HOSSEGOR, France (Wednesday, September 27, 2006) – During a day where the conditions were very tricky and tide affected, the winner of the last event on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, Bede Durbidge (AUS) was a shock elimination and will take no further part in the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Evian.
The quiet spoken natural foot surfer was knocked out by tour rookie Adrian Buchan (AUS) in a very close affair.
The two were struggling to find big-scoring waves throughout the encounter and were left drifting in the shifty lineup at Les Culs Nus for quite some time.
And while Buchan held the lead Durbidge only needed a small score to come from behind to take the gong.
But his luck from his victory in California ran out today as a huge set of waves washed through the event arena leaving Durbidge without the score he needed to win.
Buchan meanwhile, in only his second event after returning from an ankle injury which sidelined him for over six months, had done enough and he now is anxiously awaiting his next top tour challenge – a third round duel with three-time Quiksilver Pro winner and three-time world champion, Andy Irons (HAW).
“You just have to back yourself,” said Buchan. “I’m really looking forward to surfing against him (Irons). You come here to surf against the world’s top guys… that’s what it’s all about.”
Buchan also didn’t seem too fazed about his lack of time in the water of late showing plenty of confidence and enthusiasm.
“I feel pretty comfortable,” said Buchan. “When you’re injured you have everything taken away from you. It makes you really appreciate being on the tour and being in France in September is always good!”
Also claiming a major scalp in Bobby Martinez (HAW) was 2007 Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour recruit Jeremy Flores (REU).
The youngster is always exciting to watch and last year he turned many heads when he almost took seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) out of the event.
Drawing on the huge crowd support he dug deep to come from behind in the dying seconds to win against Martinez who has been one of 2006’s hottest prospects.
It was a hard heat,” said Flores. “I can’t say it was an exciting heat to watch really, the waves were really difficult. I’m just happy I made it, but I hope that in the next round I get to show more of my surfing, cause I couldn’t really show anything out there.”
Flores will have a chance to get even with Slater in round three wth the two being matched up yet again and by all indications he is expecting another tough heat where he hopes this time the balance will tip in his favour.
I’ve surfed against him a few times,” said Flores. “I’ve gone close before, but I’m sure I’m going to have to surf my best to beat him. It’s always exciting to surf against him. I felt really confident after I surfed against him the last couple of times.”
On qualifying for next year Flores is excited about joining the top ranks, but he will take it all in his stride.
“I’m just learning,” said Flores. “I’m still young so I still have a lot of things to learn. We’ll see how it happens, but I’m really excited.”
Another major upset for the day was that of pint-sized Pedro Henrique's disposal of 2001 world champion CJ Hobgood.
The two surfers went wave for wave when the event was restarted late in the afternoon after a layoff due to the tide becoming too low.
But it was all Henrique today and he cherished the victory he snatched on the last wave of the heat.
“The conditions are a little bit hard because the currents are so strong,” said Henrique. But the last wave I rode was perfect. I just had to go and try hard. I just tried really hard to do strong maneuvers. I did my best…”
A good result is desperately needed by Henrique, who is looking to maintain a spot on the sport’s elite tour.
“I need the points in this contest and that’s a good start,” said Henrique. “I just hope the waves stay good for the rest of the contest. I’m so stoked. I just need to maintain focus now for the rest of the events.”
Tour veteran Taylor Knox (USA) was another to impress today after he accounted for wildcard Tiago Pires (PRT).
Knox, who began the year in great form, will be looking to stay in touch with the frontrunners by landing a solid result here over the next few days.
Going into the heat against the relatively unknown Pires, Knox indicated although he was wary of his ability he wasn’t going to change any part of his game plan.
I wasn’t really that nervous,” said Knox. “Anything can happen surfing against these guys. Especially with someone like that – he’s from Europe and he has a lot of crowd support. He’s just a really solid surfer. You just have to stick to the plan.”
Conditions are looking promising for the next few days and there is every chance the Quiksilver Pro presented by Evian could be wrapped up by Saturday.
Organisers will assess conditions again at first light and make a call at around 8am local time.
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.00 def Joan Duru (FRA) 9.50
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.50 def Patrick Bevan (FRA) 5.23
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (REU) 10.17 def Bobby Martinez (USA) 9.50
Heat 4: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.33 def Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.26
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.67 def Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.33
Heat 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.34 def Yuri Sodre (BRA) 5.33
Heat 7: Pedro Henrique (BRA) 16.17 def CJ Hobgood (USA) 12.43
Heat 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 15.67 def Toby Martin (AUS) 13.90
Heat 9: Roy Powers (HAW) 10.84 def Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 9.50
Heat 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.35 def Jarrad Howse (AUS) 7.00
Heat 11: Cory Lopez (USA) 12.34 def Mikael Picon (FRA) 12.03
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND TWO UNDERWAY NOW
HOSSEGOR, France (Wednesday, September 27, 2006) – Round two of the Quiksilver Pro France, presented by Evian is underway now at La Cul Nus located just north of the contest base at La Nord.
The swell is pulsing in at around 1.5 metres (five feet) and conditions are amazing with a light offshore fanning the lineup.
The typically vocal French crowd has come out in force this morning, eager to watch their heroes from the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour in person.
The first heat of the day was an exciting affair with Taj Burrow (AUS) accounting for hot local wildcard Joan Duru (FRA).
It is expected that all of the 16 round two heats will be completed today as conditions will keep improving with the dropping tide.
Round two heat draw:
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) def. Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
The swell is pulsing in at around 1.5 metres (five feet) and conditions are amazing with a light offshore fanning the lineup.
The typically vocal French crowd has come out in force this morning, eager to watch their heroes from the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour in person.
The first heat of the day was an exciting affair with Taj Burrow (AUS) accounting for hot local wildcard Joan Duru (FRA).
It is expected that all of the 16 round two heats will be completed today as conditions will keep improving with the dropping tide.
Round two heat draw:
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) def. Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
UGLY CONDITIONS FORCE ANOTHER LAY DAY FOR QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE
HOSSEGOR, France (Monday, September 25, 2006) – The wind is howling onshore here at Hossegor this morning leaving no option but to call another lay day for the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Evian.
The swell, although still showing a little bit of size, is very lumpy and uninviting so organisers will return tomorrow morning (Tuesday Sept 26) at 8am to make another call.
“We always knew that this was going to be one of the worst days in the window,” said Contest Director Rod Brooks. “From here on in we should see conditions improve and there’s every chance that we could get underway in the next few days.”
The massive crowd who turns up every day to witness the event – the eighth of 11 on this year’s Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour – are eager for round two to hit the water.
There are very few locations on the tour where the atmosphere is equalled.
Tens of thousands flock to the beach each day to get a glimpse of their surfing heroes and are very vocal when the typically deep tubes are ridden.
Enticing the crowd is the round two draw in which there are some very exciting matchups.
The opening heat of the round will include Taj Burrow (AUS) versus local wildcard Joan Duru (FRA).
Burrow, who is currently ranked second on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour will be hungry for a win in order to keep his hopes of catching ratings leader Kelly Slater (AUS) alive.
Round two heat draw:
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
The swell, although still showing a little bit of size, is very lumpy and uninviting so organisers will return tomorrow morning (Tuesday Sept 26) at 8am to make another call.
“We always knew that this was going to be one of the worst days in the window,” said Contest Director Rod Brooks. “From here on in we should see conditions improve and there’s every chance that we could get underway in the next few days.”
The massive crowd who turns up every day to witness the event – the eighth of 11 on this year’s Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour – are eager for round two to hit the water.
There are very few locations on the tour where the atmosphere is equalled.
Tens of thousands flock to the beach each day to get a glimpse of their surfing heroes and are very vocal when the typically deep tubes are ridden.
Enticing the crowd is the round two draw in which there are some very exciting matchups.
The opening heat of the round will include Taj Burrow (AUS) versus local wildcard Joan Duru (FRA).
Burrow, who is currently ranked second on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour will be hungry for a win in order to keep his hopes of catching ratings leader Kelly Slater (AUS) alive.
Round two heat draw:
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
QUIKSILVER PRO ROUND TWO CALLED OFF FOR THE DAY
FOSTER'S EXPRESSION SESSSION MAY RUN AT 3pm
HOSSEGOR, France (Sunday, September 24, 2006) – With the swell backing off a little overnight and with the wind coming in from a slightly unfavourable direction, organisers of the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Evian have decided to hold off sending out round two of the main event today.
At 3pm, however there will be a call regarding holding the Foster’s Expression Session.
The session will be at least an hour in duration and surfers will be encouraged to go for futuristic manoeuvres such as big aerials.
Two awards will be handed out – one for the best wave overall and the other for the best turn.
Expect sparks to fly when round two returns to the water within the next few days.
Included in the draw are some very exciting matchups.
The opening heat of the round will include Taj Burrow (AUS) versus local wildcard Joan Duru (FRA).
Burrow, who is currently ranked second on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour will be hungry for a win in order to keep his hopes of catching ratings leader Kelly Slater (AUS) alive.
The forecast for the next few days is looking positive for swell but there may be issues with wind.
Organisers will assess conditions again at 8am local time tomorrow.
Round two heat draw:
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
HOSSEGOR, France (Sunday, September 24, 2006) – With the swell backing off a little overnight and with the wind coming in from a slightly unfavourable direction, organisers of the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Evian have decided to hold off sending out round two of the main event today.
At 3pm, however there will be a call regarding holding the Foster’s Expression Session.
The session will be at least an hour in duration and surfers will be encouraged to go for futuristic manoeuvres such as big aerials.
Two awards will be handed out – one for the best wave overall and the other for the best turn.
Expect sparks to fly when round two returns to the water within the next few days.
Included in the draw are some very exciting matchups.
The opening heat of the round will include Taj Burrow (AUS) versus local wildcard Joan Duru (FRA).
Burrow, who is currently ranked second on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour will be hungry for a win in order to keep his hopes of catching ratings leader Kelly Slater (AUS) alive.
The forecast for the next few days is looking positive for swell but there may be issues with wind.
Organisers will assess conditions again at 8am local time tomorrow.
Round two heat draw:
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
SLATER AND IRONS WIN WHILE BURROW FALTERS IN QUIKSILVER PRO ROUND ONE
HOSSEGOR, France (Saturday, September 23, 2006) – Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour ratings front runners Kelly Slater (USA) and Andy Irons (HAW) both notched up solid wins in round one of the Quiksilver Pro presented by Evian.
And while both have now earned themselves an automatic spot in the round three draw, fellow title contender Taj Burrow (AUS) finished second in his heat and will now have to surf in round two.
The event, the eight of 11 on this year’s tour was held in incredible two metre (six feet) plus beachbreak-type waves at Hossegor located in the south of France and spectacular barrel riding was the norm.
Slater and Irons were two of the standouts of the day as both found plenty of time riding inside the bellies of some sand-crunching beasts.
Slater, who is eyeing off an unprecedented eighth world crown, looked relaxed and demonstrated that he certainly has the wares to go all the way.
He was extremely amped up by the prospect of surfing in such fun waves today.
“I was excited to see the high tide move in and that shorebreak start happening,” said Slater. “There is the potential for some incredible waves, it’s really similar to like Hawaiian sandbar and there are some really good ones.”
And while the waves were enjoyable they were challenging with getting the better of Slater forcing him to fall and whack his head on the sand bottom.
“I got smacked down on a few,” said Slater. “I ate it on about five or six. I hit my head pretty hard coming in on my last wave and it gave me a headache. But it was fun…”
Slater defeated wildcard Joan Duru (FRA) and tour legend Mark Occhilupo (AUS).
Irons meanwhile tore into his heat to surpass Patrick Bevan (FRA) and Shaun Cansdell (AUS) with relative ease.
The reigning event champion has stated on numerous occasions that the Quiksilver Pro France is one of his favourite tournaments and given that he has won here the past three years he was oozing with confidence today.
“I’ve had a really good run here for the last couple of years,” said Irons. “I’m definitely not counting on anything but I’m going to go out there and surf my best as that’s all I can do… it actually looks a lot like Hawaii, it’s just beautiful.”
Using tactical play the former three-time world champion was eager to get off to a good start in the heat and build momentum.
He was fearful his rival Bevan, a local at the break, might cause an upset so he paddled in behind the Frenchmen and forced him to pull out of a wave.
I wanted to get a wave right away,” said Irons. “He is a real dangerous guy out here as it’s his local break. I went up and paddled around him and he didn’t know what was happening at first, he just kicked out and I pulled in behind him and weaved my way through the whitewater.”
The day for Burrow however was one to forget as the West Australian struggled to find the waves necessary to give him big scores.
He was trumped by the ever-consistent Greg Emslie (ZAF) who put on a solid display after using executing a perfect game plan.
“It’s pretty tough out there and I was just trying to work out different game plans,” said Emslie. “I was just trying to figure out what to do. Half way through the heat none of us where getting too many scores. And I told myself just to relax and just try and pick off some medium ones and I was pretty lucky. I got a 6.5 and a 6.0 so it paid off. I put myself in the ball game and the other guys couldn’t get scores with all the closeouts. So I’m really happy.”
Emslie was pleased he didn’t suffer the same fate as Slater and cop a beating at the hands of the powerful waves.
“It’s breaking really really hard,” said Emslie. “But I was lucky I didn’t have any beatings. I just picked my waves really well. You can see the closeouts when they come and you just have to wait till that wedgy peak comes and that’s the one you’ve got to go on. There’s not much you can do on a closeout, so you just have to sit and wait for a good one to come to you.”
Leading the charge for the Brazilians today was tube maestro Raoni Monteiro.
The feisty natural footer charged into some waves of consequence and came out of the heat with one of the highest totals of the day a 16.83 out of 20.
From his first wave where locked in a 7.50 to his last where he scored a 9.33 he was never in doubt for the win.
“There are a couple of bombs out there,” said Monteiro. “I got the first good one which was a 7.5 and then I tried to catch something else to back it up, but it was hard to find a good wave that was open. I got a couple of low scores and then my last wave was a 9.33. I’m just so stoked. It was hard out there, but I got two good waves and made the heat so I’m stoked.”
Also turning heads today was Joel Parkinson (AUS) who in the early part of the day grabbed some well-overhead waves to defeat Cory Lopez (USA) and Pedro Henrique (BRA).
The ever-relaxed Parkinson played a super-cool game and easily claimed the win in what he called were challenging conditions.
“It goes heat by heat,” said Parkinson. “This heat running now is totally different to my heat half an hour ago and the guys who paddle out next are really going to struggle on the high tide. It’s a tricky contest and you just have to pick the eyes out of the best of the waves.”
Organisers will meet at 9am tomorrow to assess conditions and will then make a call regarding continuing the event.
The forecast for the next few days indicate that the weather could turn nasty but swell permitting either round two or an expression session are likely to hit the water.
Going to press Bruce Irons (HAW) put on a phenomenal display scoring a near perfect total of 19.57 out of 20.
Pulling into two incredibly long stand-up barrels the Hawaiian had the crowd baying for more.
Results round one (1st progresses to round 3, 2nd and 3rd to round 2)
HEAT 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.86; 2. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.70; Jarrad Howse (AUS) 7.00
HEAT 2: 1. Tim Reyes (USA) 17.66; 2. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 11.40; 3. Roy Powers (HAW) 9.23
HEAT 3: 1. David Weare (ZAF) 15.67; Taylor Knox (USA) 11.67; 3. Luke Stedman (AUS) 6.00
HEAT 4: 1. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 14.17; 2. Toby Martin (AUS) 13.84; 3. Bobby Martinez (USA) 3.83
HEAT 5: 1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.07; 2. Cory Lopez (USA) 12.84; 3. Pedro Henrique (BRA) 7.06
HEAT 6: 1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.60; 2. Yuri Sodre (BRA) 13.74; Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.17
HEAT 7: 1. Trent Munro (AUS) 13.50; 2. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.17; Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.16
HEAT 8: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 15.67; Joan Duru (FRA) 10.13; Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.94
HEAT 9: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 16.24; 2. Patrick Bevan (FRA) 9.32; 3. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 8.07
HEAT 10: 1. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 12.40; 2. Jeremy Flores (REU) 10.90; Taj Burrow (AUS) 8.67
HEAT 11: 1. Dean Morrison (AUS) 15.66; 2. Mikael Picon (FRA) 14.66; Chris Ward (USA) 8.50
HEAT 12: 1. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 16.83; 2. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 5.33; Victor Ribas (BRA) 4.50
HEAT 13: 1. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 13.00; 2. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 9.73; Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 8.33
HEAT 14: 1. Danny Wills (AUS) 10.50; Jake Paterson (AUS) 6.67; Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 1.80
HEAT 15: 1. Bruce Irons (HAW) 19.57; 2. Mick Lowe (AUS) 6.07; 3. Paulo Moura (BRA) 4.80
HEAT 16: 1. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 16.67; 2. CJ Hobgood (USA) 9.50; Tiago Pires (PRT) 6.40
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
And while both have now earned themselves an automatic spot in the round three draw, fellow title contender Taj Burrow (AUS) finished second in his heat and will now have to surf in round two.
The event, the eight of 11 on this year’s tour was held in incredible two metre (six feet) plus beachbreak-type waves at Hossegor located in the south of France and spectacular barrel riding was the norm.
Slater and Irons were two of the standouts of the day as both found plenty of time riding inside the bellies of some sand-crunching beasts.
Slater, who is eyeing off an unprecedented eighth world crown, looked relaxed and demonstrated that he certainly has the wares to go all the way.
He was extremely amped up by the prospect of surfing in such fun waves today.
“I was excited to see the high tide move in and that shorebreak start happening,” said Slater. “There is the potential for some incredible waves, it’s really similar to like Hawaiian sandbar and there are some really good ones.”
And while the waves were enjoyable they were challenging with getting the better of Slater forcing him to fall and whack his head on the sand bottom.
“I got smacked down on a few,” said Slater. “I ate it on about five or six. I hit my head pretty hard coming in on my last wave and it gave me a headache. But it was fun…”
Slater defeated wildcard Joan Duru (FRA) and tour legend Mark Occhilupo (AUS).
Irons meanwhile tore into his heat to surpass Patrick Bevan (FRA) and Shaun Cansdell (AUS) with relative ease.
The reigning event champion has stated on numerous occasions that the Quiksilver Pro France is one of his favourite tournaments and given that he has won here the past three years he was oozing with confidence today.
“I’ve had a really good run here for the last couple of years,” said Irons. “I’m definitely not counting on anything but I’m going to go out there and surf my best as that’s all I can do… it actually looks a lot like Hawaii, it’s just beautiful.”
Using tactical play the former three-time world champion was eager to get off to a good start in the heat and build momentum.
He was fearful his rival Bevan, a local at the break, might cause an upset so he paddled in behind the Frenchmen and forced him to pull out of a wave.
I wanted to get a wave right away,” said Irons. “He is a real dangerous guy out here as it’s his local break. I went up and paddled around him and he didn’t know what was happening at first, he just kicked out and I pulled in behind him and weaved my way through the whitewater.”
The day for Burrow however was one to forget as the West Australian struggled to find the waves necessary to give him big scores.
He was trumped by the ever-consistent Greg Emslie (ZAF) who put on a solid display after using executing a perfect game plan.
“It’s pretty tough out there and I was just trying to work out different game plans,” said Emslie. “I was just trying to figure out what to do. Half way through the heat none of us where getting too many scores. And I told myself just to relax and just try and pick off some medium ones and I was pretty lucky. I got a 6.5 and a 6.0 so it paid off. I put myself in the ball game and the other guys couldn’t get scores with all the closeouts. So I’m really happy.”
Emslie was pleased he didn’t suffer the same fate as Slater and cop a beating at the hands of the powerful waves.
“It’s breaking really really hard,” said Emslie. “But I was lucky I didn’t have any beatings. I just picked my waves really well. You can see the closeouts when they come and you just have to wait till that wedgy peak comes and that’s the one you’ve got to go on. There’s not much you can do on a closeout, so you just have to sit and wait for a good one to come to you.”
Leading the charge for the Brazilians today was tube maestro Raoni Monteiro.
The feisty natural footer charged into some waves of consequence and came out of the heat with one of the highest totals of the day a 16.83 out of 20.
From his first wave where locked in a 7.50 to his last where he scored a 9.33 he was never in doubt for the win.
“There are a couple of bombs out there,” said Monteiro. “I got the first good one which was a 7.5 and then I tried to catch something else to back it up, but it was hard to find a good wave that was open. I got a couple of low scores and then my last wave was a 9.33. I’m just so stoked. It was hard out there, but I got two good waves and made the heat so I’m stoked.”
Also turning heads today was Joel Parkinson (AUS) who in the early part of the day grabbed some well-overhead waves to defeat Cory Lopez (USA) and Pedro Henrique (BRA).
The ever-relaxed Parkinson played a super-cool game and easily claimed the win in what he called were challenging conditions.
“It goes heat by heat,” said Parkinson. “This heat running now is totally different to my heat half an hour ago and the guys who paddle out next are really going to struggle on the high tide. It’s a tricky contest and you just have to pick the eyes out of the best of the waves.”
Organisers will meet at 9am tomorrow to assess conditions and will then make a call regarding continuing the event.
The forecast for the next few days indicate that the weather could turn nasty but swell permitting either round two or an expression session are likely to hit the water.
Going to press Bruce Irons (HAW) put on a phenomenal display scoring a near perfect total of 19.57 out of 20.
Pulling into two incredibly long stand-up barrels the Hawaiian had the crowd baying for more.
Results round one (1st progresses to round 3, 2nd and 3rd to round 2)
HEAT 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.86; 2. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.70; Jarrad Howse (AUS) 7.00
HEAT 2: 1. Tim Reyes (USA) 17.66; 2. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 11.40; 3. Roy Powers (HAW) 9.23
HEAT 3: 1. David Weare (ZAF) 15.67; Taylor Knox (USA) 11.67; 3. Luke Stedman (AUS) 6.00
HEAT 4: 1. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 14.17; 2. Toby Martin (AUS) 13.84; 3. Bobby Martinez (USA) 3.83
HEAT 5: 1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.07; 2. Cory Lopez (USA) 12.84; 3. Pedro Henrique (BRA) 7.06
HEAT 6: 1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.60; 2. Yuri Sodre (BRA) 13.74; Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.17
HEAT 7: 1. Trent Munro (AUS) 13.50; 2. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.17; Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.16
HEAT 8: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 15.67; Joan Duru (FRA) 10.13; Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.94
HEAT 9: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 16.24; 2. Patrick Bevan (FRA) 9.32; 3. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 8.07
HEAT 10: 1. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 12.40; 2. Jeremy Flores (REU) 10.90; Taj Burrow (AUS) 8.67
HEAT 11: 1. Dean Morrison (AUS) 15.66; 2. Mikael Picon (FRA) 14.66; Chris Ward (USA) 8.50
HEAT 12: 1. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 16.83; 2. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 5.33; Victor Ribas (BRA) 4.50
HEAT 13: 1. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 13.00; 2. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 9.73; Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 8.33
HEAT 14: 1. Danny Wills (AUS) 10.50; Jake Paterson (AUS) 6.67; Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 1.80
HEAT 15: 1. Bruce Irons (HAW) 19.57; 2. Mick Lowe (AUS) 6.07; 3. Paulo Moura (BRA) 4.80
HEAT 16: 1. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 16.67; 2. CJ Hobgood (USA) 9.50; Tiago Pires (PRT) 6.40
HEAT 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Jeremy Flores (REU)
HEAT 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Tiago Pires (PRT)
HEAT 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 8: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 9: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 11: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 13: Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Paulo Moura (BRA)
HEAT 16: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
LAY DAY CALLED FOR DAY ONE OF QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE
HOSSEGOR, France (Friday, September 22, 2006) – With swell conditions being somewhat out of control at Hossegor in the south of France, organisers of the Quiksilver Pro presented by Evian have decided to call a lay day for today, Friday September 22.
It was indicated however that tomorrow, Saturday September 23, would play host to either round one of the main event or an expression session featuring many of the top 45 competitors on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour.
Event swell forecasters are insistent that excellent conditions are predicted for the bulk of the tournament’s waiting period so it was an obvious decision to wait until optimum waves are present.
There is much anticipation surrounding round one with the first heat of the day featuring the previous event winner Bede Durbidge (AUS) up against Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Jarrad Howse (AUS).
There is also plent of chatter surrounding Kelly Slater (USA) and the impact that a win here for him would have on the world title race.
If Slater does pull a win out of the bag in the Quiksilver Pro France, he is in prime shooting position for a title wrap up going into the next event at Mundaka which begins on October 3.
Meanwhile Taj Burrow (AUS) and defending event champion Andy Irons (HAW) will be out to thwart Slater's campaign given both are still outside chances of taking the lead.
Both however must win with Slater finishing way back in the field.
The round one draw is as follows:
HEAT 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 2: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Luke Stedman (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT4: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Fred Patacchia (HAW) Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs Cory Lopez (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Trent Munro (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs Jeremy Flores (FRA)
HEAT 11: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs Chris Ward (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 13: Phil Macdonald (AUS) vs Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 14: Danny Wills (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 15: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 16: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Troy Brooks (AUS) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Quiksilver and ASP will host the LIVE webcast of the event daily on
www.quiksilver.com and www.aspworldtour.com
Not only will every heat be beamed to the world live, in depth expert commentary from former world champions, highlights replays, special guests and more will make the online spectacle a not to be missed extravaganza!
Surfer’s profiles, stats and man on man matchup stats are also available on www.aspworldtour.com
It was indicated however that tomorrow, Saturday September 23, would play host to either round one of the main event or an expression session featuring many of the top 45 competitors on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour.
Event swell forecasters are insistent that excellent conditions are predicted for the bulk of the tournament’s waiting period so it was an obvious decision to wait until optimum waves are present.
There is much anticipation surrounding round one with the first heat of the day featuring the previous event winner Bede Durbidge (AUS) up against Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Jarrad Howse (AUS).
There is also plent of chatter surrounding Kelly Slater (USA) and the impact that a win here for him would have on the world title race.
If Slater does pull a win out of the bag in the Quiksilver Pro France, he is in prime shooting position for a title wrap up going into the next event at Mundaka which begins on October 3.
Meanwhile Taj Burrow (AUS) and defending event champion Andy Irons (HAW) will be out to thwart Slater's campaign given both are still outside chances of taking the lead.
Both however must win with Slater finishing way back in the field.
The round one draw is as follows:
HEAT 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 2: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Luke Stedman (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT4: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Fred Patacchia (HAW) Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs Cory Lopez (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Trent Munro (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Patrick Bevan (FRA)
HEAT 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs Jeremy Flores (FRA)
HEAT 11: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs Chris Ward (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 13: Phil Macdonald (AUS) vs Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 14: Danny Wills (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 15: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 16: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Troy Brooks (AUS) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Quiksilver and ASP will host the LIVE webcast of the event daily on
www.quiksilver.com and www.aspworldtour.com
Not only will every heat be beamed to the world live, in depth expert commentary from former world champions, highlights replays, special guests and more will make the online spectacle a not to be missed extravaganza!
Surfer’s profiles, stats and man on man matchup stats are also available on www.aspworldtour.com
PROMISING FORECAST FOR QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE PRESENTED BY EVIAN
HOSSEGOR, France (Thursday, September 22, 2006) – Surfers competing in the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Evian are at the ready as the waiting period for the eighth event on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour begins tomorrow, Friday September 22.
And with the immediate swell forecast looking extremely promising there is every chance that the event could kick off in quality waves in the morning.
“We are looking at a large north west swell building through Friday and Saturday, with good conditions expected in the mornings over the weekend,” said Ben Matson of swellnet.com.au “And while Monday and Tuesday may be bumpy with onshore winds and an easing swell, the second half of next week is looking very promising for sizeable waves.”
Surfers have been drifting into the surf side town of Hossegor, located in the south of France, over the past 24 hours and having just finished competing in the last event less than six days ago will be fighting jetlag and fatigue before taking on the first round if it goes ahead tomorrow.
But given that these surfers are the best of the best, the standard as always will be mind-blowing as they tackle the first 16 heats of round one.
As is the standard format of Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour events, first place in round one will move through to round three, earning themselves a break, while second and third will go into round two.
The first heat of the event will showcase recent event winner Bede Durbidge (AUS) up against Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Jarrad Howse (AUS).
The round one draw is as follows:
HEAT 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 2: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Luke Stedman (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT4: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Fred Patacchia (HAW) Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs Cory Lopez (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Trent Munro (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs wildcard
HEAT 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs wildcard
HEAT 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs wildcard
HEAT 11: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs Chris Ward (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 13: Phil Macdonald (AUS) vs Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 14: Danny Wills (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 15: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 16: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Troy Brooks (AUS) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
The wildcards will be made up of Jeremy Flores (FRA), Joan Duru (FRA) and the winner of the trials event held today, Patrick Bevan (FRA). At time of going to press their position in the draw were unavailable.
And with the immediate swell forecast looking extremely promising there is every chance that the event could kick off in quality waves in the morning.
“We are looking at a large north west swell building through Friday and Saturday, with good conditions expected in the mornings over the weekend,” said Ben Matson of swellnet.com.au “And while Monday and Tuesday may be bumpy with onshore winds and an easing swell, the second half of next week is looking very promising for sizeable waves.”
Surfers have been drifting into the surf side town of Hossegor, located in the south of France, over the past 24 hours and having just finished competing in the last event less than six days ago will be fighting jetlag and fatigue before taking on the first round if it goes ahead tomorrow.
But given that these surfers are the best of the best, the standard as always will be mind-blowing as they tackle the first 16 heats of round one.
As is the standard format of Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour events, first place in round one will move through to round three, earning themselves a break, while second and third will go into round two.
The first heat of the event will showcase recent event winner Bede Durbidge (AUS) up against Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Jarrad Howse (AUS).
The round one draw is as follows:
HEAT 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 2: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Nathan Hedge (AUS) vs Roy Powers (HAW)
HEAT 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Luke Stedman (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT4: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs Fred Patacchia (HAW) Toby Martin (AUS)
HEAT 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs Cory Lopez (USA) vs Pedro Henrique (BRA)
HEAT 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs Travis Logie (ZAF) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Trent Munro (AUS) vs Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs wildcard
HEAT 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs wildcard
HEAT 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs wildcard
HEAT 11: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs Chris Ward (USA) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 13: Phil Macdonald (AUS) vs Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
HEAT 14: Danny Wills (AUS) vs Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 15: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Mick Lowe (AUS)
HEAT 16: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Troy Brooks (AUS) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
The wildcards will be made up of Jeremy Flores (FRA), Joan Duru (FRA) and the winner of the trials event held today, Patrick Bevan (FRA). At time of going to press their position in the draw were unavailable.
SLATER EAGER TO MAKE HIS MARK ON QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE
HOSSEGOR, FRANCE: September 20: – With less than six days and two continents separating events on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, there is no rest for the wicked as surfers board planes, trains and automobiles to get from San Clemente, California to Hossegor in the south of France to compete in the Quiksilver Pro France beginning on September 22.
The Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley was run and won by Australian underdog Bede Durbidge and there are many questions as to whether he can back up his result and become a real force on the 2006 Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour.
And while that is a big possibility, the big concern at the moment is whether runner up in the that event held at Trestles (as aforementioned located in Southern California), and seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) will take another win (his third this season) and in turn, put himself in a position where he can easily steal an unprecedented eighth world crown.
Slater, the phenomenon of the last decade and a half, is confident that he can go all the way, but at the same time he is wary that his rivals Taj Burrow (AUS) and three-time world champ Andy Irons (HAW), who sit in second and third on the ratings respectively could come home in front and steal his thunder.
"I’m honestly not too worried about it [the rankings],” said Slater. “I’ve looked at the points already. I know what the points are and where we stand. Realistically, Taj [Burrow] and I aren’t that far apart. One slip up by me, and Taj can jump right past me. If both of us slip up, we can let Andy [Irons] right back in the door.”
Slater knows he has to be at his best to take the win, given Irons has a three-year unbeaten record at Hossegor and will be brimming with confidence going into the event.
“France has proven to be Andy’s event,” said Slater. “Winning three years in a row... For some reason, it’s just a contest that suits him pretty well."
On his mindset going into France and the rest of the tour in Mundaka, Spain, Imbituba, Brazil and then Pipeline, Hawaii, Slater is not showing any signs of weakness.
"I feel good,” said Slater. “I’ve just been thinking about the next few events in my head. It’s been years since… but I have won in Hossegor before. I’ve had thirds and I’ve won Mundaka, and I won Brazil a couple times so it’s been a good little stretch for me... so if I can keep that up, by the end of the year I should be in good stead.”
Stay tuned to all the action on www.aspworldtour.com and www.quiksilver.com
Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour ratings going into event #8 Quiksilver Pro France:
1. Kelly Slater 6141
2. Taj Burrow 5558
3. Andy Irons 4965
4. Bobby Martinez 4643
5. Taylor Knox 4470
6. Joel Parkinson 4384
7. Damien Hobgood 4367
8. Mick Fanning 4309
9. Tim Reyes 4175
10. Bede Durbidge 3939
The Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley was run and won by Australian underdog Bede Durbidge and there are many questions as to whether he can back up his result and become a real force on the 2006 Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour.
And while that is a big possibility, the big concern at the moment is whether runner up in the that event held at Trestles (as aforementioned located in Southern California), and seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) will take another win (his third this season) and in turn, put himself in a position where he can easily steal an unprecedented eighth world crown.
Slater, the phenomenon of the last decade and a half, is confident that he can go all the way, but at the same time he is wary that his rivals Taj Burrow (AUS) and three-time world champ Andy Irons (HAW), who sit in second and third on the ratings respectively could come home in front and steal his thunder.
"I’m honestly not too worried about it [the rankings],” said Slater. “I’ve looked at the points already. I know what the points are and where we stand. Realistically, Taj [Burrow] and I aren’t that far apart. One slip up by me, and Taj can jump right past me. If both of us slip up, we can let Andy [Irons] right back in the door.”
Slater knows he has to be at his best to take the win, given Irons has a three-year unbeaten record at Hossegor and will be brimming with confidence going into the event.
“France has proven to be Andy’s event,” said Slater. “Winning three years in a row... For some reason, it’s just a contest that suits him pretty well."
On his mindset going into France and the rest of the tour in Mundaka, Spain, Imbituba, Brazil and then Pipeline, Hawaii, Slater is not showing any signs of weakness.
"I feel good,” said Slater. “I’ve just been thinking about the next few events in my head. It’s been years since… but I have won in Hossegor before. I’ve had thirds and I’ve won Mundaka, and I won Brazil a couple times so it’s been a good little stretch for me... so if I can keep that up, by the end of the year I should be in good stead.”
Stay tuned to all the action on www.aspworldtour.com and www.quiksilver.com
Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour ratings going into event #8 Quiksilver Pro France:
1. Kelly Slater 6141
2. Taj Burrow 5558
3. Andy Irons 4965
4. Bobby Martinez 4643
5. Taylor Knox 4470
6. Joel Parkinson 4384
7. Damien Hobgood 4367
8. Mick Fanning 4309
9. Tim Reyes 4175
10. Bede Durbidge 3939
RANK OUTSIDER BEDE DURBIDGE WINS BOOST MOBILE PRO
SAN CLEMENTE, California (September 16, 2006) – Rank outsider Bede Durbidge (AUS) has shocked the sporting world with an amazing win in the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley, held at Lower Trestles in California.
In what was his very first Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour final, the lanky naturalfooter who hails from Queensland, Australia’s Gold Coast, upset seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA).
From the outset he surfed the event with utmost maturity not letting his more seasoned rivals’ status get the better of him. Along the way he disposed of some of the sport’s biggest names including, three time world champion Andy Irons (HAW), local favorite Chris Ward (USA) and currently ranked world number two Taj Burrow (AUS).
But given his form and reputation it was almost expected that Slater would dominate the 30-minute showdown, yet today he met his match in the 23-year-old Durbidge who, after blasting some huge open face carves mixed with some quality aerial turns, came home strong late in the heat to claim the trophy.
For Durbidge, who was seeded into this year’s tour as an alternate after former Boost Mobile Pro winner Richie Lovett (AUS) withdrew for the year due to a major illness, the win was by far and wide the ultimate highlight of his two-year top tour career.
He even went so far to say that this year in total has been the best year of his life.
"It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” cheered Durbidge. “It’s the best year of my life! I’ve proposed to my fiancé Taryn and I’ve won my first event and everything’s just happened for me this year!
"I’m pretty much blown away but I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that I’ve had the potential to win,” Durbidge continued. “I knew the crowd was going to hype it up and I knew that if he (Kelly Slater) got anywhere near it, he was going to get it. I was just praying that no waves would come to him and it all happened for me."
The result has launched Durbidge into the highly touted top 10 on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, a position that he hopes to maintain.
"It was a really crucial comp for me on many fronts,” said Durbidge “It’s actually changed my thinking. My goals for this year have changed. I want to be top-10 now!"
Durbidge also acknowledged Lovett’s situation as being motivation for him to win today.
"I wouldn’t even be in this event if it wasn’t for Richie [Lovett],” said Durbidge. “And I feel for him so much. It’s a freak thing that happened to him and I had a second chance at making this year’s tour because of him and he’s the nicest guy. I gave him a big hug when I came in and he congratulated me and I said ’thanks so much.’ He was a previous winner here too and that’s what all the boys were saying before I paddled out, ‘well Rich could do it, you can do it.’"
Earlier in the season Slater was singing Durbidge’s praises stating that he was sometimes quite intimidated by his surfing.
“You can’t count Bede [Durbidge] out,” said Slater today. “He’s a tough competitor and he’s only a two year pro on the tour but he’s like a seasoned vet because he just doesn’t show his emotions when he’s surfing. You don’t hear him get frustrated or too excited. He’s very calm and gets the job done."
Speaking on the final Slater attributed poor tactics from him as being the catalyst for his loss, but in the scheme of the tour ratings he was happy to claim the result.
"The whole final went down to where I had priority and I let him go on the first wave of a set,” said Slater. “He got the 7.3 and had I got the 7.3, I would have been leading at that point. I would have actually been in the game.
“I’m happy to make the final,” said Slater. “I’ve looked at the points already. I know what the points are and where we stand. Realistically, Taj and I aren’t that far apart. One slip up by me and Taj can jump right past me. If both of us slip up, we can let Andy (Irons) right back in the door.
Finishing in equal third was Australia’s Dean Morrison who was a standout in the earlier rounds.
Unfortunately in the first semifinal Slater had his measure as he struggled to find a decent wave.
Morrison was still analyzing the situation and couldn’t see how he could have done any more to defeat the current ratings leader.
“It’s kind of hard to judge,” said Morrison. “I just waited and there wasn’t much that could have been done I don’t think. Maybe had I gone on some other waves in that heat I might have done better but I knew I had to wait to get the good ones... but I don’t know.”
The third place finish is a “keeper” for Morrison and he’ll use the confidence gained here to launch a full on assault on the next Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour event in France.
"Even after I lost that heat I just put it behind me,” said Morrison. “ When you look at it the scheme of things I still got a good result and I’ll look forward to France."
For Burrow, the result was a big disappointment. His hopes of meeting Slater in the final in a rematch situation of the first tour event this year held on the Gold Coast, Australia, were dashed.
After being arguably the form surfer of the event and a huge crowd favorite, his roll was ended at the hands of Durbidge when he failed to complete the few quality waves he caught with his usual mind blowing flair.
"It was hard. I’m devastated,” said Burrow. “I did everything wrong and Bede [Durbidge] did everything right. He waited and got that one good wave and got the job done. I panicked and there were hardly any waves that allowed you to get any turns in. I’m just devastated. I’m so bummed. I wish I’d just calmed down and tried to pick those ones – there’s not many so you have to be selective.”
Burrow was desperate for an event win so he could stay in touch with Slater hence the emotional scenes of slapping the water with frustration when his semi was completed.
"It’s not often that I’m angry with third but it’s all about winning,” said a determined Burrow. “It’s especially tough too when Kelly’s in the final and in form. But then again it’s better than Kelly winning and me getting last so I’ll just have to move on to the next one."
The “next one” is of course the Quiksilver Pro France, held at the very scenic Hossegor in the country’s south from September 22 to October 1.
Looking at the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour ratings Slater still holds the lead with Burrow and Irons hotly contesting in second and third.
The win for Durbidge has seen him jump into the top 10.
See full ratings below.
For all the athlete quotes, audio downloads, TV feed details and heat-by-heat reports head to the media centre of www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
Results:
Round Four:
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.17 def. Danny Wills (AUS) 11.17
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.00
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.14 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 15.67
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.60 def. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 15.33
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.06 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 10.70
Heat 6: Chris Ward (AUS) 14.83 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 12.50
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.73 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.23
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) 13.83 def. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 13.10
Quarterfinals:
Quarterfinal 1: Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.50 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.67
Quarterfinal 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.13 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44
Quarterfinal 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.83 def. Chris Ward (USA) 13.27
Quarterfinal 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.10 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 9.84
Semifinals:
Semifinal 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.10 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 7.74
Semifinal 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.00 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 8.67
Final:
Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.83 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 10.84
Current Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour top 10 ratings after event number seven:
1. Kelly Slater 6141
2. Taj Burrow 5558
3. Andy Irons 4965
4. Bobby Martinez 4643
5. Taylor Knox 4470
6. Joel Parkinson 4384
7. Damien Hobgood 4367
8. Mick Fanning 4309
9. Tim Reyes 4175
10. Bede Durbidge 3939
In what was his very first Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour final, the lanky naturalfooter who hails from Queensland, Australia’s Gold Coast, upset seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA).
From the outset he surfed the event with utmost maturity not letting his more seasoned rivals’ status get the better of him. Along the way he disposed of some of the sport’s biggest names including, three time world champion Andy Irons (HAW), local favorite Chris Ward (USA) and currently ranked world number two Taj Burrow (AUS).
But given his form and reputation it was almost expected that Slater would dominate the 30-minute showdown, yet today he met his match in the 23-year-old Durbidge who, after blasting some huge open face carves mixed with some quality aerial turns, came home strong late in the heat to claim the trophy.
For Durbidge, who was seeded into this year’s tour as an alternate after former Boost Mobile Pro winner Richie Lovett (AUS) withdrew for the year due to a major illness, the win was by far and wide the ultimate highlight of his two-year top tour career.
He even went so far to say that this year in total has been the best year of his life.
"It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” cheered Durbidge. “It’s the best year of my life! I’ve proposed to my fiancé Taryn and I’ve won my first event and everything’s just happened for me this year!
"I’m pretty much blown away but I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that I’ve had the potential to win,” Durbidge continued. “I knew the crowd was going to hype it up and I knew that if he (Kelly Slater) got anywhere near it, he was going to get it. I was just praying that no waves would come to him and it all happened for me."
The result has launched Durbidge into the highly touted top 10 on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, a position that he hopes to maintain.
"It was a really crucial comp for me on many fronts,” said Durbidge “It’s actually changed my thinking. My goals for this year have changed. I want to be top-10 now!"
Durbidge also acknowledged Lovett’s situation as being motivation for him to win today.
"I wouldn’t even be in this event if it wasn’t for Richie [Lovett],” said Durbidge. “And I feel for him so much. It’s a freak thing that happened to him and I had a second chance at making this year’s tour because of him and he’s the nicest guy. I gave him a big hug when I came in and he congratulated me and I said ’thanks so much.’ He was a previous winner here too and that’s what all the boys were saying before I paddled out, ‘well Rich could do it, you can do it.’"
Earlier in the season Slater was singing Durbidge’s praises stating that he was sometimes quite intimidated by his surfing.
“You can’t count Bede [Durbidge] out,” said Slater today. “He’s a tough competitor and he’s only a two year pro on the tour but he’s like a seasoned vet because he just doesn’t show his emotions when he’s surfing. You don’t hear him get frustrated or too excited. He’s very calm and gets the job done."
Speaking on the final Slater attributed poor tactics from him as being the catalyst for his loss, but in the scheme of the tour ratings he was happy to claim the result.
"The whole final went down to where I had priority and I let him go on the first wave of a set,” said Slater. “He got the 7.3 and had I got the 7.3, I would have been leading at that point. I would have actually been in the game.
“I’m happy to make the final,” said Slater. “I’ve looked at the points already. I know what the points are and where we stand. Realistically, Taj and I aren’t that far apart. One slip up by me and Taj can jump right past me. If both of us slip up, we can let Andy (Irons) right back in the door.
Finishing in equal third was Australia’s Dean Morrison who was a standout in the earlier rounds.
Unfortunately in the first semifinal Slater had his measure as he struggled to find a decent wave.
Morrison was still analyzing the situation and couldn’t see how he could have done any more to defeat the current ratings leader.
“It’s kind of hard to judge,” said Morrison. “I just waited and there wasn’t much that could have been done I don’t think. Maybe had I gone on some other waves in that heat I might have done better but I knew I had to wait to get the good ones... but I don’t know.”
The third place finish is a “keeper” for Morrison and he’ll use the confidence gained here to launch a full on assault on the next Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour event in France.
"Even after I lost that heat I just put it behind me,” said Morrison. “ When you look at it the scheme of things I still got a good result and I’ll look forward to France."
For Burrow, the result was a big disappointment. His hopes of meeting Slater in the final in a rematch situation of the first tour event this year held on the Gold Coast, Australia, were dashed.
After being arguably the form surfer of the event and a huge crowd favorite, his roll was ended at the hands of Durbidge when he failed to complete the few quality waves he caught with his usual mind blowing flair.
"It was hard. I’m devastated,” said Burrow. “I did everything wrong and Bede [Durbidge] did everything right. He waited and got that one good wave and got the job done. I panicked and there were hardly any waves that allowed you to get any turns in. I’m just devastated. I’m so bummed. I wish I’d just calmed down and tried to pick those ones – there’s not many so you have to be selective.”
Burrow was desperate for an event win so he could stay in touch with Slater hence the emotional scenes of slapping the water with frustration when his semi was completed.
"It’s not often that I’m angry with third but it’s all about winning,” said a determined Burrow. “It’s especially tough too when Kelly’s in the final and in form. But then again it’s better than Kelly winning and me getting last so I’ll just have to move on to the next one."
The “next one” is of course the Quiksilver Pro France, held at the very scenic Hossegor in the country’s south from September 22 to October 1.
Looking at the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour ratings Slater still holds the lead with Burrow and Irons hotly contesting in second and third.
The win for Durbidge has seen him jump into the top 10.
See full ratings below.
For all the athlete quotes, audio downloads, TV feed details and heat-by-heat reports head to the media centre of www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
Results:
Round Four:
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.17 def. Danny Wills (AUS) 11.17
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.00
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.14 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 15.67
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.60 def. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 15.33
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.06 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 10.70
Heat 6: Chris Ward (AUS) 14.83 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 12.50
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.73 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.23
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) 13.83 def. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 13.10
Quarterfinals:
Quarterfinal 1: Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.50 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.67
Quarterfinal 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.13 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44
Quarterfinal 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.83 def. Chris Ward (USA) 13.27
Quarterfinal 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.10 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 9.84
Semifinals:
Semifinal 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.10 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 7.74
Semifinal 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.00 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 8.67
Final:
Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.83 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 10.84
Current Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour top 10 ratings after event number seven:
1. Kelly Slater 6141
2. Taj Burrow 5558
3. Andy Irons 4965
4. Bobby Martinez 4643
5. Taylor Knox 4470
6. Joel Parkinson 4384
7. Damien Hobgood 4367
8. Mick Fanning 4309
9. Tim Reyes 4175
10. Bede Durbidge 3939
FINAL DAY OF BOOST MOBILE PRO UNDERWAY NOW
SAN CLEMENTE, California (September 16, 2006) – The final day of the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley is underway now with Mick Fanning (AUS) versus Danny Wills (AUS) in heat one.
The day will precede through round four, the quarter finals, semis and of course the big one… the final – which will hit the water around 3pm local time.
All heats will be man-on-man match-ups with sudden death elimination for the loser.
All eyes will be on Kelly Slater (USA), who with a win here will move ever so close to winning his eighth world crown.
Attempting to thwart his assault will be Taj Burrow (AUS) and Andy Irons (HAW) who both could potentially overtake him with a win.
Burrow in particular will have his work cut out for him when he faces Mark Occhilupo (AUS) in round four heat seven.
Log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com now for all the live action.
Round Four Heat Draw: (1st advances to the Quarterfinals; 2nd finishes equal 9th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Daniel Wills (AUS)
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 4: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs. Phil Macdonald (AUS)
The day will precede through round four, the quarter finals, semis and of course the big one… the final – which will hit the water around 3pm local time.
All heats will be man-on-man match-ups with sudden death elimination for the loser.
All eyes will be on Kelly Slater (USA), who with a win here will move ever so close to winning his eighth world crown.
Attempting to thwart his assault will be Taj Burrow (AUS) and Andy Irons (HAW) who both could potentially overtake him with a win.
Burrow in particular will have his work cut out for him when he faces Mark Occhilupo (AUS) in round four heat seven.
Log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com now for all the live action.
Round Four Heat Draw: (1st advances to the Quarterfinals; 2nd finishes equal 9th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Daniel Wills (AUS)
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 4: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs. Phil Macdonald (AUS)
BURROW IGNITES AS SWELL BUILDS FOR BOOST MOBILE PRO
SAN CLEMENTE, California (September 15, 2006) – Currently ranked number two in the world, Taj Burrow (AUS), raised the performance bar today when he launched aerial after aerial to make his way through to round four of the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley.
The event, the seventh of 11 on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour was held today in excellent one to two metre (three to six foot) conditions and from heat one right through to heat 16 it was excitement plus.
When Burrow hit the water it was anticipated that he would charge hard given that he has the potential, if he claims the event, to close the gap on or even overtake ratings leader, seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA), but no-one expected a show like they saw today.
Burrow flowed from one huge turn to the next executing some lightening quick gouges in the critical wave sections with razor sharp precision and with his opening ride scoring an excellent 9.60 out of 10 he had his foe Roy Powers (HAW) completely on the back foot.
It was obvious that Burrow was enjoying every minute of the experience.
“I was really happy out there,” said Burrow. “These are pretty much my favorite conditions for doing turns. When you get the lineup to yourself out there it’s just the best feeling.”
Burrow was enjoying himself so much he admitted he had trouble maintaining his excitement.
“The waves that come to you out there are so much fun,” said Burrow. “I get too excited… I just want to surf my best. My boards are going great and I’m really keen to do a good job here."
While Burrow had the top score of the day (18.43 out of 20) it was 40-year-old Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour legend Mark Occhilupo (AUS) who won the hearts and the vocal support of the massive crowd on hand.
The mighty “Occy” looked like an ecstatic grommet in the walling Trestles waves, showing incredibly loose form right from his first wave where he scored an 8.17.
But before the screaming masses could take their seats he turned and locked into another great ride where he drove deep off the bottom of the wave and launched five amazing backhand re-entries to score a 9.43.
“It happened quick,” said Occhilupo. “I was just trying to take the inside and I’m happy I did. I tried as hard as I could because I’m pretty scared of Fred [Patacchia] – I haven’t surfed against him before."
Occhilupo always finds great confidence in the larger conditions and is hoping that the swell builds even further as has been forecast.
"The smaller conditions favor Fred and a lot of the new guys because there are more aerial opportunities,” said Occhilupo. “Because it was a bit bigger I had to try harder and looks like it will be bigger tomorrow as well, so I’m stoked."
Occhilupo then refuted the suggestions from the ensuing media throng that he was aging like a fine wine.
"I don’t know about that!” he laughed. “I’ve just found a good board and am doing what I can do."
Indicating that he still has plenty of fight left in the 2006 world title race was Hawaiian three-time champion of the world Andy Irons (HAW).
While Australian Toby Martin threw all he could at Irons, he just couldn’t peg the Hawaiian back after Irons powered into some of the better rides of the day.
Irons, who sat waiting for nearly 10 minutes to get his first ride, drew motivation from Martin’s solid start and lifted himself to come from behind to round out some hugely explosive off the tops on his first wave.
"You just got to take it the way it comes,” said Irons. “Toby [Martin] was getting a bit happy and he was smiling. I get so pissed when guys start to do that to me because he had his scores in and sometimes the heat can go bad and no more waves will come in."
Luckily for Irons, however, some excellent waves began to go his way and he drove the heat all the way home.
"I had to be patient and get only the right waves,” said Irons. “It’s really slow and the first one to catch waves would always be in a solid position because if there’s another 15-minute lull then you’re in trouble. I got an 8.50 on the first wave and got an 8.57 on the second wave so it went all right from there."
Leading the way for the Brazilians was pint-sized goofyfoot veteran Victor Ribas (BRA).
Coming from behind to defeat rookie Bobby Martinez (USA) in what was a nail biter.
Ribas, left his run right until the last wave where he notched up an 8.33 to hit the front just as the hooter sounded.
Ribas was thrilled with the result given that he had had such a battle and because he had claimed the result in one of his favourite locations.
“I really wanted to make this heat,” said Ribas. “The waves are very nice here in California. I love this place. Last year here, I got ninth place and hopefully I can out do that.
Ribas is also hoping he can emulate last year where he went on from this event to requalify for the 2006 top tour.
“I think this is the time of the year when my body is ready for the good results," said Ribas. “I’m enjoying the tour - it’s like I’m just starting again. I feel like a kid."
With the waves predicted to further increase in size over night all are anticipating tomorrow, the final day of the event, to be one of the most exciting of the season to date.
All eyes will be on Kelly Slater (USA) who with a win here will move ever so close to winning his eighth world crown.
Attempting to thwart his assault will be Burrow and Irons who both could potentially overtake him with a win.
Plus the likes of Mick Fanning (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Damien Hobgood and local favourite Chris Ward won’t be giving up without a fight.
Check back in to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com at 7.30am sharp where the LIVE webcast will begin the day followed by the first heat at 8am.
For the full run down of today’s play head to either site’s media centre where athlete quotes, audio downloads, video highlights and heat by heat reports can be found.
Round Three Results: (1st advances to Round Four; 2nd finishes equal 17th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.00 def. Marcelo Nunes (USA) 14.67
Heat 2: Danny Wills (AUS) 14.50 def. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 12.66
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.34
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.83 def. Jarrad Howse (AUS) 9.83
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.13 def. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 12.50
Heat 6: Tim Reyes (USA) 15.26 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 13.00
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 13.07 def. Trent Munro (AUS) 12.13
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.83 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 9.00
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) def. Toby Martin (AUS)
Heat 10: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.24 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 14.17
Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) 13.93 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 13.83
Heat 12: Travis Logie (ZAF) def. Tom Whitaker (AUS)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.43 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 10.83
Heat 14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 17.60 def. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 12.67
Heat 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) 16.53 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 15.83
Heat 16: Phil MacDonald (AUS) 14.57 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.46
Round Four Heat Draw: (1st advances to the Quarterfinals; 2nd finishes equal 9th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Daniel Wills (AUS)
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 4: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs. Phil Macdonald (AUS)
The event, the seventh of 11 on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour was held today in excellent one to two metre (three to six foot) conditions and from heat one right through to heat 16 it was excitement plus.
When Burrow hit the water it was anticipated that he would charge hard given that he has the potential, if he claims the event, to close the gap on or even overtake ratings leader, seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA), but no-one expected a show like they saw today.
Burrow flowed from one huge turn to the next executing some lightening quick gouges in the critical wave sections with razor sharp precision and with his opening ride scoring an excellent 9.60 out of 10 he had his foe Roy Powers (HAW) completely on the back foot.
It was obvious that Burrow was enjoying every minute of the experience.
“I was really happy out there,” said Burrow. “These are pretty much my favorite conditions for doing turns. When you get the lineup to yourself out there it’s just the best feeling.”
Burrow was enjoying himself so much he admitted he had trouble maintaining his excitement.
“The waves that come to you out there are so much fun,” said Burrow. “I get too excited… I just want to surf my best. My boards are going great and I’m really keen to do a good job here."
While Burrow had the top score of the day (18.43 out of 20) it was 40-year-old Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour legend Mark Occhilupo (AUS) who won the hearts and the vocal support of the massive crowd on hand.
The mighty “Occy” looked like an ecstatic grommet in the walling Trestles waves, showing incredibly loose form right from his first wave where he scored an 8.17.
But before the screaming masses could take their seats he turned and locked into another great ride where he drove deep off the bottom of the wave and launched five amazing backhand re-entries to score a 9.43.
“It happened quick,” said Occhilupo. “I was just trying to take the inside and I’m happy I did. I tried as hard as I could because I’m pretty scared of Fred [Patacchia] – I haven’t surfed against him before."
Occhilupo always finds great confidence in the larger conditions and is hoping that the swell builds even further as has been forecast.
"The smaller conditions favor Fred and a lot of the new guys because there are more aerial opportunities,” said Occhilupo. “Because it was a bit bigger I had to try harder and looks like it will be bigger tomorrow as well, so I’m stoked."
Occhilupo then refuted the suggestions from the ensuing media throng that he was aging like a fine wine.
"I don’t know about that!” he laughed. “I’ve just found a good board and am doing what I can do."
Indicating that he still has plenty of fight left in the 2006 world title race was Hawaiian three-time champion of the world Andy Irons (HAW).
While Australian Toby Martin threw all he could at Irons, he just couldn’t peg the Hawaiian back after Irons powered into some of the better rides of the day.
Irons, who sat waiting for nearly 10 minutes to get his first ride, drew motivation from Martin’s solid start and lifted himself to come from behind to round out some hugely explosive off the tops on his first wave.
"You just got to take it the way it comes,” said Irons. “Toby [Martin] was getting a bit happy and he was smiling. I get so pissed when guys start to do that to me because he had his scores in and sometimes the heat can go bad and no more waves will come in."
Luckily for Irons, however, some excellent waves began to go his way and he drove the heat all the way home.
"I had to be patient and get only the right waves,” said Irons. “It’s really slow and the first one to catch waves would always be in a solid position because if there’s another 15-minute lull then you’re in trouble. I got an 8.50 on the first wave and got an 8.57 on the second wave so it went all right from there."
Leading the way for the Brazilians was pint-sized goofyfoot veteran Victor Ribas (BRA).
Coming from behind to defeat rookie Bobby Martinez (USA) in what was a nail biter.
Ribas, left his run right until the last wave where he notched up an 8.33 to hit the front just as the hooter sounded.
Ribas was thrilled with the result given that he had had such a battle and because he had claimed the result in one of his favourite locations.
“I really wanted to make this heat,” said Ribas. “The waves are very nice here in California. I love this place. Last year here, I got ninth place and hopefully I can out do that.
Ribas is also hoping he can emulate last year where he went on from this event to requalify for the 2006 top tour.
“I think this is the time of the year when my body is ready for the good results," said Ribas. “I’m enjoying the tour - it’s like I’m just starting again. I feel like a kid."
With the waves predicted to further increase in size over night all are anticipating tomorrow, the final day of the event, to be one of the most exciting of the season to date.
All eyes will be on Kelly Slater (USA) who with a win here will move ever so close to winning his eighth world crown.
Attempting to thwart his assault will be Burrow and Irons who both could potentially overtake him with a win.
Plus the likes of Mick Fanning (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Damien Hobgood and local favourite Chris Ward won’t be giving up without a fight.
Check back in to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com at 7.30am sharp where the LIVE webcast will begin the day followed by the first heat at 8am.
For the full run down of today’s play head to either site’s media centre where athlete quotes, audio downloads, video highlights and heat by heat reports can be found.
Round Three Results: (1st advances to Round Four; 2nd finishes equal 17th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.00 def. Marcelo Nunes (USA) 14.67
Heat 2: Danny Wills (AUS) 14.50 def. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 12.66
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.34
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.83 def. Jarrad Howse (AUS) 9.83
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.13 def. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 12.50
Heat 6: Tim Reyes (USA) 15.26 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 13.00
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 13.07 def. Trent Munro (AUS) 12.13
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.83 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 9.00
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) def. Toby Martin (AUS)
Heat 10: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.24 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 14.17
Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) 13.93 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 13.83
Heat 12: Travis Logie (ZAF) def. Tom Whitaker (AUS)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.43 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 10.83
Heat 14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 17.60 def. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 12.67
Heat 15: Victor Ribas (BRA) 16.53 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 15.83
Heat 16: Phil MacDonald (AUS) 14.57 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.46
Round Four Heat Draw: (1st advances to the Quarterfinals; 2nd finishes equal 9th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Daniel Wills (AUS)
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 4: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) vs. Phil Macdonald (AUS)
LAY DAY CALLED FOR BOOST MOBILE PRO PRESENTED BY HURLEY
SAN CLEMENTE, California (September 14, 2006) – With small waves and onshore winds hounding the Californian coast this morning, organizers of the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley have decided to call a lay day for the event today.
With two days needed to complete the seventh event on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour and with the waiting period running out till Saturday organisers will wait until tomorrow, where a new swell is predicted to arrive, before continuing with round three.
It is also forecast that the final day on Saturday will have excellent conditions. And with a hotly contested draw, the climax to the event should be one of the most exciting of the tour season to date.
“We have a strong south wind and a dropping swell today,” said contest director Mike Parsons. “So with such ugly conditions we had no choice but to call the event off for the day. The forecast shows better conditions for Friday and Saturday as a new swell is expected to arrive so we should see a great finish to the event.”
To review the earlier rounds and for all the information concerning the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley, head to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
The sites contain earlier round heat-by-heat rundowns, audio downloads, video highlights and transcriptions of athlete quotes.
Round Three Heat Draw: (1st advances to Round Four; 2nd finishes equal 17th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
Heat 2: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. Nathan Hedge (AUS)
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Heat 6: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Toby Martin (AUS)
Heat 10: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs. Frederick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 15: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 16: Phillip Macdonald (AUS) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Taking centre stage today will be the Hurley “Key’s To The Continent” event.
The unique format sees competition in a team-style situation with surfers from each continent joining forces to battle against other continent based teams.
Each surfer will paddle out and count their best individual wave scores, plus a third “shared” wave, where surfers from the same team have to ride a wave together.
After the trials, the best three regions will enter into the final, where their early round scores will carry over.
The winning team gets to share the prizes with every Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour surfer from that region, even though only two surfers actually compete.
The “shared” aspect of Hurley’s “Keys to the Continent” event was first introduced two years ago at the Kelly Slater Invitational in Fiji.
The concept was created by the seven-time world champ to make the competition more interesting and exciting for everyone involved.
Stay tuned to the live webcast of the event beginning at 10.30am local time.
With two days needed to complete the seventh event on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour and with the waiting period running out till Saturday organisers will wait until tomorrow, where a new swell is predicted to arrive, before continuing with round three.
It is also forecast that the final day on Saturday will have excellent conditions. And with a hotly contested draw, the climax to the event should be one of the most exciting of the tour season to date.
“We have a strong south wind and a dropping swell today,” said contest director Mike Parsons. “So with such ugly conditions we had no choice but to call the event off for the day. The forecast shows better conditions for Friday and Saturday as a new swell is expected to arrive so we should see a great finish to the event.”
To review the earlier rounds and for all the information concerning the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley, head to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
The sites contain earlier round heat-by-heat rundowns, audio downloads, video highlights and transcriptions of athlete quotes.
Round Three Heat Draw: (1st advances to Round Four; 2nd finishes equal 17th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
Heat 2: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. Nathan Hedge (AUS)
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Heat 6: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Toby Martin (AUS)
Heat 10: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs. Frederick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 15: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 16: Phillip Macdonald (AUS) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Taking centre stage today will be the Hurley “Key’s To The Continent” event.
The unique format sees competition in a team-style situation with surfers from each continent joining forces to battle against other continent based teams.
Each surfer will paddle out and count their best individual wave scores, plus a third “shared” wave, where surfers from the same team have to ride a wave together.
After the trials, the best three regions will enter into the final, where their early round scores will carry over.
The winning team gets to share the prizes with every Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour surfer from that region, even though only two surfers actually compete.
The “shared” aspect of Hurley’s “Keys to the Continent” event was first introduced two years ago at the Kelly Slater Invitational in Fiji.
The concept was created by the seven-time world champ to make the competition more interesting and exciting for everyone involved.
Stay tuned to the live webcast of the event beginning at 10.30am local time.
LOCALS TAKE REVENGE IN BOOST MOBILE PRO ROUND TWO
SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA (September 13, 2006) – Local California surfers Chris Ward (USA) and Tim Reyes (USA) staked a serious claim for the winners trophy at the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley today.
Both surfers, who put on indifferent performances yesterday, returned to the spotlight in round two after digging deep to find their best form when they overcame their foes Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and now retired Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour legend Rob Machado (USA).
Ward, who surfs at Trestles, California (the location of the event) on a regular basis, showed that his local knowledge will carry him to the fore as his wave selection in the 30 minute encounter against Sullivan was spot on.
While Sullivan struggled to find a swell that would enable him to gain the big scores required, Ward was in tune snatching a wave that initially looked dubious but walled up and allowed him to notch up one of the biggest scores of the day.
Executing some huge vertical re-entries followed by an even bigger aerial manoeuvre where he traveled for at least one meter (three feet) above the wave, Ward had his throng of local supporters punching the air in appreciation.
"I knew it was going to be difficult,” said Ward. “Pancho’s a solid surfer and a really good competitor. I just didn’t want to hold back so I let loose with all I had and tried to have fun. I tried my best to stick all my turns. The waves are really good so how could you not have fun? It’s perfect out there."
He also acknowledged the crowd support and his confidence while surfing at his home break.
"I’m on my home turf here,” said Ward. “I enjoy surfing this wave because I know it and because it’s a high-performance wave like Jeffreys Bay [located in South Africa, the previous stop on the tour]. You can do everything out there from off-the-lips to airs to cutbacks. You can just go on and on."
Ward struggled somewhat last year after succumbing to an ankle injury and just recently he injured his knee. He is eager to return to fitness and lock down a good result.
"I’m just going to be surfing a lot,” said Ward. “I want to build strength in my leg. I’m riding the bike a lot and getting my endurance up. Hopefully I can get a good result here and get back on track."
Reyes, who hails from Huntington Beach just 30 minutes drive north of Trestles, displayed that he has the goods to go all the way in the event after he held off a strong charge from Machado.
Machado, who with Kelly Slater (USA) was an icon of the sport in the ’90s and early 2000s is now in retirement but was coaxed to come back to the tour for the one-off show as a wildcard.
Reyes was in no way intimidated by Machado’s status as he unleashed some scintillating rounded carves in the pocket to score the highest total of the day – 16.34 out of 20.
"You can never doubt Rob,” said Reyes. “He is a legend… an amazing surfer. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve had videos of him. He won the US Open at Huntington recently and I’m sure he wanted to come here and do really well but so did I obviously!”
Reyes, like Ward is battling injury as he is having serious difficulty moving due to aggressive muscle tension.
"Last night, I was walking around and felt some tension on my hip,” said Reyes. “And by the time I got to the car I couldn’t actually lift my leg. Overnight, it seized up even worse and I couldn’t even walk down here. Luckily, the chiropractors worked on it and massaged it and I was able to hobble into the water and win the heat."
While Reyes dominated, the heat was still a close affair with Machado hanging in contention right up to the final hooter. Reyes was glad when it was all over.
"I would say that’s the hardest round two heat I’ve ever had,” said Reyes. “I don’t want to ever have one like that again. I had the last priority in the last couple of minutes and there was one last wave that got me over the line. To advance against Rob is an amazing victory for me, especially because both of us tried to be the best we could be out here today."
Also progressing through to round three today was rookie Adrian Buchan (AUS).
Buchan, who due to injury, has missed every event so far this year, was eager to make an impression and he couldn’t do more for his reputation than beat a red hot Bruce Irons (HAW).
The youngster, as expected, couldn’t believe his good fortune.
"I'm really stoked,” said Buchan. “Just really happy to beat Bruce [Irons] this morning. He's one of the guys I've looked up to since I was a grommet. It's good to get a win."
Buchan now has the formidable task of surfing against Slater in round three but rather than being scared he’s looking forward to the challenge.
"I've had a few heats with Kelly when I was younger,” said Buchan. “You want to be able to come up against the best guys and surf well - that's what the ASP World Tour is about!"
Flying the flag for Brazil today was veteran Peterson Rosa who claimed a win over fellow countryman Paulo Moura.
While Moura looked dangerous at times, Rosa oozed consistency and came up trumps with two solid rides late in the heat.
“It's very hard out there because the waves are inconsistent,” said Rosa. “It was a very close heat and it's very hard to compete against a close friend. I'm happy I made it through."
Rosa employed a vigorous training regime in between events and the benefits are obvious. He is also desperate to get a good result in order to keep his tour hopes alive.
“I come here everyday every morning to train and to practice,” said Rosa. “My boards feel very good to me. I need to do well. I'm 33rd right now and I need a good result."
South African Greg Emslie was another to impress today as he showed some career best form to take down Yuri Sodre (BRA).
The likeable South African is enjoying surfing more than ever, and it shows.
"I’m just feeling loose and not too nervous,” said Emslie. “I just feel like going out there and surfing. The waves are so much fun.
"I'm feeling good and I think the important thing is to go out there and to be pretty calm and relaxed with your surfing. It's such a rippable wave. As we go through the rounds I think the performances are going to go through the roof again."
Forecasts indicate that the swell may back off slightly overnight but will build again later in the week.
Round three will kick off tomorrow at 8am sharp with some great match-ups on the cards.
The day will begin with Mick Fanning (AUS) versus Marcelo Nunes (BRA) with 16 heats making up the program.
Head to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com for all the heat-by-heat rundowns, audio downloads, video highlights and transcriptions of athlete quotes.
Round Two Results: (1st advances to Round Three; 2nd finishes equal 33rd):
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.00 def Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.00
Heat 2: Taylor Knox (USA) def Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Heat 3: Tim Reyes (USA) 16.34 def. Rob Machado (USA) 15.00
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.57 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 10.50
Heat 5: Toby Martin (AUS) 11.87 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 10.5
Heat 6: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 14.50 def Yuri Sodre (BRA) 12.43
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 14.74 def Pedro Henrique (BRA) 14.10
Heat 8: Jarrad Howse (AUS) 15.60 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 11.33
Heat 9: Trent Munro (AUS) 15.50 def. David Weare (ZAF) 7.06
Heat 10: Fred Patacchia (HAW) 16.27 def. Mikael Picon (FRA) 12.50
Heat 11: Luke Stedman (AUS) 14.84 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.33
Heat 12: Victor Ribas (BRA) 13.27 def. Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 12.77
Heat 13: Chris Ward (USA) 16.16 def. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 12.10
Heat 14: Peterson Rosa (BRA) 14.50 def. Paulo Moura (BRA) 13.84
Heat 15: Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.40 def. Jake Paterson (AUS) 13.84
Heat 16: Troy Brooks (AUS) 13.00 def. Mick Lowe (AUS) 9.34
Round Three Heat Draw: (1st advances to Round Four; 2nd finishes equal 17th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
Heat 2: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. Nathan Hedge (AUS)
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Heat 6: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Toby Martin (AUS)
Heat 10: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs. Frederick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 15: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 16: Phillip Macdonald (AUS) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Both surfers, who put on indifferent performances yesterday, returned to the spotlight in round two after digging deep to find their best form when they overcame their foes Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and now retired Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour legend Rob Machado (USA).
Ward, who surfs at Trestles, California (the location of the event) on a regular basis, showed that his local knowledge will carry him to the fore as his wave selection in the 30 minute encounter against Sullivan was spot on.
While Sullivan struggled to find a swell that would enable him to gain the big scores required, Ward was in tune snatching a wave that initially looked dubious but walled up and allowed him to notch up one of the biggest scores of the day.
Executing some huge vertical re-entries followed by an even bigger aerial manoeuvre where he traveled for at least one meter (three feet) above the wave, Ward had his throng of local supporters punching the air in appreciation.
"I knew it was going to be difficult,” said Ward. “Pancho’s a solid surfer and a really good competitor. I just didn’t want to hold back so I let loose with all I had and tried to have fun. I tried my best to stick all my turns. The waves are really good so how could you not have fun? It’s perfect out there."
He also acknowledged the crowd support and his confidence while surfing at his home break.
"I’m on my home turf here,” said Ward. “I enjoy surfing this wave because I know it and because it’s a high-performance wave like Jeffreys Bay [located in South Africa, the previous stop on the tour]. You can do everything out there from off-the-lips to airs to cutbacks. You can just go on and on."
Ward struggled somewhat last year after succumbing to an ankle injury and just recently he injured his knee. He is eager to return to fitness and lock down a good result.
"I’m just going to be surfing a lot,” said Ward. “I want to build strength in my leg. I’m riding the bike a lot and getting my endurance up. Hopefully I can get a good result here and get back on track."
Reyes, who hails from Huntington Beach just 30 minutes drive north of Trestles, displayed that he has the goods to go all the way in the event after he held off a strong charge from Machado.
Machado, who with Kelly Slater (USA) was an icon of the sport in the ’90s and early 2000s is now in retirement but was coaxed to come back to the tour for the one-off show as a wildcard.
Reyes was in no way intimidated by Machado’s status as he unleashed some scintillating rounded carves in the pocket to score the highest total of the day – 16.34 out of 20.
"You can never doubt Rob,” said Reyes. “He is a legend… an amazing surfer. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve had videos of him. He won the US Open at Huntington recently and I’m sure he wanted to come here and do really well but so did I obviously!”
Reyes, like Ward is battling injury as he is having serious difficulty moving due to aggressive muscle tension.
"Last night, I was walking around and felt some tension on my hip,” said Reyes. “And by the time I got to the car I couldn’t actually lift my leg. Overnight, it seized up even worse and I couldn’t even walk down here. Luckily, the chiropractors worked on it and massaged it and I was able to hobble into the water and win the heat."
While Reyes dominated, the heat was still a close affair with Machado hanging in contention right up to the final hooter. Reyes was glad when it was all over.
"I would say that’s the hardest round two heat I’ve ever had,” said Reyes. “I don’t want to ever have one like that again. I had the last priority in the last couple of minutes and there was one last wave that got me over the line. To advance against Rob is an amazing victory for me, especially because both of us tried to be the best we could be out here today."
Also progressing through to round three today was rookie Adrian Buchan (AUS).
Buchan, who due to injury, has missed every event so far this year, was eager to make an impression and he couldn’t do more for his reputation than beat a red hot Bruce Irons (HAW).
The youngster, as expected, couldn’t believe his good fortune.
"I'm really stoked,” said Buchan. “Just really happy to beat Bruce [Irons] this morning. He's one of the guys I've looked up to since I was a grommet. It's good to get a win."
Buchan now has the formidable task of surfing against Slater in round three but rather than being scared he’s looking forward to the challenge.
"I've had a few heats with Kelly when I was younger,” said Buchan. “You want to be able to come up against the best guys and surf well - that's what the ASP World Tour is about!"
Flying the flag for Brazil today was veteran Peterson Rosa who claimed a win over fellow countryman Paulo Moura.
While Moura looked dangerous at times, Rosa oozed consistency and came up trumps with two solid rides late in the heat.
“It's very hard out there because the waves are inconsistent,” said Rosa. “It was a very close heat and it's very hard to compete against a close friend. I'm happy I made it through."
Rosa employed a vigorous training regime in between events and the benefits are obvious. He is also desperate to get a good result in order to keep his tour hopes alive.
“I come here everyday every morning to train and to practice,” said Rosa. “My boards feel very good to me. I need to do well. I'm 33rd right now and I need a good result."
South African Greg Emslie was another to impress today as he showed some career best form to take down Yuri Sodre (BRA).
The likeable South African is enjoying surfing more than ever, and it shows.
"I’m just feeling loose and not too nervous,” said Emslie. “I just feel like going out there and surfing. The waves are so much fun.
"I'm feeling good and I think the important thing is to go out there and to be pretty calm and relaxed with your surfing. It's such a rippable wave. As we go through the rounds I think the performances are going to go through the roof again."
Forecasts indicate that the swell may back off slightly overnight but will build again later in the week.
Round three will kick off tomorrow at 8am sharp with some great match-ups on the cards.
The day will begin with Mick Fanning (AUS) versus Marcelo Nunes (BRA) with 16 heats making up the program.
Head to www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com for all the heat-by-heat rundowns, audio downloads, video highlights and transcriptions of athlete quotes.
Round Two Results: (1st advances to Round Three; 2nd finishes equal 33rd):
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.00 def Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.00
Heat 2: Taylor Knox (USA) def Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Heat 3: Tim Reyes (USA) 16.34 def. Rob Machado (USA) 15.00
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.57 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 10.50
Heat 5: Toby Martin (AUS) 11.87 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 10.5
Heat 6: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 14.50 def Yuri Sodre (BRA) 12.43
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 14.74 def Pedro Henrique (BRA) 14.10
Heat 8: Jarrad Howse (AUS) 15.60 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 11.33
Heat 9: Trent Munro (AUS) 15.50 def. David Weare (ZAF) 7.06
Heat 10: Fred Patacchia (HAW) 16.27 def. Mikael Picon (FRA) 12.50
Heat 11: Luke Stedman (AUS) 14.84 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.33
Heat 12: Victor Ribas (BRA) 13.27 def. Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 12.77
Heat 13: Chris Ward (USA) 16.16 def. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 12.10
Heat 14: Peterson Rosa (BRA) 14.50 def. Paulo Moura (BRA) 13.84
Heat 15: Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.40 def. Jake Paterson (AUS) 13.84
Heat 16: Troy Brooks (AUS) 13.00 def. Mick Lowe (AUS) 9.34
Round Three Heat Draw: (1st advances to Round Four; 2nd finishes equal 17th)
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
Heat 2: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. Nathan Hedge (AUS)
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Heat 6: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Toby Martin (AUS)
Heat 10: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs. Frederick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 15: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 16: Phillip Macdonald (AUS) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
KILLER DRAW FOR BOOST MOBILE PRO ROUND TWO
SAN CLEMENTE, USA (September 13, 2006) – Spectators are lining the beach at Trestles, California, in anticipation of a killer start to day two of the Boost Mobile Pro with the first heat of the day underway now between the ever exciting Mick Fanning (AUS) and the wildcard wonder kid Dane Reynolds (USA).
Both are attacking the heat from different angles with Fanning needing a win to keep his slim Foster's ASP Men's World Tour title hopes alive, while the unrated Reynolds is merely looking to upset the apple cart and put on a big disply in front of the crowd.
Following on from the opening match-up, organisers will continue through to the end of round two today with the event wrapping up on Saturday.
Stay tuned to all the LIVE action on www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
Get on line now!
ROUND TWO HEAT DRAW:
HEAT 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Dane Reynolds (USA)
HEAT 2: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Jamie O’Brien
HEAT 3: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Rob Machado (USA)
HEAT 4: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Adrian Buchan
HEAT 5: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Toby Martin (USA)
HEAT 6: Greg Emslie (USA) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Pedro Henrique
HEAT 8: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 9: Trent Munro (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT 10: Fred Patacchia (HAW) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 11: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 12: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA)
HEAT 13: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Chris Ward (USA)
HEAT 14: Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
HEAT 15: Travis Logie (USA) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 16: Mick Lowe (AUS) vs Troy Brooks (AUS)
Both are attacking the heat from different angles with Fanning needing a win to keep his slim Foster's ASP Men's World Tour title hopes alive, while the unrated Reynolds is merely looking to upset the apple cart and put on a big disply in front of the crowd.
Following on from the opening match-up, organisers will continue through to the end of round two today with the event wrapping up on Saturday.
Stay tuned to all the LIVE action on www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
Get on line now!
ROUND TWO HEAT DRAW:
HEAT 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Dane Reynolds (USA)
HEAT 2: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Jamie O’Brien
HEAT 3: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Rob Machado (USA)
HEAT 4: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Adrian Buchan
HEAT 5: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Toby Martin (USA)
HEAT 6: Greg Emslie (USA) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Pedro Henrique
HEAT 8: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 9: Trent Munro (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT 10: Fred Patacchia (HAW) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 11: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 12: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA)
HEAT 13: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Chris Ward (USA)
HEAT 14: Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
HEAT 15: Travis Logie (USA) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 16: Mick Lowe (AUS) vs Troy Brooks (AUS)
MACDONALD LEADS THE CHARGE IN ROUND ONE OF BOOST MOBILE PRO
SAN CLEMENTE, USA (September 12, 2006) – It was high performance surfing all the way for the first day of the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley, which kicked off today in excellent conditions at Trestles in San Clemente, California.
With swell building throughout the day to a solid 1.5 to two metres (five to six feet), the best of the best had ample opportunity to impress the judges and the huge crowd on hand – and impress they did.
Leading the way by posting a massive total of 18.20 out of 20 was last year’s event runner-up Phil Macdonald (AUS) who literally smashed some solid waves to defeat Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and Travis Logie (ZAF).
Macdonald was solid during his performance even posting the highest individual wave score of the day a 9.60 out of 10 for a ride where he completed no less than five extra-large carving turns.
The powerful natural footer is eager to go one better than last year and hopefully claim his first Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour victory.
“I’m here and I want to make it back in that final and take it out,” said Macdonald. “It kind of inspires me because of what I did last year. I love this wave and my boards are feeling better than they did last year. The more that I think about it, I have a lot motivating me at the moment."
So far this year Macdonald has failed to reproduce the consistency of last year where he finished the tour rated number five so a good result here is very much needed.
"I haven’t done too well this year,” said Macdonald. “But I always seem to do all right in the second half of the season… plus I’m just really enjoying my surfing right now. I’ve got the surfing bug back and I feel like a grommet again!"
Joel Parkinson (AUS) was another to turn heads today, looking at ease as he swooped through some seering carves.
Parkinson was a victor here at the Boost Mobile Pro back in 2004 and his affinity with the location was obvious right throughout his demolition of Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) and Pedro Henrique (BRA).
Returning to the event after missing it last year due to injury Parkinson was pleased with his effort.
"I haven’t surfed a heat here since the final in 2004,” said Parkinson. “I hope I have a few more heats like that one. I didn’t get to surf here last year because I was injured so I still consider myself the defending champ in a way."
"I’ve always done well here,” he continued. “I really consider this to be one of my golden events – one where I often gain a lot of points and climb up the ratings. As long as I have a few things going my way and my boards go really well then I’ve basically done all the elements I can fit to make then good and the rest is up to Mother Nature. So as long as she’s happy with me, it’ll all work out."
Also turning up the heat today was world title hopeful Damien Hobgood (USA).
Hobgood has been in devastating form all year and showed that he has the ability and the tactics to go all the way and claim his second victory this year.
"I was fortunate enough to start out with a score,” said Hobgood. “There are a lot of big lulls especially with the high tide and that opening score definitely makes me more comfortable. I thought that if I could get another good score then I would have a chance."
Meanwhile ratings leader Kelly Slater (USA) was back to his best as he easily took a win in heats eight.
Slater stayed strong to hold of a charge from wildcard local, the ever-exciting Dane Reynolds (USA) and tour veteran Greg Emslie (ZAF).
“I’m just surfing relaxed,” said Slater. “You have to go out there and try to have some fun and stick to the game plan of watching the waves and the conditions and just surf the waves that will give me the best scores. It’s a pretty simple plan really."
"Trestles has been good to me. I had my first professional win out here when I was 18 and I’ve had a lot of good results. I’m always getting a fifth or better at this so I hope it stays that way."
Round two will resume tomorrow morning from 8am local time.
Forecasts look very positive for the week ahead with some solid overhead waves expected for Saturday when the event will be completed.
For transcribed and audio athlete quotes, TV news feed details and images head to the media section of www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
RESULTS:
HEAT 1: 1 Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.40; 2. David Weare (ZAF) 12.10; 3. Bruce Irons (HAW) 8.33
HEAT 2: 1. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 14.67; 2. Tim Reyes (USA) 9.48; Jarrad Howse (AUS) 8.50
HEAT 3: 1. Joel Parkinson (AUS)18.00; 2. Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 12.50; 3. Pedro Henrique (BRA) 11.37
HEAT 4: 1. Roy Powers (HAW) 13.43; 2. Luke Stedman (AUS) 12.87; 3. Taylor Knox (USA) 9.
HEAT 5: 1. Bobby Martinez 14.43; 2. Yuri Sodre (BRA) 14.06; Fred Patacchia (HAW) 9.43
HEAT 6: 1. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.86; Toby Martin (AUS) 13.50; Mick Fanning (AUS) 7.50
HEAT 7: 1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 16.83; Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.77; Trent Munro (AUS) 13.67
HEAT 8: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 16.30; 2. Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.60; Greg Emslie (ZAF) 14.36
HEAT 9: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 16.66; 2. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 15.23; Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 12.70
HEAT 10: 1. Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.27; 2. Rob Machado (USA) 14.40; 3. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.53
HEAT 11: 1. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 12.57; 2. CJ Hobgood 11.93; 3. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 8.46
HEAT 12: 1. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 15.20; 2. Mikael Picon (FRA) 14.10; Paulo Moura (BRA) 3.63
HEAT 13: 1. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 18.20; 2. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 16.27; 3. Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.84
HEAT 14: 1. Danny Wills (AUS) 14.83; Mick Lowe (AUS) 11.37; Victor Ribas (BRA) 10.30
HEAT 15: 1. Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.40; 2. Chris Ward (USA) 11.34; Troy Brooks (AUS) 9.67
ROUND TWO HEAT DRAW:
HEAT 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Dane Reynolds (USA)
HEAT 2: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Jamie O’Brien
HEAT 3: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Rob Machado (USA)
HEAT 4: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Adrian Buchan
HEAT 5: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Toby Martin (USA)
HEAT 6: Greg Emslie (USA) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Pedro Henrique
HEAT 8: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 9: Trent Munro (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT 10: Fred Patacchia (HAW) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 11: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 12: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA)
HEAT 13: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Chris Ward (USA)
HEAT 14: Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
HEAT 15: Travis Logie (USA) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 16: Mick Lowe (AUS) vs Troy Brooks (AUS)
With swell building throughout the day to a solid 1.5 to two metres (five to six feet), the best of the best had ample opportunity to impress the judges and the huge crowd on hand – and impress they did.
Leading the way by posting a massive total of 18.20 out of 20 was last year’s event runner-up Phil Macdonald (AUS) who literally smashed some solid waves to defeat Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and Travis Logie (ZAF).
Macdonald was solid during his performance even posting the highest individual wave score of the day a 9.60 out of 10 for a ride where he completed no less than five extra-large carving turns.
The powerful natural footer is eager to go one better than last year and hopefully claim his first Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour victory.
“I’m here and I want to make it back in that final and take it out,” said Macdonald. “It kind of inspires me because of what I did last year. I love this wave and my boards are feeling better than they did last year. The more that I think about it, I have a lot motivating me at the moment."
So far this year Macdonald has failed to reproduce the consistency of last year where he finished the tour rated number five so a good result here is very much needed.
"I haven’t done too well this year,” said Macdonald. “But I always seem to do all right in the second half of the season… plus I’m just really enjoying my surfing right now. I’ve got the surfing bug back and I feel like a grommet again!"
Joel Parkinson (AUS) was another to turn heads today, looking at ease as he swooped through some seering carves.
Parkinson was a victor here at the Boost Mobile Pro back in 2004 and his affinity with the location was obvious right throughout his demolition of Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) and Pedro Henrique (BRA).
Returning to the event after missing it last year due to injury Parkinson was pleased with his effort.
"I haven’t surfed a heat here since the final in 2004,” said Parkinson. “I hope I have a few more heats like that one. I didn’t get to surf here last year because I was injured so I still consider myself the defending champ in a way."
"I’ve always done well here,” he continued. “I really consider this to be one of my golden events – one where I often gain a lot of points and climb up the ratings. As long as I have a few things going my way and my boards go really well then I’ve basically done all the elements I can fit to make then good and the rest is up to Mother Nature. So as long as she’s happy with me, it’ll all work out."
Also turning up the heat today was world title hopeful Damien Hobgood (USA).
Hobgood has been in devastating form all year and showed that he has the ability and the tactics to go all the way and claim his second victory this year.
"I was fortunate enough to start out with a score,” said Hobgood. “There are a lot of big lulls especially with the high tide and that opening score definitely makes me more comfortable. I thought that if I could get another good score then I would have a chance."
Meanwhile ratings leader Kelly Slater (USA) was back to his best as he easily took a win in heats eight.
Slater stayed strong to hold of a charge from wildcard local, the ever-exciting Dane Reynolds (USA) and tour veteran Greg Emslie (ZAF).
“I’m just surfing relaxed,” said Slater. “You have to go out there and try to have some fun and stick to the game plan of watching the waves and the conditions and just surf the waves that will give me the best scores. It’s a pretty simple plan really."
"Trestles has been good to me. I had my first professional win out here when I was 18 and I’ve had a lot of good results. I’m always getting a fifth or better at this so I hope it stays that way."
Round two will resume tomorrow morning from 8am local time.
Forecasts look very positive for the week ahead with some solid overhead waves expected for Saturday when the event will be completed.
For transcribed and audio athlete quotes, TV news feed details and images head to the media section of www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
RESULTS:
HEAT 1: 1 Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.40; 2. David Weare (ZAF) 12.10; 3. Bruce Irons (HAW) 8.33
HEAT 2: 1. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 14.67; 2. Tim Reyes (USA) 9.48; Jarrad Howse (AUS) 8.50
HEAT 3: 1. Joel Parkinson (AUS)18.00; 2. Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 12.50; 3. Pedro Henrique (BRA) 11.37
HEAT 4: 1. Roy Powers (HAW) 13.43; 2. Luke Stedman (AUS) 12.87; 3. Taylor Knox (USA) 9.
HEAT 5: 1. Bobby Martinez 14.43; 2. Yuri Sodre (BRA) 14.06; Fred Patacchia (HAW) 9.43
HEAT 6: 1. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.86; Toby Martin (AUS) 13.50; Mick Fanning (AUS) 7.50
HEAT 7: 1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 16.83; Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.77; Trent Munro (AUS) 13.67
HEAT 8: 1. Kelly Slater (USA) 16.30; 2. Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.60; Greg Emslie (ZAF) 14.36
HEAT 9: 1. Andy Irons (HAW) 16.66; 2. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 15.23; Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 12.70
HEAT 10: 1. Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.27; 2. Rob Machado (USA) 14.40; 3. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.53
HEAT 11: 1. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 12.57; 2. CJ Hobgood 11.93; 3. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 8.46
HEAT 12: 1. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 15.20; 2. Mikael Picon (FRA) 14.10; Paulo Moura (BRA) 3.63
HEAT 13: 1. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 18.20; 2. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 16.27; 3. Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.84
HEAT 14: 1. Danny Wills (AUS) 14.83; Mick Lowe (AUS) 11.37; Victor Ribas (BRA) 10.30
HEAT 15: 1. Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.40; 2. Chris Ward (USA) 11.34; Troy Brooks (AUS) 9.67
ROUND TWO HEAT DRAW:
HEAT 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs Dane Reynolds (USA)
HEAT 2: Taylor Knox (USA) vs Jamie O’Brien
HEAT 3: Tim Reyes (USA) vs Rob Machado (USA)
HEAT 4: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs Adrian Buchan
HEAT 5: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs Toby Martin (USA)
HEAT 6: Greg Emslie (USA) vs Yuri Sodre (BRA)
HEAT 7: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs Pedro Henrique
HEAT 8: Cory Lopez (USA) vs Jarrad Howse (AUS)
HEAT 9: Trent Munro (AUS) vs David Weare (ZAF)
HEAT 10: Fred Patacchia (HAW) vs Mikael Picon (FRA)
HEAT 11: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 12: Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) vs Victor Ribas (BRA)
HEAT 13: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs Chris Ward (USA)
HEAT 14: Paulo Moura (BRA) vs Peterson Rosa (BRA)
HEAT 15: Travis Logie (USA) vs Jake Paterson (AUS)
HEAT 16: Mick Lowe (AUS) vs Troy Brooks (AUS)
BOOST MOBILE PRO UNDERWAY NOW!
Surfers competing in the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley have been greeted by excellent one metre (three foot) waves at Trestles, Southern California this morning as organisers blow the whistle for the start of round one.
Sixteen heats will make up the first day’s play with three-man heats the order, kicking off with heat one consisting of Bruce Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA) and David Weare (ZAF).
The Boost Mobile Pro will run straight through to Saturday September 16.
With the live webcast underway as we speak stay tuned to all the action on www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
The live webcast of the event will begin at approximately 7.35am (US East Coast time) each day with the “Dawn Patrol,” a live variety morning show hosted by former Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour competitor Pat O’Connell and Boost Mobile’s Mark Fewell, which will lead into competition start at 8am.
At the end of each day (approximately 5pm) a “Sunset Sessions” live afternoon show will be hosted by Peter King and Jodie Hillyard.
The shows will feature surfer interviews, highlight clips, celebrity and guest special appearances, swell forecasts, and analysis of each day’s competition.
During the live coverage throughout the day the Boost Mobile Pro commentary team will include professional sportscasters David Stanfield and Charlie Fox, pro surfers and media personalities Mike Parsons, Pat O’Connell, Peter King, Brock Little, Saxon Boucher and Jodie Hillyard, and Hurley model Rosie O’Laffertey.
Special guest appearances will also be made by Slater and former event winner Richie Lovett (USA) who has just recently returned to the water after he had a hip replacement due to cancer.
In addition to the live webcast, www.boostmobilepro.com is an interactive website with photos, video clips, downloads, and promotions to win great prizes.
Sixteen heats will make up the first day’s play with three-man heats the order, kicking off with heat one consisting of Bruce Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA) and David Weare (ZAF).
The Boost Mobile Pro will run straight through to Saturday September 16.
With the live webcast underway as we speak stay tuned to all the action on www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com
The live webcast of the event will begin at approximately 7.35am (US East Coast time) each day with the “Dawn Patrol,” a live variety morning show hosted by former Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour competitor Pat O’Connell and Boost Mobile’s Mark Fewell, which will lead into competition start at 8am.
At the end of each day (approximately 5pm) a “Sunset Sessions” live afternoon show will be hosted by Peter King and Jodie Hillyard.
The shows will feature surfer interviews, highlight clips, celebrity and guest special appearances, swell forecasts, and analysis of each day’s competition.
During the live coverage throughout the day the Boost Mobile Pro commentary team will include professional sportscasters David Stanfield and Charlie Fox, pro surfers and media personalities Mike Parsons, Pat O’Connell, Peter King, Brock Little, Saxon Boucher and Jodie Hillyard, and Hurley model Rosie O’Laffertey.
Special guest appearances will also be made by Slater and former event winner Richie Lovett (USA) who has just recently returned to the water after he had a hip replacement due to cancer.
In addition to the live webcast, www.boostmobilepro.com is an interactive website with photos, video clips, downloads, and promotions to win great prizes.
FOSTER’S ASP MEN’S WORLD TOUR TO RESUME TOMORROW AT BOOST MOBILE PRO PRESENTED BY HURLEY
SAN CLEMENTE, USA (September 11, 2006) –The full compliment of the top 45 surfers in the world will hit the water at Trestles, located just outside of San Clemente, Southern California, tomorrow for round one of the most prestigious surfing event on US soil, the Boost Mobile Pro of Surf presented by Hurley.
Throughout the previous six events held during this year, injuries have forced out numerous regular competitors on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, but after a lengthy break between events in the circuit all of the best of the best have confirmed they will take part in what will be a truly exciting affair.
The ratings race is hotting up as we head into the “business end” of the year and while seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) is leading, numerous surfers are still within striking range to claim the 2006 top gong.
Two surfers in Taj Burrow (AUS) and Andy Irons (HAW) could potentially overtake Slater with a win here this week.
Burrow in particular is eager for the tour to restart as he is renowned for putting on solid performances at Trestles and the upcoming locations of Hossegor, France and Mundaka in Spain, and after finishing second to Mick Fanning (AUS) in the last event at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, the flashy 28-year-old is brimming with confidence.
“Yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to surfing in the event at Trestles as I’ve had some good results there in the past few years,” said Burrow. “It’s a really fun wave and I enjoy surfing out there.”
The incredibly popular Burrow stated loudly at the beginning of 2006 that his sights were firmly fixed on winning his first world title – an honour which many of his peers have said should have been his a long time ago.
“It’s now or never!” said Burrow back in March. “ I had time out of the water last year due to injury and that really made me appreciate competitive surfing. It has heavily motivated me to go full on after the title.”
After his sterling finish in the last event, where he was narrowly beaten when he fell on a wave in the dying seconds of the final, his focus six months down the track is still prominent and while sitting in second place with 4682 points behind Slater’s 5109 he is eager for the chance to leapfrog into the lead.
“I’m really keen to win an event soon,” said Burrow. “From there I’m hoping I can go on and bump off ‘the big fellow’ [Slater].”
The Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley will kick off as stated tomorrow (September 12) and will run through until Saturday (September 16).
The live webcast of the event will begin on www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com at approximately 7.35am (US East Coast time) with the “Dawn Patrol,” a live variety morning show hosted by former Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour competitor Pat O’Connell and Boost Mobile’s Mark Fewell, which will lead into competition start at 8am.
At the end of each day (approximately 5pm) a “Sunset Sessions” live afternoon show will be hosted by Peter King and Jodie Hillyard.
The shows will feature surfer interviews, highlight clips, celebrity and guest special appearances, swell forecasts, and analysis of each day’s competition.
During the live coverage throughout the day the Boost Mobile Pro commentary team will include professional sportscasters David Stanfield and Charlie Fox, pro surfers and media personalities Mike Parsons, Pat O’Connell, Peter King, Brock Little, Saxon Boucher and Jodie Hillyard, and Hurley model Rosie O’Laffertey.
Special guest appearances will also be made by Slater and former event winner Richie Lovett (USA) who has just recently returned to the water after he had a hip replacement due to cancer.
In addition to the live webcast, www.boostmobilepro.com is an interactive website with photos, video clips, downloads, and promotions to win great prizes.
Throughout the previous six events held during this year, injuries have forced out numerous regular competitors on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, but after a lengthy break between events in the circuit all of the best of the best have confirmed they will take part in what will be a truly exciting affair.
The ratings race is hotting up as we head into the “business end” of the year and while seven-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) is leading, numerous surfers are still within striking range to claim the 2006 top gong.
Two surfers in Taj Burrow (AUS) and Andy Irons (HAW) could potentially overtake Slater with a win here this week.
Burrow in particular is eager for the tour to restart as he is renowned for putting on solid performances at Trestles and the upcoming locations of Hossegor, France and Mundaka in Spain, and after finishing second to Mick Fanning (AUS) in the last event at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, the flashy 28-year-old is brimming with confidence.
“Yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to surfing in the event at Trestles as I’ve had some good results there in the past few years,” said Burrow. “It’s a really fun wave and I enjoy surfing out there.”
The incredibly popular Burrow stated loudly at the beginning of 2006 that his sights were firmly fixed on winning his first world title – an honour which many of his peers have said should have been his a long time ago.
“It’s now or never!” said Burrow back in March. “ I had time out of the water last year due to injury and that really made me appreciate competitive surfing. It has heavily motivated me to go full on after the title.”
After his sterling finish in the last event, where he was narrowly beaten when he fell on a wave in the dying seconds of the final, his focus six months down the track is still prominent and while sitting in second place with 4682 points behind Slater’s 5109 he is eager for the chance to leapfrog into the lead.
“I’m really keen to win an event soon,” said Burrow. “From there I’m hoping I can go on and bump off ‘the big fellow’ [Slater].”
The Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley will kick off as stated tomorrow (September 12) and will run through until Saturday (September 16).
The live webcast of the event will begin on www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com at approximately 7.35am (US East Coast time) with the “Dawn Patrol,” a live variety morning show hosted by former Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour competitor Pat O’Connell and Boost Mobile’s Mark Fewell, which will lead into competition start at 8am.
At the end of each day (approximately 5pm) a “Sunset Sessions” live afternoon show will be hosted by Peter King and Jodie Hillyard.
The shows will feature surfer interviews, highlight clips, celebrity and guest special appearances, swell forecasts, and analysis of each day’s competition.
During the live coverage throughout the day the Boost Mobile Pro commentary team will include professional sportscasters David Stanfield and Charlie Fox, pro surfers and media personalities Mike Parsons, Pat O’Connell, Peter King, Brock Little, Saxon Boucher and Jodie Hillyard, and Hurley model Rosie O’Laffertey.
Special guest appearances will also be made by Slater and former event winner Richie Lovett (USA) who has just recently returned to the water after he had a hip replacement due to cancer.
In addition to the live webcast, www.boostmobilepro.com is an interactive website with photos, video clips, downloads, and promotions to win great prizes.
CHELSEA GEORGESON WINS THE RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE
SEIGNOSSE, France (Monday, Sept. 4, 2006) – Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), the reigning ASP Women’s World Champion, has defended her Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle title today with a win over current world No. 1 Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) at Les Bourdaines today.
Georgeson remains third on the ASP ratings, but has lessened the gap between her and world No. 2 Layne Beachley (AUS). Redman-Carr who fell to second in the world last week, is back on top after her runner-up finish to Georgeson.
“I’m just happy to have my first win this year.” Georgeson said. “It feels like forever since my last win at Maui. It’s definitely been a hard start to the year, because Mel’s just been on fire. She won the first three contests of the year and there hasn’t been a whole lot of room for anyone else up there at the top. At the same time, it’s really good competition.”
Georgeson commanded today’s thirty-minute all-Australian final, leaving Redmann-Carr needing a combination of two excellent scoring waves to overtake her. This marks Georgeson’s third ASP Women’s World Tour victory in France – her first was in 2003.
“France has always been a really special place for me,” Georgeson said. “I love coming here, I love the people and the place. To come first here again feels really good and hopefully next year I can make it three in a row."
Though no easy task, the current world champ is still mathematically capable of defending her world crown. She will, however, need to win at least two of the three remaining events on this year’s tour.
"Right now, each contest is about trying to get a win because that’s all I can do to get the world title back and that’s what it’s going to take to get it back,” Georgeson said. “You can’t win it with seconds and thirds, it’s going to takes firsts at the moment. I’ve only got one win, Mel’s got three, but hopefully I can do this in the next three contests – just do what I did here, be really focused and hope everything comes together for me."
Things have definitely been coming together for Redman-Carr. Her result today marks her fourth podium finish in five events. Though she was decidedly beaten by Georgeson in the final, the 33-year-old Western Australian leaves France in a commanding position.
"I was really happy to make it into the finals; I had already regained my ratings lead at that point, but I didn’t really feel like I was in the final – I just felt like I was drifting around out there,” Redman-Carr said. “Chelsea got the best waves today and I probably missed one or two. I just mistimed them, so it was just quite boring for me out there – I was just drifting around out there hoping it would end."
Redman-Carr eliminated Silvana Lima (BRA) en route to the final in much the same fashion. Lima, who has had an excellent rookie season, only caught three waves during their semifinal heat.
"The waves were good, but I couldn’t catch them because I was paddling for the wrong ones.” Lima said. “It was a good heat but luck was definitely on Mel’s side, not mine. Overall it was a good experience, getting another third place is a good result for me. I just hope I can do better next time. I’m gaining experience on the WCT and am in a good position on the ratings – I’m focused and hoping to keep doing well."
Jessi Miley-Dyer, current world No. 4 and the ASP Women’s World Tour’s only other 2006 rookie, was beaten by Georgeson in their semifinal heat after only catching one wave.
“I’m stoked just to make it through to the semis and get another strong result,” Miley-Dyer said. “Chels surfed really good and when people surf really well like that, you can’t really do much about it. Maybe if I’d caught two waves I could have given myself a better chance!”
The next event on the 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour is the Havaianas Beachley Classic in Sydney, Australia in October.
FINAL: 1st earns US$10,000, 2nd earns US$6,000
Final: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 15.65 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 10.25
SEMIFINALS: 1st advances to Final, 2nd finishes equal 3rd and earns US$4,250
Semifinal 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 11.00 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 2.30
Semifinal 2: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 13.75 def. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 5.00
ASP Women’s World Tour Ratings After the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle
1. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 4752 points
2. Layne Beachley (AUS) 4452 points
3. Chelsea Georgeson 4044 points
4. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 2808 points
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 2796 points
6. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 2580 points
7. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2568 points
8. Heather Clark (ZAF) 2388 points
9. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 2376 points
10. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 2196 points
10. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 2196 points
12. Megan Abubo (HAW) 2184 points
12. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 2184 points
13. Julia Christian (USA) 1992 points
15. Trudy Todd (AUS) 1632 points
16. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 1440 points
17. Serena Brooke (AUS) 1260 points
Georgeson remains third on the ASP ratings, but has lessened the gap between her and world No. 2 Layne Beachley (AUS). Redman-Carr who fell to second in the world last week, is back on top after her runner-up finish to Georgeson.
“I’m just happy to have my first win this year.” Georgeson said. “It feels like forever since my last win at Maui. It’s definitely been a hard start to the year, because Mel’s just been on fire. She won the first three contests of the year and there hasn’t been a whole lot of room for anyone else up there at the top. At the same time, it’s really good competition.”
Georgeson commanded today’s thirty-minute all-Australian final, leaving Redmann-Carr needing a combination of two excellent scoring waves to overtake her. This marks Georgeson’s third ASP Women’s World Tour victory in France – her first was in 2003.
“France has always been a really special place for me,” Georgeson said. “I love coming here, I love the people and the place. To come first here again feels really good and hopefully next year I can make it three in a row."
Though no easy task, the current world champ is still mathematically capable of defending her world crown. She will, however, need to win at least two of the three remaining events on this year’s tour.
"Right now, each contest is about trying to get a win because that’s all I can do to get the world title back and that’s what it’s going to take to get it back,” Georgeson said. “You can’t win it with seconds and thirds, it’s going to takes firsts at the moment. I’ve only got one win, Mel’s got three, but hopefully I can do this in the next three contests – just do what I did here, be really focused and hope everything comes together for me."
Things have definitely been coming together for Redman-Carr. Her result today marks her fourth podium finish in five events. Though she was decidedly beaten by Georgeson in the final, the 33-year-old Western Australian leaves France in a commanding position.
"I was really happy to make it into the finals; I had already regained my ratings lead at that point, but I didn’t really feel like I was in the final – I just felt like I was drifting around out there,” Redman-Carr said. “Chelsea got the best waves today and I probably missed one or two. I just mistimed them, so it was just quite boring for me out there – I was just drifting around out there hoping it would end."
Redman-Carr eliminated Silvana Lima (BRA) en route to the final in much the same fashion. Lima, who has had an excellent rookie season, only caught three waves during their semifinal heat.
"The waves were good, but I couldn’t catch them because I was paddling for the wrong ones.” Lima said. “It was a good heat but luck was definitely on Mel’s side, not mine. Overall it was a good experience, getting another third place is a good result for me. I just hope I can do better next time. I’m gaining experience on the WCT and am in a good position on the ratings – I’m focused and hoping to keep doing well."
Jessi Miley-Dyer, current world No. 4 and the ASP Women’s World Tour’s only other 2006 rookie, was beaten by Georgeson in their semifinal heat after only catching one wave.
“I’m stoked just to make it through to the semis and get another strong result,” Miley-Dyer said. “Chels surfed really good and when people surf really well like that, you can’t really do much about it. Maybe if I’d caught two waves I could have given myself a better chance!”
The next event on the 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour is the Havaianas Beachley Classic in Sydney, Australia in October.
FINAL: 1st earns US$10,000, 2nd earns US$6,000
Final: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 15.65 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 10.25
SEMIFINALS: 1st advances to Final, 2nd finishes equal 3rd and earns US$4,250
Semifinal 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 11.00 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 2.30
Semifinal 2: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 13.75 def. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 5.00
ASP Women’s World Tour Ratings After the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle
1. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 4752 points
2. Layne Beachley (AUS) 4452 points
3. Chelsea Georgeson 4044 points
4. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 2808 points
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 2796 points
6. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 2580 points
7. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2568 points
8. Heather Clark (ZAF) 2388 points
9. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 2376 points
10. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 2196 points
10. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 2196 points
12. Megan Abubo (HAW) 2184 points
12. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 2184 points
13. Julia Christian (USA) 1992 points
15. Trudy Todd (AUS) 1632 points
16. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 1440 points
17. Serena Brooke (AUS) 1260 points
REMAINING RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE HEATS UNDERWAY
SEIGNOSSE, France (Monday, Sept. 4, 2006) –Rookies Silvana Lima (BRA) and Jessi-Miley Dyer (AUS) as well as reigning world champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) will make their second semifinal appearances in two events at the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle today.
Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), who was absent from her first semifinal of eight ASP Women’s World Tour events last week, will round out the foursome at Les Bourdaines today.
Layne Beachley was in her position at last week’s Brazil event, but was ousted by Miley-Dyer in yesterday’s quarterfinal round – revenge for the rookie after being beaten by Beachley in the Brazilian final.
Georgeson is defending champion of this event, Lima has earned the events only nine-point rides and Redman-Carr will regain the ASP Women’s World Tour ratings lead regardless of today’s outcome.
Semifinal Heats: (1st advances to the Final; 2nd finishes equal 3rd and earns US$4,250)
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
Heat 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), who was absent from her first semifinal of eight ASP Women’s World Tour events last week, will round out the foursome at Les Bourdaines today.
Layne Beachley was in her position at last week’s Brazil event, but was ousted by Miley-Dyer in yesterday’s quarterfinal round – revenge for the rookie after being beaten by Beachley in the Brazilian final.
Georgeson is defending champion of this event, Lima has earned the events only nine-point rides and Redman-Carr will regain the ASP Women’s World Tour ratings lead regardless of today’s outcome.
Semifinal Heats: (1st advances to the Final; 2nd finishes equal 3rd and earns US$4,250)
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
Heat 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
NO SURFING AT THE RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE TODAY
SEIGNOSSE, France (Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006) – Shifty peaks and wave consistency are to blame for an empty lineup at Les Estagnots today.
After three and a half hours of wave assessment, and despite a surge in swell, contest officials have decided to call the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle off today and will utilize the remaining three days of the waiting period instead.
This could bode well for Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) who, having recently married her shaper Jason Hedges, had the luxury of having him shape her board yesterday after hers were lost in transit.
“Jase shaped me one yesterday and it got glassed last night,”
Georgeson said. “I had to use a board I sold to a shop here after last year’s contest yesterday. I went in there and saw it sitting on the rack and was like ‘hey, can I borrow that please!’”
Not quite as fortunate is Serena Brooke (AUS) who also lost her boards and will be borrowing one from Megan Abubo (HAW) to surf Round 2 once it commences.
The Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle is a critical event for both Brooke and Georgeson. Without a solid result here and in the remaining three events of the year, Brooke will not requalify for the 2007 ASP Women’s World Tour. Georgeson needs a win if she wants to retain her world crown and make ground on ratings leaders Layne Beachley (AUS) or Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS).
The next call on competition status will be made tomorrow at 9am.
Round 2 Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Match-Ups – 1st and 2nd advance to Round 3; 3rd finishes equal 17th
Heat 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Heather Clark (ZAF), Serena Brooke
(AUS)
Heat 2: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Trudy Todd (AUS)
After three and a half hours of wave assessment, and despite a surge in swell, contest officials have decided to call the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle off today and will utilize the remaining three days of the waiting period instead.
This could bode well for Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) who, having recently married her shaper Jason Hedges, had the luxury of having him shape her board yesterday after hers were lost in transit.
“Jase shaped me one yesterday and it got glassed last night,”
Georgeson said. “I had to use a board I sold to a shop here after last year’s contest yesterday. I went in there and saw it sitting on the rack and was like ‘hey, can I borrow that please!’”
Not quite as fortunate is Serena Brooke (AUS) who also lost her boards and will be borrowing one from Megan Abubo (HAW) to surf Round 2 once it commences.
The Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle is a critical event for both Brooke and Georgeson. Without a solid result here and in the remaining three events of the year, Brooke will not requalify for the 2007 ASP Women’s World Tour. Georgeson needs a win if she wants to retain her world crown and make ground on ratings leaders Layne Beachley (AUS) or Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS).
The next call on competition status will be made tomorrow at 9am.
Round 2 Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Match-Ups – 1st and 2nd advance to Round 3; 3rd finishes equal 17th
Heat 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Heather Clark (ZAF), Serena Brooke
(AUS)
Heat 2: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Trudy Todd (AUS)
GEORGESON AND REDMAN-CARR RELEGATED TO ROUND TWO IN THE RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE
SEIGNOSSE, France (Friday, Sept. 1, 2006) – World No. 2 Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) and world No. 3 Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) will surf the event’s first elimination round when the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle reconvenes at Seignosse. Both surfers finished third in their Round 1 heats at Les Estagnots today.
Early morning conditions were perfect; a building four-foot swell and offshore winds were a welcome sight for the ASP Women’s World Tour surfers who had to surf the often closed-out waves of Brazil last week. Unfortunately for Redman-Carr, the wind whipped onshore right before her heat and she was unable to advance over Brazil’s Silvana Lima and French wildcard Pauline Ado.
Ado, who is the current ASP Europe champion was pleased to advance straight to round three: "I’m just very happy because they are the best girls in this contest. I got some good waves today and I hope I can continue to do well in the rest of my heats."
Only surfers who finish third in Round 1 have to surf Round 2 – two three woman heats in which the third place surfer is eliminated. Round 1 first and second place finishers automatically move to Round 3.
Redman-Carr, who won the first three events of the year, was forced to surf Round 2 in Brazil last week as well. She lost her heat, finished equal 17th and relinquished her ratings lead to Layne Beachley (AUS).
Georgeson, who is surfing on borrowed boards because her boards were lost in transit from Brazil, will join Redman-Carr in the unenviable Round 2 club. Both surfers are in jeopardy of hindering their world title campaigns should they fail to advance to Round 3.
Only one surfer has won each of her Round 1 heats to advance directly to Round 3 this year. That surfer is Jessi Miley-Dyer, who with a runner-up finish in Brazil, now sits fourth on the ratings. Miley-Dyer beat Jacquline Silva (BRA) and Georgeson today.
"I really don’t want to be surfing in that second round - more than anything,” Miley-Dyer said. “I’ve had good Round 1 heats all year and have been kind of lucky. For this one I was just happy to get one good wave and get through. I’m stoked."
Also winning her heat today was former world champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER). Mulanovich, who was leading the ratings this time last year, sits equal 8th at present. Surfing in one of the early morning heats while the wind was still offshore, the Peruvian posted the day’s highest heat total of a 15.75 out of a possible 20. She was stoked with the conditions after surfing in less desirable conditions last week.
"It feels good to surf here because there is more time to go down to the bottom and turn it hard off the top,” Mulanovich said. “I’m pretty happy. Everytime I say I’m feeling good though I lose my next heat so I’m not even going to say it anymore! I’m just happy to have made it through."
Indications are strong that Rounds 2 and 3 will run tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006.
Round One Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Results: 1st and 2nd advance; 3rd surfs Round Two
Heat 1: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 7.75, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 5.50, Trudy Todd (AUS) 1.75
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 15.75, Julia Christian (USA) 11.25, Heather Clark (ZAF) 9.65
Heat 3: Silvana Lima (BRA) 11.75, Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.50, Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 10.30
Heat 4: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 11.40, Layne Beachley (AUS) 11.35, Serena Brooke (AUS) 9.75
Heat 5: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 12.50, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.00, Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 8.00
Heat 6: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 8.85, Megan Abubo (HAW) 7.55, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 6.50
RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE ROUND ONE IN THE WATER
SEIGNOSSE, France (Friday, Sept. 1, 2006) – Competition at the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle has commenced in building three to four foot (one metre) swell at Seignosse this morning. Rounds one and potentially two are slated to run in first-rate offshore and sunny conditions at the beach break of Les Estagnots today.
Defending world and event champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), along with Serena Brooke (AUS) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) will surf borrowed boards today. Though surfers like Layne Beachley (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) finally arrived (after being re-routed due to a Miami hurricane) yesterday, several board bags are still missing.
Should contest directors opt to run round two, two surfers will be eliminated today. As the fifth of eight events on the 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour calendar, the tournament is critical to both world title and requalification campaigns.
Round One Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Match-Ups: 1st and 2nd advance; 3rd surfs Round Two
Heat 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Trudy Todd (AUS)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Heather Clark (ZAF), Julia Christian (USA)
Heat 3: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA), Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS), Keala Kennelly (HAW), Serena Brooke (AUS)
Heat 5: Chelsea Gerogeson (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 6: Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Samantha Cornish (AUS)
Early morning conditions were perfect; a building four-foot swell and offshore winds were a welcome sight for the ASP Women’s World Tour surfers who had to surf the often closed-out waves of Brazil last week. Unfortunately for Redman-Carr, the wind whipped onshore right before her heat and she was unable to advance over Brazil’s Silvana Lima and French wildcard Pauline Ado.
Ado, who is the current ASP Europe champion was pleased to advance straight to round three: "I’m just very happy because they are the best girls in this contest. I got some good waves today and I hope I can continue to do well in the rest of my heats."
Only surfers who finish third in Round 1 have to surf Round 2 – two three woman heats in which the third place surfer is eliminated. Round 1 first and second place finishers automatically move to Round 3.
Redman-Carr, who won the first three events of the year, was forced to surf Round 2 in Brazil last week as well. She lost her heat, finished equal 17th and relinquished her ratings lead to Layne Beachley (AUS).
Georgeson, who is surfing on borrowed boards because her boards were lost in transit from Brazil, will join Redman-Carr in the unenviable Round 2 club. Both surfers are in jeopardy of hindering their world title campaigns should they fail to advance to Round 3.
Only one surfer has won each of her Round 1 heats to advance directly to Round 3 this year. That surfer is Jessi Miley-Dyer, who with a runner-up finish in Brazil, now sits fourth on the ratings. Miley-Dyer beat Jacquline Silva (BRA) and Georgeson today.
"I really don’t want to be surfing in that second round - more than anything,” Miley-Dyer said. “I’ve had good Round 1 heats all year and have been kind of lucky. For this one I was just happy to get one good wave and get through. I’m stoked."
Also winning her heat today was former world champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER). Mulanovich, who was leading the ratings this time last year, sits equal 8th at present. Surfing in one of the early morning heats while the wind was still offshore, the Peruvian posted the day’s highest heat total of a 15.75 out of a possible 20. She was stoked with the conditions after surfing in less desirable conditions last week.
"It feels good to surf here because there is more time to go down to the bottom and turn it hard off the top,” Mulanovich said. “I’m pretty happy. Everytime I say I’m feeling good though I lose my next heat so I’m not even going to say it anymore! I’m just happy to have made it through."
Indications are strong that Rounds 2 and 3 will run tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006.
Round One Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Results: 1st and 2nd advance; 3rd surfs Round Two
Heat 1: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 7.75, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 5.50, Trudy Todd (AUS) 1.75
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 15.75, Julia Christian (USA) 11.25, Heather Clark (ZAF) 9.65
Heat 3: Silvana Lima (BRA) 11.75, Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.50, Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 10.30
Heat 4: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 11.40, Layne Beachley (AUS) 11.35, Serena Brooke (AUS) 9.75
Heat 5: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 12.50, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.00, Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 8.00
Heat 6: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 8.85, Megan Abubo (HAW) 7.55, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 6.50
RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE ROUND ONE IN THE WATER
SEIGNOSSE, France (Friday, Sept. 1, 2006) – Competition at the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle has commenced in building three to four foot (one metre) swell at Seignosse this morning. Rounds one and potentially two are slated to run in first-rate offshore and sunny conditions at the beach break of Les Estagnots today.
Defending world and event champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), along with Serena Brooke (AUS) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) will surf borrowed boards today. Though surfers like Layne Beachley (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) finally arrived (after being re-routed due to a Miami hurricane) yesterday, several board bags are still missing.
Should contest directors opt to run round two, two surfers will be eliminated today. As the fifth of eight events on the 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour calendar, the tournament is critical to both world title and requalification campaigns.
Round One Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Match-Ups: 1st and 2nd advance; 3rd surfs Round Two
Heat 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Trudy Todd (AUS)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Heather Clark (ZAF), Julia Christian (USA)
Heat 3: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA), Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS), Keala Kennelly (HAW), Serena Brooke (AUS)
Heat 5: Chelsea Gerogeson (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 6: Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Samantha Cornish (AUS)
SURFERS STILL EN ROUTE TO RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE
SEIGNOSSE, France (Thursday, August 31, 2006) – Pending the arrival of ratings leader Layne Beachley (AUS) and current world numbers two and four, Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) and Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) respectively, the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle may begin tomorrow, Sept. 1, 2006.
After a failed attempt to transit from last week’s ASP Women’s World Tour event in Brazil to Seignosse, France for the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle, three of the top four rated surfers are still in the air somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. A hurricane in Miami is to blame. Though today was the first day of the official waiting period (which stretches from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5), small surf and airborne surfers have seen the event put on hold.
Reigning world champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) arrived on time, but her boards didn’t. Still, Georgeson is happy just to be alive.
“Our plane was taking off, heading down the runway full-throttle when the pilot suddenly hit the breaks and we skidded down the runway for ages,” Georgeson said. “Apparently there was engine trouble. Everybody had to get off the plane but then they reboarded us on the same one just a little while later! When we were taking off the second time all the pilot said was ‘Hopefully this will work this time! Talk about nerve-wracking.”
Georgeson’s stress levels won’t be waning anytime soon. Without out her equipment and needing a stellar result in France to keep any hope of retaining her world crown alive, the 22-year-old Australian will have to dig deep and find the championship form that led her to her first world title last year.
As defending champion of the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle, she is wholly capable. Georgeson also won the event in 2003.
The event wildcard has been given to France’s Pauline Ado, current ASP Europe champion. This marks Ado’s first ASP Women’s World Tour appearance.
“I’m just very happy that Rip Curl invited me and that the contest is in France – I am from Anglet, which is near Spain but not far from here,” Ado said. “I am not here for a result; I am here to learn and am just really excited to surf with all of the professional surfers who I admire. I just hope to surf to the best of my ability.”
The fifth of eight events on the 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle will tender a telling take on where the world’s best women surfers will sit going into the final stretch of the season.
The next call on competition status will occur at 8am local time tomorrow, Sept. 1, 2oo6.
Round One Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Match-Ups: 1st and 2nd advance; 3rd surfs Round Two
Heat 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Trudy Todd (AUS)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Heather Clark (ZAF), Julia Christian (USA)
Heat 3: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA), Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS), Keala Kennelly (HAW), Serena Brooke (AUS)
Heat 5: Chelsea Gerogeson (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 6: Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Samantha Cornish (AUS)
After a failed attempt to transit from last week’s ASP Women’s World Tour event in Brazil to Seignosse, France for the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle, three of the top four rated surfers are still in the air somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. A hurricane in Miami is to blame. Though today was the first day of the official waiting period (which stretches from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5), small surf and airborne surfers have seen the event put on hold.
Reigning world champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) arrived on time, but her boards didn’t. Still, Georgeson is happy just to be alive.
“Our plane was taking off, heading down the runway full-throttle when the pilot suddenly hit the breaks and we skidded down the runway for ages,” Georgeson said. “Apparently there was engine trouble. Everybody had to get off the plane but then they reboarded us on the same one just a little while later! When we were taking off the second time all the pilot said was ‘Hopefully this will work this time! Talk about nerve-wracking.”
Georgeson’s stress levels won’t be waning anytime soon. Without out her equipment and needing a stellar result in France to keep any hope of retaining her world crown alive, the 22-year-old Australian will have to dig deep and find the championship form that led her to her first world title last year.
As defending champion of the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle, she is wholly capable. Georgeson also won the event in 2003.
The event wildcard has been given to France’s Pauline Ado, current ASP Europe champion. This marks Ado’s first ASP Women’s World Tour appearance.
“I’m just very happy that Rip Curl invited me and that the contest is in France – I am from Anglet, which is near Spain but not far from here,” Ado said. “I am not here for a result; I am here to learn and am just really excited to surf with all of the professional surfers who I admire. I just hope to surf to the best of my ability.”
The fifth of eight events on the 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle will tender a telling take on where the world’s best women surfers will sit going into the final stretch of the season.
The next call on competition status will occur at 8am local time tomorrow, Sept. 1, 2oo6.
Round One Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle Match-Ups: 1st and 2nd advance; 3rd surfs Round Two
Heat 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Trudy Todd (AUS)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Heather Clark (ZAF), Julia Christian (USA)
Heat 3: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA), Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS), Keala Kennelly (HAW), Serena Brooke (AUS)
Heat 5: Chelsea Gerogeson (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 6: Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Samantha Cornish (AUS)
BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA: THE BANK IS BACK
COOLANGATTA, Australia (Thursday, August 31, 2006)– Following the cancellation of the Billabong Pro Mundaka in 2005, Billabong and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) are pleased to announce that the 10th event of the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour is officially back from October 2/3rd to the 14th.
Sand dredging in the area, located in the Basque region of Spain, in years prior to 2005 caused the perfect left breaking sand formation of the Mundaka bank to shift, resulting in waves that were substandard and not up to par with the requirements for a top tour event.
It was the second cancellation in the event’s six-year history, after the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour was called off early in 2001 following the tragic events of September 11 in New York.
Although the event has been on the 2006 tour event schedule since January, the ASP and licensing sponsor Billabong have closely monitored the formation of the sand bank, declaring that 2006 will offer quality waves, suitable for what has been dubbed “The Dream Tour”.
The world’s best left-hander and the associated shifting silt river-mouth bank is back, longer, thicker and better than ever.
During the month of April in 2006, one of the best swells in 15 years pounded the Basque coast, turning on epic eight feet (two to three metre) waves at the mythical left with surfers scoring some of the best tube rides ever ridden at the break.
The Billabong Pro Mundaka plays a crucial part in deciding world champions.
Being the third last event on the 11 stop tour intense competition ensues as tour leaders jostle for ratings points leading into the final two events of the year in Brazil and Hawaii.
Mark Occhilupo (Aus), Kelly Slater (USA), Andy Irons (Haw), Shane Dorian (Haw) and Luke Egan (Aus) are the only surfers to have enjoyed the ritualistic practise of being thrown into the river from the wharf following event wins at Mundaka, since the events inception in 1999.
ASP President and 1978 world surfing champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew said Mundaka is crucial to the ASP World Tour.
"ASP International is delighted to see the return of the Billabong Pro Mundaka following a one year hiatus,” said Bartholomew. “The fears associated with the temporary disintegration of the fabled river mouth sandbar have been allayed, the result being the worlds best surfers will once again be gracing this world class surfing arena."
Reid Pinder, Brand Manager of Billabong Europe said bringing the tour back to the Basque region of Spain is beneficial not only to the ASP tour but vital for surfing in Europe.
"Returning to Mundaka for the Billabong Pro event is great news for all involved,” said Pinder.
“It was definitely a hard decision to cancel last years event, since then we have not stopped monitoring the situation.”
“It's great to see Mundaka pumping again and that Mother Nature could restore what human hands had wrecked.”
“On behalf of Billabong, I would like to thank the ASP and the surfers for their patience in a wave like Mundaka and expressing so much interest in its progress.”
“We look forward to returning this prestigious event back to its natural home in the Basque Country, at Europe's best left.”
“Billabong would especially like to thank Mundaka, the town and the surf club, for their concern, support and commitment in bringing back such a special event to their beautiful home."
The world’s top 45 surfers hold Mundaka in high regard, a favourite stop among many for the unique local culture, epic waves, beautiful scenery and friendly nature of the Basque people.
“When Mundaka was called off I couldn’t believe it,” said three-time world champion Andy Irons. “Mundaka is such a good wave and the place is so beautiful; I wasn’t really sure of what happened to the wave, with the dredging and the sand bank, and how long it would take to return, so I was really bummed.”
“I was hanging out with Occy [Mark Occhilupo] at the time and he was the same,” said Irons. “That’s his spot down there, he’s the man, he’s kind of the unofficial Mayor of the place. When he shows up, everybody comes to see him, they know about his first name! He loves it, and he surfs the wave like no one else.”
The Billabong Pro Mundaka can be viewed LIVE on the internet at www.billabongpro.com.
Sand dredging in the area, located in the Basque region of Spain, in years prior to 2005 caused the perfect left breaking sand formation of the Mundaka bank to shift, resulting in waves that were substandard and not up to par with the requirements for a top tour event.
It was the second cancellation in the event’s six-year history, after the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour was called off early in 2001 following the tragic events of September 11 in New York.
Although the event has been on the 2006 tour event schedule since January, the ASP and licensing sponsor Billabong have closely monitored the formation of the sand bank, declaring that 2006 will offer quality waves, suitable for what has been dubbed “The Dream Tour”.
The world’s best left-hander and the associated shifting silt river-mouth bank is back, longer, thicker and better than ever.
During the month of April in 2006, one of the best swells in 15 years pounded the Basque coast, turning on epic eight feet (two to three metre) waves at the mythical left with surfers scoring some of the best tube rides ever ridden at the break.
The Billabong Pro Mundaka plays a crucial part in deciding world champions.
Being the third last event on the 11 stop tour intense competition ensues as tour leaders jostle for ratings points leading into the final two events of the year in Brazil and Hawaii.
Mark Occhilupo (Aus), Kelly Slater (USA), Andy Irons (Haw), Shane Dorian (Haw) and Luke Egan (Aus) are the only surfers to have enjoyed the ritualistic practise of being thrown into the river from the wharf following event wins at Mundaka, since the events inception in 1999.
ASP President and 1978 world surfing champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew said Mundaka is crucial to the ASP World Tour.
"ASP International is delighted to see the return of the Billabong Pro Mundaka following a one year hiatus,” said Bartholomew. “The fears associated with the temporary disintegration of the fabled river mouth sandbar have been allayed, the result being the worlds best surfers will once again be gracing this world class surfing arena."
Reid Pinder, Brand Manager of Billabong Europe said bringing the tour back to the Basque region of Spain is beneficial not only to the ASP tour but vital for surfing in Europe.
"Returning to Mundaka for the Billabong Pro event is great news for all involved,” said Pinder.
“It was definitely a hard decision to cancel last years event, since then we have not stopped monitoring the situation.”
“It's great to see Mundaka pumping again and that Mother Nature could restore what human hands had wrecked.”
“On behalf of Billabong, I would like to thank the ASP and the surfers for their patience in a wave like Mundaka and expressing so much interest in its progress.”
“We look forward to returning this prestigious event back to its natural home in the Basque Country, at Europe's best left.”
“Billabong would especially like to thank Mundaka, the town and the surf club, for their concern, support and commitment in bringing back such a special event to their beautiful home."
The world’s top 45 surfers hold Mundaka in high regard, a favourite stop among many for the unique local culture, epic waves, beautiful scenery and friendly nature of the Basque people.
“When Mundaka was called off I couldn’t believe it,” said three-time world champion Andy Irons. “Mundaka is such a good wave and the place is so beautiful; I wasn’t really sure of what happened to the wave, with the dredging and the sand bank, and how long it would take to return, so I was really bummed.”
“I was hanging out with Occy [Mark Occhilupo] at the time and he was the same,” said Irons. “That’s his spot down there, he’s the man, he’s kind of the unofficial Mayor of the place. When he shows up, everybody comes to see him, they know about his first name! He loves it, and he surfs the wave like no one else.”
The Billabong Pro Mundaka can be viewed LIVE on the internet at www.billabongpro.com.
RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE NEXT UP ON ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR
COOLANGATTA, Australia (Tuesday, August 29, 2006)– Reconvening in France after a mad dash across the Atlantic, the world’s best women surfers will commence competition at the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle on Thursday, August 31, 2006.
Held in Hossegor, France, this fifth installment of 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour action directly follows the fourth – an event held in Brazil just days ago. There are eight events total on this year’s tour.
Leading the pack at the halfway point is six-time world champion Layne Beachley (AUS). Her recent win in Brazil, combined with runner-up berths in Australia and Fiji and a third place finish in Tahiti, saw Beachley overtake Melanie Redmann-Carr (AUS) for the ratings lead last week.
Redman-Carr finished last in Brazil, but was the victor in each of the three events prior.
Beachley, sitting in the No. 1 spot for the first time since winning her sixth consecutive world title, is exuding confidence that she may win her seventh in 2006. Only Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour surfer Kelly Slater (USA) has ever achieved such a feat.
"This is the first time I’ve had the ratings lead since Sofia (Mulanovich) took over for me in 2004, so it’s been a long time coming I guess,” Beachley said after her win in Brazil. “I feel like I can keep the momentum going.”
Beachley has won ASP Women’s World Tour events in France four times before. She posted wins in Hossegor in 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2002.
“I’ve always performed well in France – I’ve had a lot of wins there and I love Hossegor,” Beachley said. “You do better in places that you feel comfortable and at home at and Hossegor is definitely one of those places.”
On the subject of feeling at home, the next event on the calendar after the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle is being organized by Beachley and will be held at her home break of Manly in Australia.
“I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum I’ve gathered,” Beachley said. “Bring on the snowball!"
Defending world and Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) could be Beachley’s biggest competition in France. With multiple wins at the venue herself (2003 and 2005), and sitting third in the ratings, Georgeson knows she needs a solid result in France to keep her world title hopes alive.
“I would have really liked to make the final and win the contest Brazil,” Georgeson, who was eliminated in the semifinals said. “It would have helped make up a few points but I there’s still four contests to go. I’m hoping I can make something happen in France."
The Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle will run from August 31 to September 5, 2006. The event is situated in southwest France and can go mobile from Hossegor to Seignosse to ensure the women access to the best waves possible.
ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR RATINGS PRIOR TO RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE
1. Layne Beachley (AUS) 3900 points
2. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 3780 points
3. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 2844 points
4. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 2052 points
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 2040 points
6. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 2028 points
6. Heather Clark (ZAF) 2028 points
8. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2016 points
8. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 2016 points
10. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 1836 points
10. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 1836 points
12. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 1824 points
13. Megan Abubo (HAW) 1632 points
13. Julia Christian (USA) 1632 points
15. Trudy Todd (AUS) 1452 points
16. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 1080 points
16. Serena Brooke (AUS) 1080 points
Held in Hossegor, France, this fifth installment of 2006 ASP Women’s World Tour action directly follows the fourth – an event held in Brazil just days ago. There are eight events total on this year’s tour.
Leading the pack at the halfway point is six-time world champion Layne Beachley (AUS). Her recent win in Brazil, combined with runner-up berths in Australia and Fiji and a third place finish in Tahiti, saw Beachley overtake Melanie Redmann-Carr (AUS) for the ratings lead last week.
Redman-Carr finished last in Brazil, but was the victor in each of the three events prior.
Beachley, sitting in the No. 1 spot for the first time since winning her sixth consecutive world title, is exuding confidence that she may win her seventh in 2006. Only Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour surfer Kelly Slater (USA) has ever achieved such a feat.
"This is the first time I’ve had the ratings lead since Sofia (Mulanovich) took over for me in 2004, so it’s been a long time coming I guess,” Beachley said after her win in Brazil. “I feel like I can keep the momentum going.”
Beachley has won ASP Women’s World Tour events in France four times before. She posted wins in Hossegor in 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2002.
“I’ve always performed well in France – I’ve had a lot of wins there and I love Hossegor,” Beachley said. “You do better in places that you feel comfortable and at home at and Hossegor is definitely one of those places.”
On the subject of feeling at home, the next event on the calendar after the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle is being organized by Beachley and will be held at her home break of Manly in Australia.
“I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum I’ve gathered,” Beachley said. “Bring on the snowball!"
Defending world and Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle champion Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) could be Beachley’s biggest competition in France. With multiple wins at the venue herself (2003 and 2005), and sitting third in the ratings, Georgeson knows she needs a solid result in France to keep her world title hopes alive.
“I would have really liked to make the final and win the contest Brazil,” Georgeson, who was eliminated in the semifinals said. “It would have helped make up a few points but I there’s still four contests to go. I’m hoping I can make something happen in France."
The Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle will run from August 31 to September 5, 2006. The event is situated in southwest France and can go mobile from Hossegor to Seignosse to ensure the women access to the best waves possible.
ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR RATINGS PRIOR TO RIP CURL PRO MADEMOISELLE
1. Layne Beachley (AUS) 3900 points
2. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 3780 points
3. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 2844 points
4. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 2052 points
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 2040 points
6. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 2028 points
6. Heather Clark (ZAF) 2028 points
8. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2016 points
8. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 2016 points
10. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 1836 points
10. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 1836 points
12. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 1824 points
13. Megan Abubo (HAW) 1632 points
13. Julia Christian (USA) 1632 points
15. Trudy Todd (AUS) 1452 points
16. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 1080 points
16. Serena Brooke (AUS) 1080 points
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