said. "Pretty much all the Pipe specialists are in the event. The top 45 are going to take it to us, but I guarantee there will be some big upsets."

An example of how destructive the locals can be was indicated when Kalani Chapman (HAW) took numerous top tour scalps to make the finals in the 2005 Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.

This year the powerful goofyfooter will face Australians Philip MacDonald and Darren O'Rafferty as well as Brazilian Pedro Henrique in heat two of round one.

Of all the non Foster's ASP World Tour competitors Owen Wright (AUS), despite him being only 16 years of age, could prove to be the dark horse at Pipeline given that he has shown enormous potential in surfing heavy waves both back home in Australia and here on the North Shore.

The youngster is surfing in his first top tour event and realises that he mustn't be fazed by his more seasoned foes, some who are twice his age.

And given that one of his regular surfing spots in Australia is named "Aussie Pipe", due to its similarity to its Hawaiian namesake, Wright felt confident that he could make an impact.

"It feels great to be seeded in the event – I have nothing to lose," an enthusiastic Wright said. "I'm used to surfing Aussie Pipe and other big, hollow lefthanders with my dad and my brother so I'm stoked to go out there and see how I go."

In addition to Bacalso, and Wright, other wildcards threatening the draw are Hawaiians Randall Paulson, Chapman, TJ Barron, Evan Valiere, Makua Rothman, Hank Gaskell, Dustin Barca, Jamie O'Brien, Nathan Carroll, Ian Walsh, Tamayo Perry, Ortiz Solomon, Aamion Goodwin, Jamie Sterling and Reef McIntosh, Tahitian Heiarii Williams, Australian Ben Dunn plus former Foster's ASP World Tourer, American Rob Machado and lone wildcard Brazilian Bruno Santos.

Organisers will return to Pipe tomorrow morning at 7am (local time) and will make another call regarding the start of the event.

ASP and Rip Curl will be hosting a LIVE webcast available at both www.aspworldtour.com and www.ripcurl.com.

BILLABONG PRO MAUI OFF; WORLD TITLE RACE DOWN TO THE WIRE

HONOLUA BAY, Hawaii (Friday Dec. 9, 2006) – The ASP Women's World Tour title race will come down to the final day of 2006 competition. Today is not that day. The Billabong Pro Maui has been called off this morning.

Three to four foot (one metre) and clean conditions are on offer at Honolua Bay, but swell charts indicate that a surge in swell is expected this evening. At this juncture, there is every indication that the event and the season will wrap up in excellent surf tomorrow.

Only three and a half hours of competition are needed to complete the contest; eight girls remain in contention. The early elimination of world No. 2 Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) yesterday, means only Layne Beachley (AUS) and Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) are still in the running for a World Title.

Beachley and Georgeson sit on opposite sides of the draw and will not meet until the final should they each progress through their quarter and semifinal heats. If that happens, Beachley will win her 7th world title regardless of the outcome because she can clinch even with a second place. Georgeson must make the final (sans Beachley) to stay in contention.

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

Remaining ASP Women's World Title Possibilities

Layne Beachley
• Layne can win on 9th or 5th only if Chelsea doesn't make the final.
• She can win with a 3rd place only if Chelsea doesn't win the event.
• She can win with a 2nd place regardless of Chelsea's result.
• She can win with a 1st place regardless of Chelsea's result.

Chelsea Georgeson
• Chelsea MUST make the finals to be in contention.
• She can win on a 2nd place only if Layne doesn't make the semis.
• She can win on a 1st place only if Layne doesn't make the final as Layne would beat her with a 2nd place.

Billabong Pro Maui Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Keala Kennelly (HAW)
Heat 2: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) vs. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
Heat 3: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs. Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Heat 4: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)

BARTELS USHERS REDMAN-CARR OUT OF ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR TITLE RACE

HONOLUA BAY, Hawaii (Friday Dec. 8, 2006) –Billabong Pro Maui wildcard Melanie Bartels (HAW) has ended Melanie Redman-Carr's (AUS) hopes of clinching her maiden world title at Honolua Bay today – this just one week after winning the previous ASP Women's World Tour event at Sunset Beach as a wildcard.

Bartels' earned 18.85 out of a possible 20.00 points in the six to 10 foot (two to three metre) conditions to post the highest heat total of the event and a spot in the quarterfinals. Redman-Carr earned an early exit, leaving the door open for six-time world champion Layne Beachley (AUS) and reigning world champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) to battle it out for the 2006 ASP Women's World Title.

"I came into this contest having nothing to lose and everything to gain — knowledge, extra time practicing out there with all the other girls – so I was just looking at it like a normal contest," Bartels said. "I didn't even think about the title implications, or taking out Mel Redman; I just wanted to surf well."

Bartels was a last minute invite to participate in the Billabong Maui Trials through which she earned her main event berth today. Her invite came courtesy of her strong contention for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title.

"The waves were so perfect; I think I had one of the biggest barrels of my life here today and it's just because of the contest," Bartels said of the 9.60 barrel she tucked into. "I'm stoked to be here and to have been invited."

Bartels, who was on the ASP Women's World Tour in 2004 and 2005, has qualified via the World Qualifying Series (WSQ) to be back on the elite tour next year. If her performances over the last couple of weeks are any indication, her previous battle with competitive confidence seems to have disappeared.

"I was nervous in the trials because of the waves and the conditions," Bartels said. "Heat by heat I just got more confidence and believed in myself more and more. In the last heat I knew I was up against Melanie Redman-Carr, she's a very, very, good surfer and I was just thinking in order for me to beat her I needed to go big. It's the only way I could win, so I tried my best and just went for it on every wave."

Beachley also went for it today, posting several waves in the excellent range (8.0 and above) in her Round 1 and 3 heats.

"It's a combination of the waves that I'm choosing and the confidence in the calm, relaxed manner in which I'm surfing," Beachley said of her success at Honolua today. "When I pulled into that barrel in the first wave of that heat I was just inside this massive cavern thinking 'I'm coming out of it.' There was no apprehension, no anxiety, no nerves, just full confidence and love of surfing Honolua Bay."

Beachley could have wrapped up world title No. 7 at the ASP Women's World Tour event in Sunset Beach last week, but a semifinal loss combined and a finals berth by Georgeson trumped that chance.

"Leading into this I was a little bit nervous," Beachley said. "Sunset [Beach] was a good lesson for me because I had opportunity there and I blew it, now I realize that it just comes down to me and the ocean and just being in tune with Mother Nature – that's how it's been today and I hope it continues tomorrow, or whenever we finish the final day."

Georgeson, who won her 2005 World Title on the last day of ASP Women's World Tour competition last year, has won the Billabong Pro Maui two years running. If she and Beachley win their quarterfinal heats, they will meet in the semis. If Beachley wins, the title is hers, if Georgeson wins and finishes the event 1st or 2nd, she will earn back-to-back ASP Women's World Tour titles.

"I'm just trying to get through each heat; I'm really excited I'm still going," Georgeson said. "I don't know who I'm up against next, but I'm hoping it's Layne because I have to finish two places ahead of her to win the title. It's almost better that I meet her now. If I get through, I get through and it's done with and if I don't, I've created my own fate, so we'll see what happens."

The current World No. 3 was a late season factor in the title race; she came from behind last year as well.

"This is starting to feel like my race last year with Sofia," Georgeson said. "My year had started off slow but toward the end of the year I gained a little bit on her. I really liked being behind and going for the chase, so it's really good that it's the same scenario this year. I'm a little bit more behind, but it's the same sort of feeling. It creates more of a challenge for me, and pushes me more."

Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Rochelle Ballard (HAW) both earned perfect 10s in the idyllic Honolua Bay conditions today.

Serena Brooke (AUS), Julia Christian (USA), Heather Clark (ZAF) and Samantha Cornish (AUS) were eliminated today and will not qualify for the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour. Trudy Todd (AUS) who did not compete today, has also finished outside of the qualifying window.

Charts indicate a drop in swell for tomorrow with bigger conditions slated to arrive for Sunday, but an official call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

Billabong Pro Maui Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Keala Kennelly (HAW)
Heat 2: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) vs. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
Heat 3: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs. Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Heat 4: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Billabong Pro Maui Round 3 Results: 1st to Quarterfinals; 2nd finishes Equal 9th
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 15.50 def. Serena Brooke (AUS) 5.50
Heat 2: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 18.50 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 6.35
Heat 3: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 12.90 def. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 11.50
Heat 4: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 14.30 def. Paige Alms (HAW) 12.00
Heat 5: Layne Beachley (AUS) 18.40 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 4.50
Heat 6: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 12.80 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 11.75
Heat 7: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 16.15 def. Heather Clark (ZAF) 14.25
Heat 8: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 18.85 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 15.85

Billabong Pro Maui Round 2 Results: 1st & 2nd to Round 3; 3rd to finishes Equal 17th
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 16.00, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.75, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 6.50
Heat 2: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 14.90, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 13.35, Julia Christian (USA) 8.15

Billabong Pro Maui Round 1 Results: 1st & 2nd to Round 3; 3rd to Round 2
Heat 1: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 15.50, Megan Abubo (HAW) 9.26, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 8.30
Heat 2: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 13.00, Serena Brooke (AUS) 9.65, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2.25
Heat 3: Paige Alms (HAW) 9.90, Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 8.50, Keala Kennelly (HAW) 0.0 (no show)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS) 18.60, Heather Clark (ZAF) 12.25, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 8.25
Heat 5: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 10.50, Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 6.75, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 0.20
Heat 6: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 9.0, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 4.50, Julia Christian (USA) 2.0

BIG WAVES FOR THE BEST AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI AT HONOLUA BAY

HONOLUA BAY, Hawaii (Friday Dec. 8, 2006) –The Billabong Pro Maui, the final of eight events on the 2006 ASP Women's World Tour, has commenced in excellent conditions at Honolua Bay this morning.

Rochelle Ballard (HAW) will be featured in the first heat of Round 1. She has drawn fellow Hawaiian Megan Abubo and Brazilian Jacqueline Silva.

"It's about five to six foot out there, but there are some thick eight foot sets for sure," Ballard said. "There's a whole lot of water moving around the Bay this morning."

There are two additional wildcards in the Billabong Pro Maui because ASP Women's World Tour surfers Silvana Lima (BRA) and Trudy Todd (AUS) withdrew from the event citing injury and illness.

This morning's trials winners Paige Alms (HAW) and Melanie Bartels (HAW) will join Billabong appointed wildcard Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the main event.

Bartels won the ASP Women's World Tour event previous to the Billabong Pro Maui, the Roxy Pro Sunset, as a wildcard last week. Bartels earned her trials invitation due to her strong contention to win the 2006 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series of which the Billabong Pro Maui is the final event. She is currently in third place on that series.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) who leads the Triple Crown ratings, was also an invited trialist. She finished second to Alms in that heat and did not earn a main event berth. Sofia Mulanovich is currently rated second on the Triple Crown ratings.

In the outside chance that both Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) and Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) are eliminated today, Layne Beachley (AUS) will win her 7th ASP Women's World Tour Title.

Logon to www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplecrownofsurfing.com to watch it all LIVE!

Billabong Pro Maui Round 1 Match-ups: (1st and 2nd advance to Round Two; 3rd surfs Round Two)

Heat 1:
Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Jacqueline Silva (BRA)

Heat 2:
Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Serena Brooke (AUS)

Heat 3:
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), Keala Kennelly (HAW), Paige Alms (HAW)

Heat 4:
Layne Beachley (AUS), Heather Clark (ZAF), Courtney Conlogue (USA)

Heat 5:
Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Samantha Cornish (AUS), Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Heat 6:
Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Julia Christian (USA

World Title Possibilities at the Billabong Pro Maui are as follows:
Layne Beachley
• Layne can win on 17th, 9th or 5th only if Mel doesn't make the semis and Chelsea doesn't make the final.
• She can win with a 3rd place only if Mel doesn't make the final and Chelsea doesn't win the event.
• She can win with a 2nd place only if Mel doesn't win the event (1st place). Chelsea is out of contention.
• She can win with a 1st place regardless of Mel or Chelsea's results.

Melanie Redman-Carr
• Melanie MUST make the semi-finals to be in contention
• She can win with a 3rd place only if Layne doesn't make the semis and Chelsea doesn't make the final.
• She can win with a 2nd place only if Layne and Chelsea neither win the event.
• She can win with a 1st place regardless of Layne or Chelsea's results.

Chelsea Georgeson
• Chelsea MUST make the finals to be in contention.
• She can win on a 2nd place only if Layne doesn't make the semis and Mel doesn't win the event.
• She can win on a 1st place only if Layne doesn't make the final as Layne would beat her with a 2nd place.

LAY DAY CALLED FOR DAY ONE AT RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 8, 2006) – Despite the fact that a solid swell is lashing the coast of the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii it has been deemed that conditions are unsuitable for competition and as a result the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters will not be held today.

The event, the final of 11 on the Foster's ASP World Tour has a waiting period, which extends until December 20 therefore allowing organisers the luxury of waiting for only the best conditions before sending competitors into the water.

Many are hailing that the draw for this year's Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters will be one of the most exciting due to the fact that a host of local Pipe specialists have been seeded into the expanded 64 man lineup.

When competition kicks off, it is tipped that these locals, many of whom surf Pipeline on a daily basis, will seriously test the mettle of the established pros and the ensuing matchups will be a spectacle not to be missed.

ANDY IRONS IN HOT FORM FOR RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS

PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2006) – After a sensational finish to the second of the three Vans Triple Crown of Surfing events yesterday where Australian Joel Parkinson stole the show in huge waves at Sunset Beach, anticipation for tomorrow's potential start of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is at an all time high.

The event, the last of 11 on the Foster's ASP World Tour, is one of surfing's most prestigious and spectacular as surfers risk life and limb to score some of the biggest tube rides of their lives.

And with the world crown having already been in the living room of now eight-time champion Kelly Slater (USA) for some months, his fellow tourers will be fighting like cats and dogs to climb onto the podium and be labelled a Pipe Master – one of biggest honours in the sport.

On a roll after claiming victory in the first Vans Triple Crown of Surfing event in Haleiwa, then riding home in third place in yesterday's O'Neill World Cup Of Surfing behind Joel Parkinson (AUS) and Jordy Smith (ZAF) is Hawaii's own Andy Irons who is currently sitting in fifth place on the Foster's ASP World Tour ratings and atop the Vans Triple Crown point score.

"Coming from Hawaii, everyone always says that the Triple Crown is just as important as the world title," said Irons. "I love surfing these three events. It's home. These are the waves that I grew up surfing and I feel really comfortable out there. Since the ASP world title race finished, my focus has been on doing well in here."

The exciting former three-time world champion loves competing at Pipe and always lifts his performance standards when he tackles the typically powerful Hawaiian waves.

"Pipeline is a really special place for me," said Irons. "I've won the Rip Curl Pro Pipe Masters three times and I don't know, I feel like my surfing has lifted just being in Hawaii already. Just being around all my friends and surfing everyday, I feel like I'm more confident."

Being the defending champion, Irons knows what it takes to win and over the past few years he's been a constant force in some incredible battles.

"The event has always been high-intensity for me," said Irons. "It's where I won the world title over Kelly (Slater) in 2003, and I've picked up a few Vans Triple Crowns there."

Parkinson, who sits just behind Irons at sixth place on the Foster's ASP World Tour ratings and now is in second on the Van Triple Crown showdown, has been in brilliant form for most of the year and after his win yesterday he is brimming with confidence.

"It's a really special thing for me," said Parkinson. "Everyone says winning the Triple Crown is right up there with winning a world title and I think it is. Hopefully I'll be able to win a world title one day to compare! I've come close (to winning the Triple Crown) a few times, but Andy always seems to finish just ahead. It will come down to Pipe again this time around, and he (Irons) always performs there. I'm looking forward to it."

In an interesting twist to the event, a host of local Pipeline specialists have been slotted into the draw, which will now expand from 48 to 64 and will have four man heats right through the event.

The formidable list of local chargers will include last year's finalist Kalani Chapman, Makua Rothman, Tamayo Perry, Jamie O'Brien and reigning ASP World Junior champion Kekoa Bacalso to name a few.

"This year is going to be interesting with the 64-man field," said Irons. "A lot of the local boys are in it, and they're going to shake things up for sure."

Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters

Round One

Heat 1: Dean Morrison (AUS); Peterson Rosa (BRA); Toby Martin (AUS); Randall Paulson (HAW)
Heat 2: Phil MacDonald (AUS); Darren O'Rafferty (AUS); Pedro Henrique (BRA); Kalani Chapman (HAW)
Heat 3: Tom Whitaker (AUS); Victor Ribas (BRA); Davey Weare (ZAF); Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 4: Bobby Martinez (USA); Shaun Cansdell (AUS); Adrian Buchan (AUS); Evan Valiere (HAW)
Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA); Adriano de Souza (BRA); Yuri Sodre (BRA); Makua Rothman (HAW)
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS); Mark Occhilupo (AUS); Ben Dunn (AUS); Hank Gaskell (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS); Travis Logie (ZAF); Kekoa Bacalso (HAW); Dustin Barca (HAW)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA); Trent Munro (AUS); Heiarii Williams (PYF); Jamie O'Brien (HAW)
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS); Danny Wills (AUS); Rob Machado (USA); Bruno Santos (BRA)
Heat 10: Andy Irons (HAW); Greg Emslie (ZAF); Ian Walsh (HAW); Nathan Carroll (HAW)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (AUS); Mick Lowe (AUS); Jarrad Howse (AUS); Tamayo Perry (HAW)
Heat 12: Bruce Irons (HAW); Jake Paterson (AUS); Roy Powers (HAW); Solomon Ortiz (HAW)
Heat 13: CJ Hobgood (USA); Chris Ward (USA); Mikael Picon (FRA); Aamion Goodwin (HAW)
Heat 14: Bede Durbidge (AUS); Pancho Sullivan (HAW); Paulo Moura (BRA); Jamie Sterling (HAW)
Heat 15: Fred Patacchia (HAW); Luke Stedman (AUS); Marcelo Nunes (BRA); Reef Mcintosh (HAW)
Heat 16: Cory Lopez (USA); Nathan Hedge (AUS); Troy Brooks (AUS); Owen Wright (AUS)