Pro Surfing: 2007

WORLDS FINEST VIE FOR WORLD JUNIOR TITLES IN SYDNEY

SYDNEY, Australia (Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007) – Following the culmination of the elite ASP Men's and Women's World Tours in Hawaii in mid December, an esteemed line-up of U21 surfers are preparing for an all important battle at the Billabong World Junior Championships, which take place at Sydney's North Narabeen, from January 2- 10, 2008.

Renowned as the most prestigious event in ASP World Junior Surfing, the winner of the Billabong World Junior Championships will be crowned 2007 ASP Junior Men's and Women's World Champions, in the first week of January.

Qualifying through their respective regional junior series tours, the top five U21 Men and top two U21 Women from eight surfing regions, as well as the highest placed WQS surfer from each region, will produce firecracker performances to see in the New Year.

Inspired by Australia's recent ASP World Tour domination at the hands of 2007 ASP Men's and Women's World Champions Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore, the Australian junior surfers will be hungry to add the 2007 ASP World Junior Crown to Australia's growing world title tally.

ASP Australasian ratings leader Mitch Coleborn (Aus) heads up a poignant Australian team which includes the highly touted ASP Australasia Pro Junior rated No. 2 Julian Wilson, who defeated 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) in the opening round of the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast at the start of the year. Joining Coleborn and Wilson are Billabong Indonesia Pro Junior Series winner Heath Joske, Jayke Sharpe and Beau Atchison. Matt Wilkinson joins the team as the highest placed Australian junior on the ASP World Qualifying Series.

Despite this impeccable line-up, the Australian contingent can expect to feel the pressure as they take on the worlds best including, current team ratings leaders South America.

Brazil's Billabong Junior Series Champion Charlie Brown heads up a fiery South American team which includes the likes of ASP South America ratings leader Wiggolly Dantas, not to mention ASP World No. 28 and former World Junior champion Adriano De Souza, who qualified as the highest rated Brazilian junior WQS surfer.

Hawaii weigh in heavily with 3X Hawaii State Champion Casey Brown, 3X NSSA champion John John Florence, 2005 NSSA Open Men's Champion Clay Marzo and last year's equal third place finisher and highest rated junior WQS surfer Mason Ho (Haw).

The South African contingent have all the inspiration they need to make this year count thanks to ASP WQS No. 1 Jordy Smith, whose performance here last year saw him capture the first ASP World Title for South Africa since the Shaun Tomson era. Rudy Palmboom is the highest rated South African surfer in this event.

The European team is peppered with potential and sees ASP European ratings leaders Romaine Cloitre (FRA), Nicolas Von Rupp (PRT), Jatyr Berasaluce (ESP) and Adrien Valero (FRA) eager to make their mark.

Japan looks likely to put in a good showing with their top three surfers Noboyuki Osawa, Kento Takahashi and Keito Matsuoka all well versed in the waves off Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Adam Wickwire finds himself at the helm of the USA team with 2006 Pro Junior finalist and Transworld Surf's 'Top 15 to Watch' Nick Rosza as well as WQS campaigner Tanner Gudauskas alongside him.

A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards will compete in an ASP World Tour format with man-on-man heats and priority rules, similar to those used on the elite ASP Men's and Women's World Tours.

The event kicks off with the Von Zipper Wildcard trials on Jan. 2, 2007 and will award twp places into the main event which gets underway on Jan. 3, 2007.

BEDE DURBIDGE WINS BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS & VANS TRIPLE CROWN TITLES

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 17, 2007) –Australian Bede Durbidge secured his second Foster's ASP World Tour win and the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Series title with a victory at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, today.

Durbidge posted 16.67 points out of 20.00 to finish first in the four-man final over Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) respectively. The new ASP 'Dual Heats' format was used from Round 2 through the Quarterfinals and conditions at Pipeline, Backdoor and Off the Wall – the breaks within the contest zone today –were small and in the three-foot (one metre) range.

"I'm absolutely over the moon right now," Durbidge said. "Obviously the conditions weren't classic Pipeline, but the competition was still pretty intense. We had the new dual heat format and a lot of guys were on the bubble for qualification so there were a lot of hungry guys out there in this event. I've just tried to keep a cool head all season whether it be with sponsors or freesurfing or heats and that was really my approach out there today. I'm absolutely stoked. It's a great way for me to finish the season and I'm looking to go even better in 2008."

Durbidge, who started the season unsponsored and financing his own way around the world, won US$40,000 in cash, a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch today. He is the first Australian to win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Title since Mike Rommesle did so in 1997. With the exception of American Kelly Slater who claimed the Triple Crown Title in 1998, a Hawaiian has taken top honors ever since.

"Winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine for a long, long time and I've always felt like proving yourself in Hawaii is right up there with winning the World Title," Durbidge said. "It's a great thing for surfing that the locals let us come here and enjoy these waves and that the sponsors put up the prize money for us to really come away well here."

Durbidge's year end rating is World No. 5. He scored one of the highest single wave scores of the event, 9.50 out of 10.00, to run away with an unassailable lead in the Final.

"Yeah, there weren't too many waves coming through during the final and all four of us were pretty clumped together," Durbdige said. "The other three kind of paddled each other out of position and I ended up being in the spot. The wave had a really good wall on it and I was able to get a few pretty good turns in. I guess the judges liked it and I got the score. It really put everyone else on the ropes out there."

Morrison finished inside the Top 10 at World No. 9 with his 2nd place result at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

"I don't think any of us expected that Pipe would go down like this when we packed our bags for Hawaii," Morrison said. "It really did end up being more of a maneuver event rather than a barrel-riding event, and I was stoked to make it through to my first final of the year. Congratulations to Bede - he was absolutely ripping all day."

Also making his first final of the year was Parkinson who finished the year World No. 4 with his 3rd place result today.

"I haven't made a final all year, so it's good to finish up with one even in waves like this," Parkinson said. "We all wanted it to be eight foot perfect Pipe, but you can't get that every year."

Sullivan, the only Hawaiian in the final four was pleased to cap off his season with a result. He finished his 2007 season with a personal best World No. 7 finish today – a far cry from his narrow requalification last year.

"Everyone wants to win Pipe, and I'm pretty happy that I made the final," Sullivan said. "Last year, I had a bit of a shocker and didn't do as well as I thought I could have. I was super focused today and I'm really pleased that I made it through."

Taj Burrow's (AUS) equal 5th result today secured him the third ASP World Title runner-up finish of his nine year elite tour career. He was beat by Durbidge in the Quarterfinals.

"Yea, it's an okay result, but I'm really bummed I didn't make the final," Burrow said. "Bede (Durbidge) was just on fire though. I'm stoked to finish the year strong and I'm excited to get home and re-focus for 2008."

Earning their spots on the 2008 ASP World Tour with their performances today were Bruce Irons (HAW) and Fred Patacchia. Both sat outside the Top 27 surfers who automatically requalify for the following year before making their heats today.

"To make the cut with the waves being below average, it's just a treat," Patacchia said. "I really didn't want to be on the WQS so I'm really stoked right now knowing I've just qualified for the tour next year. It's really stressful waking up at 6am each morning, not knowing if it's going to be your last day surfing on the tour. I was ready to swallow my pride and compete on the WQS, because I feel like my career has at least a couple more good years on it but I really feel like I'm World Tour material."

Full-time 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour sufers who failed to qualify for the 2008 ASP World Tour are Greg Emslie (ZAF), Cory Lopez (USA), Phil Macdonald (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA), Shaun Cansdell (AUS), Victor Ribas (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and retirees Mark Occhilupo (AUS) and Mick Lowe (AUS).

Ben Dunn (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA) and Travis Logie (ZAF) also finished outside of the Top 27, but citing injuries, have applied for wildcard berths onto the 2008 ASP World Tour – their spots are not yet confirmed.

Qualifying for the 2008 ASP World Tour via the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) are Adriano de Souza (BRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS) and Luke Munro (AUS).

The ASP World Tour will now break until February TK when the 2008 tour kicks off on the Gold Coast of Australia. For more details visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com.

Billabong Pipeline Masters Final Results:
Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.67, Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.00, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.60, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 7.43

Billabong Pipeline Masters Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.50 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.73
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.00 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50
Heat 3: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.10 def. Chris Ward (USA) 8.70
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.90 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.34

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: CJ Hobgood (USA) 12.26 def. TJ Barron (HAW) 10.50
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.00 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 9.00
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.83 Ian Walsh (HAW) 7.40
Heat 4: Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.10 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.44
Heat 5: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 14.93 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 6.26
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) 12.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.50
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.90 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 12.17
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) def. Fred Patacchia (HAW)

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: TJ Barron (HAW) 10.87 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 9.67
Heat 2: CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.00 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 11.17
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.40 def. Laurie Towner (AUS) 1.33
Heat 4: Luke Stedman (AUS) 13.00 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 9.43
Heat 5: Ian Walsh (HAW) 11.67 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.30
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.50 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 8.87
Heat 7: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.10 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.00
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.34 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 6.46
Heat 9: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 12.67 def. Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 11.17
Heat 10: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 10.73 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.17
Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) 12.90 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.67
Heat 12: Kelly Slater (USA) 10.50 def. Mikala Jones (HAW) 5.80
Heat 13: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 11.33 def. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 10.20
Heat 14: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.00 def. Gavin Beschen (USA) 4.70
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 8.27
Heat 16: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.67 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.16

Foster's ASP World Tour Final Top 27
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8136 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 7104 points
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 6516 points
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6432 points
5. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 5774 points
6. Andy Irons (HAW) 5151 points
7. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 4938 points
8. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 4770 points
9. Dean Morrison (AUS) 4690 points
10.Bobby Martinez (USA) 4582 points
11. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4580 points
12. Kai Otton (AUS) 4563 points
13. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 4493 points
14. Taylor Knox (USA) 4309 points
15. Damien Hobgood (USA) 4274 points
16. Luke Stedman (AUS) 4177 points
17. Michael Campbell (AUS) 3987 points
17. Chris Ward (USA) 3987 points
19. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 3982 points
19. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 3982 points
21. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 3934 points
22. Leonardo Neves (BRA) 3797 points
23. Frederick Patacchia (HAW) 3675 points
24. Bruce Irons (HAW) 3660 points
24. Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 3660 points
26. Daniel Wills (AUS) 3617 points
27. Royden Bryson (ZAF) 3612 points

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 4 TO COMMENCE AT 8:30AM

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 17, 2007) – Round 4 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, will resume in small waves at 8:30 a.m. today. At the conclusion of Round 4, organizers will assess the conditions to determine if the event will be completed today. The event waiting period ends this Thursday, Dec. 20th.

Sixteen heats of Round 4, eight heats of Round 5, the Quarterfinals and a four-man Final are all that remain to be run of the Billabong Pipeline Masters. The 'Dual Heat' format will be used for all remaining heats except the Final which means competition can be completed in one full day or two half days.

Defending and 4X Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion will take on Hawaiian wildcard T.J. Barron in Heat 1 of Round 4. Watch it all LIVE on www.billabongpro.com.

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Match- Ups:
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. TJ Barron (HAW)
Heat 2: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 4: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 9: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs. Bernardo Mirando (BRA)
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Dayyan Never (AUS)
Heat 11: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs. Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 12: Kally Slater (USA) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 13: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 14: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Gavin Beschen (USA)
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 16: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF; ASP WORLD CHAMPS PHOTO OP ONSITE AT 3PM

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007) – Small waves and the delayed arrival of forecasted swell has led to the postponement of competition for the Billabong Pipeline Masters today. Organizers are looking forward to an increase in surf expected late today and overnight that will set the stage for the final day tomorrow.

An informal media gathering and photo opportunity with 2007 ASP World Champions Mick Fanning (AUS) and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) will take place on the beach at Pipeline at 3pm today. Please contact ASP's Melissa Buckley for more information: (949) 279 6194.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters will wrap up the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing for 2007 and determine this year's Series champion. The women's Vans Triple Crown title went to Hawaii's Megan Abubo at the conclusion of the Billabong Pro Maui on Friday.

In addition to $740,000 in prize money, both the men's and women's Vans Triple Crown champions will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck. The men's champion will also receive a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

More info is available on www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.

ROUND 4 OF THE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007) – Round 4 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, has been called off for the day due to declining swell and unfavorable winds.

Defending and 4X Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion will take on Hawaiian wildcard T.J. Barron in Heat 1 of Round 4. Another call of competition will be made tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, at 7am.

BILLABONG PRO ROUND 3 COMPLETED; LEGENDARY OCCHILUPO RETIRES

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 14, 2007) – Former ASP World Champion Mark Occhilupo (AUS) may not have won his Round 3 Billabong Pipeline Masters heat today, but he was chaired up the beach and honored by his diehard fans on the beach nonetheless. Occhilupo, 41, was beaten by fellow Australian Troy Brooks in the final seconds of their heat – his last as a full-time campaigner on the Foster's ASP World Tour.

"It was emotional," Occhilupo said after the fanfare. "I was just feeling so good in my heat not thinking I was going to have to make this speech right now, but that's just how my year has been going so I shouldn't have been thinking like that. Troy got a great wave at the end so I had to kind of ace up and get ready for the time that I've been kind of regretting."

Occhilupo, who at age 41 is the oldest full-time competitor on tour, was 17 when he finished 16th in the world in 1983. The following year, he was rated No. 3 and the year after he would win at Pipeline. However, too much too soon would prove to be near-fatal for Occhilupo who battled demons and dropped off the tour in 1987. A decade of failed attempts to regain his winning form went by before a rejuvenated and focused Occhilupo retook the ASP World Tour by storm in 1997 and finished runner-up to Kelly Slater. In 1999, Occhilupo won three of his 12 World Tour victories to post one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history by winning the ASP World Title at the age of 33.

"I really love competing and I'll definitely miss that as much as my friends I've made on tour," Occhilupo said. "It's just been such a good ride, it's been about 15 years on and off, but the time I took off and then came back and won my World Title, that was probably the best. No regrets, it's been sensational and just to have all my friends on the beach today, I know they probably had to get up early to make it down here this morning, but they're all there so that's something that I'll treasure and remember forever."

Brooks, who is rated 37th and will need to advance out of several more heats if he is to requalify for the ASP World Tour in 2008, is just one of several surfers stuck in do-or-die situations at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

World No. 29, Phil Macdonald, beat Hawaiian wildcard Flynn Novak to significantly increase his chances for an '08 berth today.

"It's hard to against anyone out here, not just the wildcards, but I'm just going into it with nothing to lose," Macdonald said. "I have everything to gain and I know I can do it. I've made the final here once before. I'm just going to keep my head down and try to position myself to get the right waves, that's all I can really do for myself."

Further down the ratings in 33rd place, local surfer Fred Patacchia (HAW) helped his cause when he beat 2003 Pipeline Masters winner Jamie O'Brien (HAW).

"I've always wanted to win a Pipeline competition," Patacchia said. "I grew up going to school right here across the street at Sunset elementary. I used to skip school just to watch this event. Right now I'm actually below the bubble, sitting about 33rd. I don't really know what I need to do to requalify but I'm not too worried about it. I feel like I should have been doing something before it came down to this, I'm really just letting things happen and trying to surf smart heats. If I make it I make it, if I don't I don't, I've already entered into three WQS events next year. I'm just going to surf the best I can and do what I can."

Surfers who needed big results at Pipeline to requalify but fell short today were Brazilians Raoni Monteiro and Victor Ribas. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) and Gabe Kling (USA) who bowed out of the event yesterday, are two more competitors who did not make the cut for the 2008 ASP World Tour. Surfers like Danny Wills (AUS) and Ricky Basnett (ZAF) are also teetering on the edge having exited with 33rd place points with surfers like Macdonald, Pattachia and Bruce Irons (HAW) still surfing. Royden Bryson (ZAF), Adriano de Souza (BRA) finished last at Pipeline and didn't requalify via the World Tour, but will be back in 2008 courtesy of ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) results.

Dayyan Neve (AUS), like Luke Munro (AUS), is in limbo for qualifying for the World Tour next year via his WQS result. Both surfers will only make the World Tour if the current number of double qualifiers (meaning surfers who are in a position to qualify via both their World Tour and WQS results) stays the same. Neve looked to be backing himself on the World Tour too when he posted the highest heat total of the day 17.43 out of 20.00. He'll have to make it to the Billabong Pipeline Masters Final to have a decent chance of finishing in the Top 27.

The ASP 'Dual Heats' format that was inspired by 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) was used again today. Slater gave his two cents on it after eliminating Mikey Bruneau (HAW) in the first heat of the day.

"I think it's working out, it's pretty new to everyone, and it will take some time for the surfers and the fans to really understand it, but it's pretty simple," Slater said. "You get this warm-up phase, you get a priority phase, then you're done. I think there was more worry about it beforehand than actual problems when we ran it. There is more hassle in four man heats. I think this format just gives everyone a little bit more space to feel more relaxed in their heats, allowing them to surf more out there."

Sixteen heats of Round 4 are next on the agenda. A full day's worth of surfing remains before competition will be finished. Another call will be made at 7am tomorrow.

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.17 def. Mikey Bruneau (HAW) 6.10
Heat 2: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 17.43 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 6.57
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.60 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 13.50
Heat 4: Troy Brooks (AUS) 9.94 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 8.93
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.50 def. David Wassell (HAW) 3.56
Heat 6: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 7.16 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 7.10
Heat 7: Ian Walsh (HAW) 13.67 def. Bobby Martinez (USA)10.93
Heat 8: T.J. Barron (HAW) 13.34 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 5.17
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) 15.50 def. Myles Padaca (HAW) 4.90
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 11.33 def. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 10.10
Heat 11: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.34 def. Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 4.67
Heat 12: Chris Ward (USA) 12.50 def. Gavin Gillette (HAW) 8.90
Heat 13: Mikala Jones (HAW) 10.00 def. Michael Campbell (AUS) 5.47
Heat 14: Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 16.67 def. Flynn Novak (HAW) 15.33
Heat 15: Gavin Beschen (HAW) 13.33 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 8.33
Heat 16: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 11.67 def. Danny Fuller (HAW) 6.77

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Match- Ups:
1: Andy Irons (HAW) vs. TJ Barron (HAW)
Heat 2: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 4: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 9: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs. Bernardo Mirando (BRA)
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Dayyan Never (AUS)
Heat 11: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs. Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 12: Kally Slater (USA) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 13: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 14: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Gavin Beschen (USA)
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 16: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)

STEPHANIE GILMORE WINS BILLABONG PRO MAUI; ABUBO TAKES VANS TRIPLE CROWN

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Friday, Dec. 14, 2007) – Steaphanie Gilmore (AUS) has claimed the 2007 Billabong Pro Maui after a showdown against fellow finalist and defending Billabong Pro Maui Champion Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) in two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Honolua Bay

The final event of the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui saw the rookie Gilmore claim the 2007 ASP Women's World Title following yesterday's Round 3 action, and today's victory at Honolua Bay marks the young Australian's fourth win this season.

"It's been such an incredible year for me," Gilmore said. "Everything from traveling with my friends to winning events to claiming the title in Maui, it's all be so much fun. I can't believe it. To finish the year with another win, I'm just over the moon."

Making use of the declining swell, Billabong Pro Maui event organizers opted to run the final day of competition today. Although the Final was somewhat wave-starved, Gilmore's stylish forehand assault would prove victorious over the goofy-footer, Miley-Dyer.

"It was really special to finish the year out there with Jessi (Miley-Dyer)," Gilmore said. "The waves weren't that great, but we still managed to get a few. We were just enjoying ourselves out there and talking. I'm super stoked to finish the year with a win."

Miley-Dyer, who claimed the event's high heat total of an 18.65 out of a possible 20 in yesterday's Round 3 action, dominated the inconsistent righthanders througout the day, defeating opponents Keala Kennelly (HAW) and Layne Beachley (AUS) en route to her finals berth.

"Making the finals two years in a row is a big accomplishment for me," Miley-Dyer said. "I was fortunate enough to win last year, and to make the finals again with Steph (Gilmore) is great. I'm super stoked to have been able to share her ASP World Title with her, and I'm really please with myself for finishing the year off strong."

In addition to the ASP Women's World Title and the Billabong Pro Maui Title, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing was on the line during the final day of competition with three remaining contenders in Layne Beachley (AUS), Melanie Bartels (HAW) and Megan Abubo (HAW)

Abubo, winner of the Reef Pro Haleiwa, emerged victorious today, taking down the 2007 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing with her equal 5th place finish at the Billabong Pro Maui.

"I was a little bummed that I lost out to Rosy (Hodge), and I kind of took off," Abubo said. "I knew that Layne (Beachley) was still in the hunt and she's such a competitor out here that she easily could have gotten the result. My team manager called me when she lost out and told me that I had won the Triple Crown and I was almost in disbelief."

Abubo, who suffered a horrific abdominal injury at the Roxy Pro Sunset, rallied at Honolua Bay, posting solid scores in the earlier rounds and exhibiting excellent wave selection. For her efforts, Abubo will be awarded $10,000 as well as a brand-new Chevy Truck.

"Wow, I'm super stoked that Vans puts on the Triple Crown," Abubo said. "It's such a good thing for women's surfing, to allow us to showcase our talents in the big waves of Hawaii. I am so happy right now, I don't really have words to describe it. It's been a long time since a Hawaiian has taken the Vans Triple Crown and I am honored to bring it back to the islands."

Now that the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour has come to a close, campaigners from the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) have been locked in for the 2008 Dream Tour, with the following surfers all vying for the ASP Women's World Title in 2008:

1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
3 – Silvana Lima (BRA)
4 – Samantha Cornish (AUS)
5 – Layne Beachley (AUS)
6 – Amee Donohoe (AUS)
7 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS)
8 – Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
9 – Rebecca Woods (AUS)
10 – Melanie Bartels (HAW)
11 – Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
12 – Megan Abubo (HAW)
13 – Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
14 – Karina Petroni (USA)
15 – Serena Brooke (AUS)
16 – Nicola Atherton (AUS)
17 – ASP Wildcard

BILLABONG PRO MAUI CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED TODAY; QUARTERS IN THE WATER

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Friday, Dec. 14, 2007) –The final day of the final event on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui, is underway in Honolua Beach, Maui today. The first three Quarterfinals have been completed.

An event champion will be crowned by midday. 7X ASP World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS), defending champion Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), newly crowned 2007 ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) are through to the Semifinals.

The final Quarterfinal featuring Vans Triple Crown of surfing ratings leader Megan Abubo (HAW) vs. rookie Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) is in the water now. Hodge must post an enormous result to requalify for the 2008 ASP Women's World Tour. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) who was just beaten by Gilmore, will not qualify for the 2008 tour having finished outside the Top 10 with no ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) result to fall back on.

Unfortunately, the LIVE webcast for the Billabong Pro Maui is down as internet connection at Honolua Bay is non-existent at present. Updates are available on www.billabongpro.com.

Billabong Pro Maui Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 14.70 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 13.40
QF 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 11.50 def. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 6.75
QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) def. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

Billabong Pro Maui Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
QF 4: Megan Abubo (HAW) vs. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)

Billabong Pro Maui Semifinal Match-Ups:
SF 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. ? (TBD)

8AM START FOR ROUND 3 OF THE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 14, 2007) – Round 3 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, will commence in three to five foot (one metre plus) declining swell at the Banzail Pipeline at 8am.

Round 4 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters is on standby. The ASP's new 'Dual Heat' format was used for the first time yesterday with the overall consensus from the surfers proving very positive. Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat begins halfway through the heat before it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) comes into play the second half of each heat.

Watch it LIVE at: www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

Competition will have an 8am start this morning. .

Billabong Pro Round 3 Heat Match-Ups:
BHeat 1 :Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Mikey Bruneau (HAW)
Heat 2: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 4: Troy Brooks (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. David Wassell (HAW)
Heat 6: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 7: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 8: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) vs. T.J. Barron (HAW)
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Myles Padaca (HAW)
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Jamie O'Brien (HAW)
Heat 11: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Heat 12: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 13: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 14: Phillip MacDonald (AUS) vs. Flynn Novak (HAW)
Heat 15: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Gavin Beschen (HAW)
Heat 16: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Danny Fuller (HAW)

STEPHANIE GILMORE CROWNED 2007 ASP WORLD CHAMP; SURFS INTO RECORD BOOKS

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007) – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has just made ASP History as the first-ever surfer to claim the ASP World Title in their rookie season, having bested fellow contenders Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) in Round 3 competition today at the Billabong Pro Maui at Honolua Bay.

The 19-year old from Coolangatta, Australia, blitzed past opponent Rochelle Ballard (HAW) with a stunning performance to advance through to the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Maui after rival Mulanovich went down to wildcard Keala Kennelly (HAW) in a surprise Round 3 elimination.

"Surprisingly, I did quite well to not watch Sofia's heat at all, and I didn't even know that Keala (Kennelly) had won until right before my heat was about to start," Gilmore said. "That was interesting. I guess it was awesome for me. I was stoked. It pretty much just fired me up when I heard that, and then the next wave I got barreled."

With Mulanovich eliminated, and following her phenomenal win over the veteran Ballard, Gilmore needed fellow rookie Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) to defeat remaining contender Silvana Lima (BRA) in the final heat of the day to seal the ASP Women's World Title. With less than five minutes remaining, Hodge turned the tide with an incredible forehand assault on a roping righthander which would put her into the lead. The countdown to the heat ended with the raucous applause from the army of media and hundreds of spectators assembled on the beach.

Gilmore first moved to World No. 1 on the ASP ratings when she took out the Rip Curl Bells Beach in Australia in April – though she shared the top spot with 2005 ASP World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) at the time.

She claimed the sole ratings lead after a semifinal finish in Brazil, but then dropped to 4th in the world with a 9th in Spain. Back-to-back wins in Sydney, Australia and Peru put Gilmore in contention to seal the deal with one event to go in Sunset Beach, Hawaii, but the Australian fell short, netting only an equal 9th place finish.

Requiring a result in Maui, Gilmore stepped up her performance at Honolua Bay, consistently displaying her world class form before sealing the title this afternoon.

Despite the numerous accolades collected by predecessors such Layne Beachley (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA), Gilmore is the first surfer ever to claim the ASP World Title in their rookie season.

"That's amazing, I never even thought of that until now," Gilmore said. "It's truly an honor to make my way into the history books. To do it here in Maui, in waves that are barreling, and with all the family and friends here to share it with is truly amazing. I'm absolutely over the moon, and I'm just at a loss for words."

Gilmore's phenomenal rookie season on the ASP Women's World Tour saw the prodigious natural-footer claim victories at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, the NAB Beachley Classic in Sydney and the Mancora Peru Classic. Although 2007 was Gilmore's official rookie season, the Australian had already scalped two events as a wildcard prior to this year, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast (2005) and the Bico Beachley Classic (2006).

"I've just had an amazing first year on tour," Gilmore said. "I have great traveling partners like Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and my team manager Kate Skarrat (AUS) has been there for me all the way – she's just a great person to bounce ideas off of. I've also had Mick Fanning (AUS) – he's a fellow Rip Curl teamrider and his season this year has been a real inspiration to me."

Gilmore and Fanning are the first two Australians to concurrently hold the ASP World Titles since 1999.

Looking ahead, Gilmore's precision in the water and competitive savvy will do 19-year-old well as she finishes out the 2007 season and focuses on defending her ASP Women's World Title in 2008.

"Right now, I'm just enjoying the moment," Gilmore said. "It's such an incredible feeling; I honestly can't describe it. Definitely though, next year I will be bringing my focus back to the tour. I don't want to lose this feeling, and I can't wait to finish out the year and head into 2008."

The Billabong Pro Maui will make a call on the Quarterfinals at 7:30am tomorrow.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com or www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

ASP WORLD TITLES, HIGH SCORES AND BARRELS AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI ROUND 3

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007) – Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines was filled with excitement today as the ASP Top 17 attacked the two-to-four foot (1 metre) barrels on offer at Honolua Bay, Maui.

The final event of the ASP Women's World Tour, today's Billabong Pro Maui action treated spectators to ASP World Title clinches, incredible tube-riding and some of the highest heat scores of the event.

Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), defending Billabong Pro Maui Champion, posted the highest heat total of the event, an 18.65 out of a possible 20, for a flurry of backhand hacks in her Round 3 bout against Rebecca Woods (AUS).

"I'm just happy to redeem myself a bit and get a couple of good waves in heats," Miley-Dyer said. "That's really what I didn't do in Round 1. I think as long as I catch waves and have fun, I'll be right. It's just a matter of waiting for them."

With a number of high-scoring heat totals and exciting barrels, today's Billabong Pro Maui action was punctuated with the culmination of the 2007 ASP Women's World Title race.

Rookie phenom Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) shredded her way back into the history books, claiming the 2007 ASP World Title during Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines, held in hollow two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Honolua Bay, Maui.

Following former ratings leader Sofia Mulanovich's (PER) shock Round 3 elimination at the hands of wildcard Keala Kennelly (HAW), Gilmore capitalized on the opening by nailing an excellent 9.8 out of a possible 10 on her very first wave of the next heat for an exceptional tuberide followed by an onslaught of forehand carves.

"Paddling into it, it was actually a smaller wave and Rochelle (Ballard) didn't even look at it," Gilmore said. "I kind of looked down the line and thought that I was going to fit into it because I'm a massive human, but somehow I managed to squeeze into it. It just drained and it just opened and closed the whole way down the line, and I managed to make my way out."

Kennelly, who entered into the Billabong Pro Maui with the withdrawal of Caroline Sarran (FRA), opened up her heat against Mulanovich with an incredible backhand barrel, netting the Hawaiian the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.9 out of a possible 10.

"I feel really awful about knock Sofia (Mulanovich) out," Kennelly said. "I really didn't want to draw any of the ASP Women's World Title contenders because I know how it feels to be in that position. That barrel was amazing, but this is probably the worst I have ever felt coming in after winning a heat. Sofia is a true champion and such a gracious person, regardless of whether she is winning or losing."

Gilmore finally sealed her ASP Women's World Title when fellow rookie Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) took down remaining contender Silvana Lima (BRA) in the final heat of the day. With just five minutes remaining in the heat, Hodge found the winning wave as she belted a walling righthander on her forehand.

"It was an incredible feeling being out in that heat," Hodge said. "Steph (Gilmore) and I came onto the tour this year together as rookies and to be able to play a part in her ASP Women's World Title victory is really special. I look up to Steph a lot and I looked at that heat like I got my best result and she won the world title."

Although the ASP Women's World Title has been decided, the Billabong Pro Maui still has eight competitors remaining in the hunt for the coveted event win as well as the Vans Triple Crown showdown.

With the elimination of Mulanovich, three surfers remain in contention for the 2007 Vans Triple Crown Award. Hawaiian powerhouse Melanie Bartels, seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) and frontrunner Megan Abubo (HAW) will all battle it out on the final day of competition at Honolua Bay.

Next call will be tomorrow at 7:30am.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com or www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

FUEL TV will be broadcasting the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines. For more information, log onto www.fuel.tv

RESULTS: Billabong Pro Maui (ASP Women's World Tour)

ROUND 3: 16 surfers remaining
Heat 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 11.75 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 7.75
Heat 2: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 10.25 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 7.50
Heat 3: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 18.65 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 9.75
Heat 4: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 15.90 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 7.50
Heat 5: Stephanie Gilmore 9AUS) 18.55 def. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 10.25
Heat 6: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 15.00 def. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 12.00
Heat 7: Megan Abubo (HAW) 4.00 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3.50
Heat 8: Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 13.30 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.25

MATCH-UPS: Billabong Pro Maui (ASP Women's World Tour)

QUARTERFINALS: 8 surfers remaining
QF 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)
QF 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs. Keala Kennelly (HAW)
QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
QF 4: Megan Abubo (HAW) vs. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)

STEPHANIE GILMORE CROWNED 2007 ASP WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPION

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007) – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has just made ASP history as the first-ever surfer, male or female, to claim the ASP World Title as a rookie having bested fellow contenders Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) in Round 3 competition today at the Billabong Pro Maui at Honolua Bay.

The 19-year old from Coolangatta, Australia, blitzed past opponent Rochelle Ballard (HAW) with a stunning performance to advance through to the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Maui after rival Mulanovich wentdown to wildcard Keala Kennelly (HAW) in a surprise Round 3 elimination.

Despite the numerous accolades collected by predecessors such Layne Beachley (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA), Gilmore is the first surfer ever to claim the ASP World Title in their rookie season.

Gilmore's phenomenal rookie season on the ASP Women's World Tour saw the prodigious natural-footer claim victories at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, the NAB Beachley Classic in Sydney and the Mancora Peru Classic. Into the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Maui, Gilmore still has the opportunity to add a fourth scalp to her incredible 2007 collection.

First moving to World No. 1 on the ASP ratings with her win at Bells Beach, Gimore shared the top spot with 2005 ASP World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) unti she claimed the sole ratings lead after a semifinal finish in Brazil. Gilmore then dropped to 4th in the world with a 9th place result in Spain. Back to back wins in Sydney and Peru put her back on top and in contention to seal the deal with one event to go in Sunset Beach, Hawaii, but an early exit there out her title hopes on hold until today.

Looking ahead, Gilmore's precision in the water and competitive savvy will do 19-year-old well as she finishes out the 2007 season and focuses on defending her ASP Women's World Title in 2008.

The Billabong Pro Maui will make a call on the Quarterfinals at 7:30am tomorrow.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

OTTON SURFS NEAR PERFECT HEAT AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS; HAWAIIANS DOMINATE

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007) – Foster's ASP 'Rookie of the Year' contender Kai Otton (AUS) surfed a near perfect heat to post 19.33 out of 20.00 possible points in Round 2 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters today. Otton's performance in the four to six foot (one to two metre) waves garnered him the highest combined heat and single wave scores of the event thus far.

"That was a little taste, not classic Pipe, but there are definitely a couple of really nice ones out there," Otton said. "Some of them are really getting a ledge and turning out pretty nice. It's just so awesome to only be out there with four other guys. I've been coming here for the past six or seven years and there are at least 50 guys in the lineup if it starts getting any good and you can only count on about one wave every two hours. I'm just so grateful to be out here."

The ASP's new 'Dual Heat' format was used for the first time today with the overall concensus from the surfers proving very positive. Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat begins halfway through the heat before it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) comes into play the second half of each heat.

Otton caught his 9.93 (out of 10) scoring wave just as priority was about to shift from the heat prior to his.

"That wave was right at the end of the other heats priority, right when it was about to change," Otton said. "Luckily nobody was out the back to take it off me. The wave kind of peaked out the back, I wasn't in great position because nothing was really breaking out there but I sat in on the ledge and ended upside down, I thought I'd blown it. I was on a short 6'3" board which was probably a bit short but somehow it just stuck to my feet, pulled down the line and came out."

Otton is currently rated World No. 9 and is up against World No. 8 Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the race for 'ASP Rookie of the Year' honors. The surfer who finishes higher in the ratings after this event will walk away with the honor. Flores led for much of the latter part of the year, but Otton's Final berth at the last tour stop in Brazil has put him well within reach.

"That heat was important, I have a bit of a job to do," Otton said. "Making heats you know, is what's important. I'm just taking it heat by heat and see what happens."

Otton, along with Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Michael Campbell (AUS) and Chris Ward (USA), was one of only four full-time Foster's ASP World Tour surfers to advance from Round 2 today. In contrast, 12 of 16 Hawaii Pro Surfers Union (HPSU) selected 'Pipeline Specialists' are through to Round 3 with their wins today.

Ward posted 18.07 out of 20.00 for the second highest wave total of the day and is subsequently bettering his chances of requalifying for the 2008 ASP World Tour. Ward is currently rated 27th and only 27 of the Top 45 requalify at the end of the year. Ward said he concentrated solely on his heat against former World Tour surfer Shane Dorian (HAW) and not on requalification.

"When you go out in heat, you don't think about things like re-qualifying," Ward said. "Last year it was the same thing, thinking about this and that, you can sit on the beach all think about and wonder, but it's all about coming down and surfing a heat."
Former Pipeline Masters champion Jamie O'Brien (HAW) used local knowledge to his advantage today and is now into Round 3.

When asked his thoughts on having the opportunity to surf against the world's best surfers, O'Brien's take was: "They get a chance to surf against me and I'm ready. I'm just going to go out there have fun, this is my home break, it feels great competing in my back yard and I'm just looking for a good time."

Mick Lowe (AUS) a 15 year campaigner on the ASP World Tour, surfed his last heat today and will retire now. The 30-year-old lost to wildcard Danny Fuller (HAW).

"I've had lots of memories here, I've left lots of skin on the reef, but you know Danny had an incredible heat and I was just really hoping to get one good one at the end to make finish it off," Lowe said. "The wave didn't come so that didn't happen but that's the ocean that's what we love about it."

Lowe, who has three World Tour event wins to his credit, was chaired up the beach by his tour mates after the heat.

"This is the support I've had, just not today, I've had this support all my life," Lowe said when his feet hit sand again. "Whether or not they've been on the beach, at home watching on the internet, or on TV, I've had that support my whole life. Without that support I wouldn't be where I'm at today. It's not just the fact that they've lifted me up today, it's a 15 year career they've been lifting me along."

Hawaiian wildcard Sunny Garcia, who was eliminated by Gavin Gillette (HAW) in Round 2 today, was today fined US$5000 for unsportsmanlike conduct displayed in Round 1 of the event on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. The decision was announced this morning post ASP judiciary meetings on the matter. Garcia issued an apology for his behavior to all parties involved.

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

Billabong Pro Round 2 Heat Results:
Heat 1: Mikey Bruneau (HAW) 9.90 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 8.93
Heat 2: Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 16.66 def. Kalani Chapman (HAW) 9.27
Heat 3: Roy Powers (HAW) 12.17 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 11.50
Heat 4: Gavin Gillette (HAW) 10.30 def. Sunny Garcia (HAW) 7.77
Heat 5: Kai Otton (AUS) def. 19.33 Manoa Drollet (TAH) 8.00
Heat 6: Flynn Novak (HAW) 15.60 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.07
Heat 7: Michael Campbell (AUS) 15.00 def. Kainoa McGee (HAW) 6.23
Heat 8: Danny Fuller (HAW) 14.84 def. Michael Lowe (AUS) 4.46
Heat 9: David Wassell (HAW) 10.50 def. Daniel Wills (AUS) 5.16
Heat 10: Gavin Beschen (USA) 16.67 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 3.00
Heat 11: Ian Walsh (HAW) 8.40 def. Leonardo Neves (BRA) 5.93
Heat 12: Mikala Jones (HAW) 16.00 def. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 12.60
Heat 13: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 10.46 def. Tory Baron (HAW) 4.56
Heat 14: Chris Ward (USA) 18.07 def. Shane Dorian (HAW) 16.00
Heat 15: Myles Padaca (HAW) 8.06 def. Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 4.16
Heat 16: Makua Rothman (HAW) 6.33 def. Royden Bryson (ZAF) 3.90

Billabong Pro Round 3 Heat Match-Ups:
BHeat 1 :Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Mikey Bruneau (HAW)
Heat 2: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 4: Troy Brooks (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. David Wassell (HAW)
Heat 6: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 7: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 8: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) vs. T.J. Barron (HAW)
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Myles Padaca (HAW)
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Jamie O'Brien (HAW)
Heat 11: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Heat 12: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 13: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 14: Phillip MacDonald (AUS) vs. Flynn Novak (HAW)
Heat 15: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Gavin Beschen (HAW)
Heat 16: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Danny Fuller (HAW)

For more information please visit www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007) – Event organizers at the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines have called competition on this morning, with the highly-anticipated Round 3 match-ups hitting the two-to-three foot (1 metre) surf at Honolua Bay at 12:15pm.

The final event of the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour season, the Billabong Pro Maui will crown the 2007 ASP Women's World Champion, and remaining contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) will battle it out throughout the day to see if a winner will decided today..

"We've been waiting around all morning and just recently, there have been some contestable sets breaking through Honolua Bay," Billabong Pro Maui Contest Director Dino Andino (USA) said. "The swell is projected to increase throughout the day, and we're keen to utilize the swell while it is here. We're unsure what is one the horizon, and with the ASP Women's World Title on the line, we're going to put the girls out in the best conditions available."

If Mulanovich places 9th, Gilmore must finish 5th or better, and Lima must finish 1st or 2nd to claim the crown.

If Mulanovich places 5th, Gilmore must finish 3rd or better and Lima must win the Billabong Pro Maui to claim the title.

If Mulanovich places 3rd, Gilmore must finish 2nd to win, and Lima is out of contention regardless.

If Mulanovich places 2nd, Gilmore must win the event, and if Mulanovich wins the event, she also wins the title.

Last Sunday, spectators at the Billabong Pro Maui saw the opening two round of competition completed with some fantastic peformances put in by the ASP World Title frontrunners as well as defending event champions Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS).

ASP Women's World Title match-up in Round 3 will see Gilmore, Mulanovich and Lima square off against Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Keala Kennely (HAW) and Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) respectively.

In addition to the showdown for the ASP Women's World Title, the 2007 Vans Triple Crown will come to a close today at the Billabong Pro Maui, with frontrunners Mulanovich and Megan Abubo (HAW) looking to finish on top.

Both Abubo and Mulanovich have scalped one event each in this season's Vans Triple Crown, taking out the Reef Pro at Haleiwa and the Roxy Pro at Sunset respectively. Although Abubo suffered a horrific abdominal injury at Sunset Beach, the stylish Hawaiian rallied to net the opening day's highest single wave score of a 9.25 out of a possible 10.

Round 3 Billabong Pro Maui action will hit the water at 12:15pm.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUNDS 2 & 3 WILL RUN TODAY

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 13th , 2007) –Rounds 2 and 3 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, will commence in four foot (one metre plus) building swell at the Banzail Pipeline at 8am.

In Round 2, 16 Hawaiian Pro Surfers Union (HPSU) selected 'Pipeline Specialists' will take on select members of the Foster's ASP World Tour and a newly implemented ASP 'Dual Heats' format will be run.

Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat will begin halfway through the heat that preceded it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) will come into play the second half of each heat and two separate judging panels, each presided over by a separate head judge, will be on-hand to judge their allotted heats respectively.

The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as follows:

'Dual Heat' Individual Priority Rules
• The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off zone, the ASP's standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone.
• If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat, that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the take-off zone first.
• If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first, then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a wave.

'Dual Heat' Heat Priority Rules
• The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
• If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second priority.
• If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to block competitors in different heats.
• A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority, providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority.
The ASP Technical Committee also created new competition rash vests to facilitate priority allocation in the 'Dual Heat' format.

Competition Rash Vest Colors
• Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the same color rash vest.
• Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective rash vests.
• Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the surfers to identify who has priority.
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a specific set of priority discs for the 'Dual Heat' format. The rules that will regulate its usage are:

Priority Discs
• A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame.
• Top disc to have red and blue colors. It will indicate which color heat has priority at the half way mark.
• Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has priority from the half way mark onwards.

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

Billabong Pro Round 2 Heat Match-ups:
Heat 1: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Mikey Bruneau (HAW)
Heat 2: Kalani Chapman (HAW) vs. Jamie O'Brien (HAW)
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 4: Sunny Garcia (HAW) vs. Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 5: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Manoa Drollet (TAH)
Heat 6: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Flynn Novak (HAW)
Heat 7: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Kainoa McGee (HAW)
Heat 8: Michael Lowe (AUS) vs. Danny Fuller (HAW)
Heat 9: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. David Wassell (HAW)
Heat 10: Luke Munro (AUS) vs. Gavin Beschen (USA)
Heat 11: Leonardo Neves (BRA) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 12: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 13: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 15: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) vs. Myles Padaca (HAW)
Heat 16: Royden Bryson (ZAF) vs. Makua Rothman (HAW)

THE WAIT CONTINUES AT THE BILLABONG PRO MAUI

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007) – After a brief pulse last night which saw some solid sets break through Honolua Bay, the swell has dropped once again, prompting event organizers to call the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines off for the day.

The final event of the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui requires only one full day of competition to complete the event, and with little forecasted swell on tap until later this week, the call was made to postpone the event until improved conditions.

"The small pulse in swell that we experienced last night has all but dissipated this morning and we've called competition off," ASP Head Judge Richie Porta said. "We have a good long waiting priod and with just one more full day of competition left to complete the event, we'll be waiting for proper conditions to present themselves."

Following the opening two rounds of competition so far, the Billabong Pro Maui has seen the remaining ASP Women's World Title contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) all advance through to Round 3 with impressive performances at Honolua Bay.

In addition to the hunt for the ASP Women's World Title, the Vans Triple Crown is coming to a close at Honolua Bay, with frontrunners Mulanovich and Megan Abubo (HAW) tied for the lead. Both Abubo and Mulanovich have each claimed one event in the Vans Triple Crown, and will finish their showdown in Maui.

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow.

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO OFF CITING SMALL SWELL

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, Dec. 12th, 2007) –While no official Billabong Pipeline Masters action will be underway today due to small surf, the completion of Round 1 yesterday has set the stage for Round 2, where 16 Hawaiian Pro Surfers Union (HPSU) selected 'Pipeline Specialists' will take on select members of the Foster's ASP World Tour.

Yesterday's 12 1st place Round 1 finishers, along with the four highest 2nd place finishers, advanced straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place finishers and the eight highest 3rd place finishers will now negotiate Round 3. The remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.

Starting in Round 2, a newly implemented ASP 'Dual Heats' format will be run. Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat will begin halfway through the heat that preceded it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) will come into play the second half of each heat and two separate judging panels, each presided over by a separate head judge, will be on-hand to judge their allotted heats respectively.

The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as follows:

'Dual Heat' Individual Priority Rules
• The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off zone, the ASP's standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone.
• If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat, that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the take-off zone first.
• If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first, then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a wave.

'Dual Heat' Heat Priority Rules
• The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
• If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second priority.
• If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to block competitors in different heats.
• A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority, providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority.
The ASP Technical Committee also created new competition rash vests to facilitate priority allocation in the 'Dual Heat' format.

Competition Rash Vest Colors
• Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the same color rash vest.
• Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective rash vests.
• Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the surfers to identify who has priority.
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a specific set of priority discs for the 'Dual Heat' format. The rules that will regulate its usage are:

Priority Discs
• A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame.
• Top disc to have red and blue colors. It will indicate which color heat has priority at the half way mark.
• Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has priority from the half way mark onwards.

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

ANDY IRONS MAKES EARLY CHARGE AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 2007) –Reigning and 4X Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion Andy Irons (HAW) is not in contention to the win his fifth Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title after skipping the event at Sunset Beach to get married, but his performance in clean four foot (one metre plus) surf at Pipeline this morning proved he's still the man to beat.

Irons posted the highest heat total of the day, 17.50 of 20.00, in Round 1 and will now advance to Round 4.

"It feels awesome to get out there," Irons said. "After Haleiwa I flew home, missed Sunset, got married, and have just been waiting for this event for about a week now. It's nice to finally get the ball rolling, and to start the heat off with an 8.33 and a 9.17 was a great start."

If Irons can maintain his form and defend his title (he has won the event four out of the last five years), he will end his 2008 Foster's ASP World Tour season with two wins to his credit – Irons took top honors in Chile earlier this year.

"It's the last contest of the year and it was a pretty slow year for me," Irons said. " I had a bad start, an okay run and then a pretty bad ending. With this being that last event of the year I want to go out with a bang. This is one of my top three favorite events of the year. I'm just taking it one heat at a time and just keep my eyes on the conditions everyday."

Adrian Buchan (AUS) emerged from the biggest barrel of the day to post the highest single wave score of the round, 9.63 out of 10.00. He advanced over 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), Royden Bryson (ZAF) and Kalani Chapman (HAW) respectively – no one is eliminated from the event in Round 1.

"It was probably one of the bigger waves to come through," Buchan said. "It opened up really nicely and had nice long barrel and then a turn after so I was just really stoked. It's not real Pipe out there today, I'd like to have a heat against Kelly out here, man-on-man when it's eight to 10 foot, but yeah, a win is a win and I'm stoked to make it straight through to the fourth round."

Buchan fared well in the first two events of the Triple Crown and subsequently re-qualified for the 2008 ASP World Tour courtesy of his ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) rating. He also put himself in contention for the Triple Crown, now sitting in fourth place.

"I'm feeling really good – I felt really good in Haleiwa, and in Sunset as well," Buchan said. "My job is kind of done as far as re-qualifying for next year so I'm just enjoying myself, being able to surf Pipe with a few other guys is truly a treat."

2007 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), who with his maiden world title secured has also 'done his job,' finished 2nd to wildcard Laurie Towner (AUS) today. Despite narrowly losing to Towner, Fanning will advance straight to Round 4 courtesy of being one of the four top scoring 2nd place finishers today. Notably, this is the first Round 1 heat Fanning has lost all year. Fanning is currently rated 3rd in the race for the Triple Crown title.

"Winning an event here in Hawaii is always something you want to do," Fanning said. "I really want to win the event here, I've been so close here so many times, but never really done it. The Triple Crown as well, I'm still in the running for that so there's a couple of things going into the event, I want to have fun and enjoy it but still want to win the event."

ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) leads the Triple Crown race and is on track to keep it that way after winning his heat today.

"It was a tough heat with Freddy (Pattachia), Occy (Mark Occhilupo), and Danny (Wills) because they're all on the borderline to requalify, and with it being the last event, everyone is going for it," Durbidge said. "Occy was in the lead the entire heat and I was thinking it would be okay to lose to him going out. I still was wanting to sneak through if I could. I got lucky and was able to get a little one at the end and pull through."

If an Australian were to claim the Triple Crown title this year, it would be the first time since Mike Rommesle (AUS) did so in 1997.

"It would be just amazing to win the Triple Crown, it's been a dream of mine forever," Durbidge said. "To prove yourself in Hawaii means a lot and you can gain a lot of respect off the other surfers as well. So we'll see I'm on track."

Making it through their heats despite interference calls were today Dean Morrison (AUS) and Neco Padaratz (BRA)

"The conditions today, being as they are, if you do get interference, it's probably the best conditions you can have to try and pull it off, because there's not that many waves," Morrison said. "There was a lot of junk out there and if you do get the right one, you do just have to ride it and try for a good score."

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

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Results:
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW) 17.50, Cory Lopez (USA) 14.66, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.90, Tiago Pires (PRT) 4.03
Heat 2: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 12.60, Tim Reyes (USA) 9.73, Bobby Martinez (USA) 8.26, Leonardo Neves (BRA) 5.0
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.06, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.17, Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 8.43, Daniel Wills (AUS) 6.30
Heat 4: Gabe Kling (USA) 11.50, Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.34, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 5.90, Damien Hobgood (USA) 2.77
Heat 5: Laurie Towner (AUS) 11.57, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.10, Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 8.00, Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 2.67
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.96, Kelly Slater (USA) 6.36, Royden Bryson (ZAF) 4.60, Kalani Chapman (HAW) 2.80
Heat 7: Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.50, T.J. Barron (HAW) 7.30, Taj Burrow (AUS)6.17, Chris Ward (USA) 1.38
Heat 8: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 7.50, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5.87, Sunny Garcia (HAW) 4.96, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 3.94
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 8.84, Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 7.50, Michael Campbell (AUS) 4.87, Michael Lowe (AUS) 3.60
Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.73, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 7.93, Luke Munro (AUS) 3.80, Taylor Knox (USA) 2.80
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.00, Victor Ribas (BRA) 8.86, Troy Brooks (AUS) 5.77, Kai Otton (AUS) 4.54
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.67, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 11.47, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 10.76, Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 8.87

BILLABONG PRO MAUI POSTPONED FOR TODAY; SWELL ON THE HORIZON

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007) – Although a small pulse of swell is projected to push surf in the three-to-four foot (1 metre) range at Honolua Bay later today, event organizers at the Billabong Pro Maui have opted to postpone competition until tomorrow in hopes of a better swell on the horizon.

The final event of the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui has only one full day of competition left to run in order to complete the event, and with the ASP Women's World Title as well as the Vans Triple Crown Award on the line at Honolua Bay, event organizers have chosen to wait until more contestable conditions are on offer..

"We were hoping that the swell would fill in around mid-day today so we could run through the afternoon, but it doesn't look like it will be arriving soon enough," Billabong Pro Maui Contest Director Dino Andino (USA) said. "Obviously there is a lot on the line with the ASP Women's World Title as well as the Vans Triple Crown, so with only one full day left to run, we want to send the girls out in the best possible conditions. We'll be back tomorrow morning at 7am."

The Billabong Pro Maui has completed the opening two rounds of competition so far, and remaining ASP Women's World Title contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) have all shown they are hungry for the crown, convincingly advancing their way into Round 3.

In addition to the hunt for the ASP Women's World Title, the Vans Triple Crown is coming to a close at Honolua Bay, with frontrunners Mulanovich and Megan Abubo (HAW) tied for the lead. Despite a horrific abdominal injurt sustained at Sunset Beach, Abubo rallied in her elimination Round 2 heat on Sunday to net the day's high single wave score of a 9.25 out of a possible 10.

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow.

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 1 TO COMMENCE AT 10AM

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007) – Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, will commence at the famed Banzai Pipeline at 10am today.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is unique in that 16 "Pipeline specialists," as nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro Surfer's Union (HPSU), are seeded alongside the Foster's 45 and three event wildcards for a total of 64 surfers instead of the normal 48.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury replacement surfers. From there, the 12 1st place finishers along with the four highest 2nd place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate Round 3 and the remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final jewel in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series and will determine this year's Vans Triple Crown champion. ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW). In addition to their share of the $740,000 in prize money, the men's Vans Triple Crown champion will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF), Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA), Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro (AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun Cansdell (AUS)

BILLABONG PRO MAUI CALLED OFF FOR TODAY

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Monday, Dec. 10, 2007) – Event organizers have opted to call the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines off for today, postponing the start of Round 3 competition at least until tomorrow.

Event No. 8 of 8 on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui awoke to one-to-three foot (0.5 metre) surf this morning at Honolua Bay, which prompted the call from event organizers.

"The surf has dropped considerably since yesterday and we've opted to postpone competition until tomorrow," ASP Women's World Tour Manager Brooke Farris said. "Swell models have forecast a slight increase in swell coming in tomorrow and maybe Wednesday so we could very well be back on in the coming days. We'll check back at 7am tomorrow."

Yesterday's Billabong Pro Maui competition saw reigning ASP World Junior Champion Nicola Atherton (AUS) come out of the morning's six-woman Trials victorious before Rounds 1 and 2 of competition were completed.

The three remaining contenders in the hunt for the 2007 ASP Women's World Title, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA), all proved to be impressive surfers out at Honolua Bay and will keep their respective campaigns alive in Round 2 when competition resumes.

After the first two events of the 2007 Vans Triple Crown, veteran competitors Megan Abubo (HAW) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER) are out in front in the race for this season's title, having won the Reef Haleiwa Pro and Roxy Pro Sunset respectively.

Both competitors have advanced through to Round 3 with Abubo netting the event's high single wave score thus far, a 9.25 out of a possible 10.

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com or www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

FUEL TV will be broadcasting the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines. For more information, log onto www.fuel.tv

MATCHUPS : Billabong Pro Maui (ASP Women's World Tour)

ROUND 3: 16 surfers remaining
Heat 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs. Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 2: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Heat 3: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs. Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Heat 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Keala Kennelly (HAW)
Heat 5: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Rochelle Ballard (HAW)
Heat 6: Amee Donohoe (AUS) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 7: Samatha Cornish (AUS) vs. Megan Abubo (HAW)
Heat 8: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; LOOKS GOOD FOR TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 10, 2007) – The Billabong Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, will not begin today, but with optimal conditions forecasted for Pipeline tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 13th, event organizers are optimistic Round 1 could commence then.

With the 2007 Foster's ASP World Title already wrapped up and set firmly upon Mick Fanning's mantle, requalification for the ASP World Tour will serve a major point of interest on the beach at the Billabong Pro Pipeline Masters. Bruce Irons (HAW), who won the event in 2003, is among the surfers needing a solid result at Pipe if they hope to surf amongst the elite in 2008. Irons will take on Taj Burrow (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW) in Heat 7 of Round 1.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final installment of action in the Vans Triple Crown of series and will determine this year's Vans Triple Crown champion. ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW).

In addition to their share of the $740,000 in prize money, the men's Vans Triple Crown champion will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.

ASP WORLD TITLE CONTENDERS SET THE BAR AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI DAY 1

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007) – The Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines has completed the first day of competition, and the three remaining surfers in contention for the ASP Women's World Title set the pace with blistering forehand surfing in the two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Honolua Bay, Maui.

The final event of the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui carries with it the added weight of deciding both the 2007 ASP Women's World Champion as well as the Vans Triple Crown Champion.

Silvana Lima (BRA), current No 3 on the ASP Women's World Tour and contender for the '07 title, was in incredible form this morning, netting the day's high heat total of a 17.20 out of a possible 20 for her progressive forehand attack.

"Sometimes I think about the title, but then I relax," Lima said. "I think more about the event. I really want to win the event. If the ASP Women's World Title comes, then great, but I'm focused on the event. I love it here. I'm really happy."

Lima will have a long way to go before her ASP Women's World Title aspirations come true as frontrunners Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and former ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich both advanced through to Round 3 with impressive performances of their own.

Gilmore, who amassed a solid 16.25 out of a possible 20 in her Round 1 victory today, could make ASP history as the first surfer ever to claim an ASP World Title in their rookie season. Although, Lima and Mulanovich are right there in the hunt, the prodigious Australian takes solace in the fact that the Billabong Pro Maui is being run in a solid, righthand pointbreak.

"If I wanted the whole race to come down to any kind of wave, it would probably be one like this," Gilmore said. "I'm in a really good position and my surfing feels really good."

Gilmore will face off against veteran Rochelle Ballard (HAW) in Round 3 when competition resumes.

Abubo, who suffered a horrendous wipeout at the Roxy Pro Sunset, put the pain aside this afternoon to post the day's highest single-wave score of a 9.25 out of a possible 10 for a blistering series of forehand attacks.

"I think the Triple Crown is what is really driving me to perform right now," Abubo said. "Also, I would like to do well at Honolua. I've never really done well here and I would like a result. I feel like I am surfing better this year than last year and hopefully I can get a result."

Next call will be tomorrow morning at 7am.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com or www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

FUEL TV will be broadcasting the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines. For more information, log onto www.fuel.tv

RESULTS: Billabong Pro Maui (ASP Women's World Tour Event)

TRIALS: 6 surfers vying for 1 seed into the Billabong Pro Maui
1 – Nicola Atherton (AUS) 9.50
2 – Lani Doherty (HAW) 9.00
3 – Paige Alms (HAW) 8.65
4 – Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.50
5 – Monica Byrne-Wickey (HAW) 5.90
6 – Alana Hendrickson (HAW) 5.60

ROUND 1: 18 surfers remaining (1st and 2nd to Round 3; 3rd to Round 2)
Heat 1: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 16.50, Rosanna Hodge (ZAF) 8.25, Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 6.25
Heat 2: Layne Beachley (AUS) 15.75, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 9.75, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 8.70
Heat 3: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.75, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.35, Nicola Atherton (AUS) 6.50
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.25, Keala Kennelly (HAW) 13.75, Megan Abubo (HAW) 9.80
Heat 5: Silvana Lima (BRA) 17.20, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 12.10, Leilani Gryde (HAW) 10.25
Heat 6: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 14.75, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 13.40, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.75

ROUND 2: 18 surfers remaining (1st and 2nd to Round 3)
Heat 1: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 15.75, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 11.70, Nicola Atherton (AUS) 7.40
Heat 2: Megan Abubo (HAW) 15.05, Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Leilani Gryde (HAW) 6.50

MATCHUPS : Billabong Pro Maui (ASP Women's World Tour)

BILLABONG PRO MAUI KICKS OFF COMPETITION AT 9:15AM

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007) – The Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines is scheduled to kickoff competition today with the six-woman Trials hitting the two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Honolua Bay at 9:15am.

"We're going to be starting with the six-woman Trials in which the winner will receive a slot into the main event," ASP Head Judge Richie Porta said. "There are a few waves out there and we'll look to get into Round 1 and possibly Round 2 depending on what the swell does. We'll be monitoring things closely to ensure that we don't send the girls out in marginal conditions."

The six trialists vying for the one coveted seed into the main event are Nicola Atherton (AUS), Alana Hendrickson (HAW), Paige Alms (HAW), Monyca Byrne-Wickey (HAW), Lipoa Kahaleuahi (HAW) and Alana Blanchard (HAW).

Following the completion of the Trials, Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Maui will kick off seeing ASP Women's World Title contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) all battling it out at Honolua Bay.

Keala Kennelly (HAW), who was originally scheduled to compete in the Trials, has been seeded into the main event with the injury withdrawal of Caroline Sarran (FRA).

The final event of the ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui carries with it the added weight of deciding both the 2007 ASP Women's World Champion as well as the Vans Triple Crown Champion.

The Trials for the Billabong Pro Maui will begin at 9:15am.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com or www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

FUEL TV will be broadcasting the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines. For more information, log onto www.fuel.tv

NO OFFICIAL BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ACTION TO UNFOLD TODAY

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007) – Adverse wind conditions have forced event officials to call off competition for the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, today. Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

The men's Billabong Pipeline Masters runs concurrently with the final event on the ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui, held at Honolua Bay, Maui. Both events are the third and final installment of action in the Vans Triple Crown of series and will determine this year's Vans Triple Crown champion.

ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW).

In addition to their share of the $740,000 in prize money, both the men's and women's Vans Triple Crown champions will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck. The men's champion will also receive a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.

For more information please visit www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.

LAY DAY CALLED FOR BILLABONG PRO MAUI AFTER OPENING CEREMONIES

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007) – Event organizers at the Billabong Pro Maui have called for a lay day today after assessing the three-to-five foot (2 metre) conditions on offer at Honolua Bay, Maui.

"We're opting to postpone competition for today and make another call tomorrow at 7am," Billabong Pro Maui Contest Director Dino Andino (USA) said. "The swell is expected to rise this coming Tuesday and Wednesday and cleaner conditions are projected to be on offer. We're expecting some onshore flow today so we've opted not to run, but we'll be checking back here at 7am each day."

Despite no action in the water today, several competitors were on offer this morning for the opening ceremonies in which a Hawaiian Lord offered a special blessing for the event.

The final event of the ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui carries with it the added weight of deciding both the 2007 ASP Women's World Champion as well as the Vans Triple Crown Champion.

Rookie phenom Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), former ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and South American wunderkind Silvana Lima (BRA) are all still in contention for 2007 ASP Women's World Title, and given their respective abilities in powerful righthanders, the battle at Honolua Bay seems fitting.

"I know that I'll need to produce a result out here at Honolua," Gilmore said. "Sofia's dropping a 17th and I know she's hungry for a the title. I couldn't be happier that the season will be finishing in a righthander and I hope to have a good showing."

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines has begun its waiting period today, Dec. 8, 2007 and has until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event. Only two full days of competition are required to complete the event, and organizers will look to run in the best conditions possible.

When competition resumes, six trialists will battle it out for one wildcard spot in the main event before Round 1 competition gets underway. Trialists include Keala Kennelly (HAW), Alana Hendrickson (HAW), Paige Alms (HAW), Monyca Byrne-Wickey (HAW), Lipoa Kahaleuahi (HAW) and Alana Blanchard (HAW).

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow morning.

Pro Surfing

WORLDS FINEST VIE FOR WORLD JUNIOR TITLES IN SYDNEY

BEDE DURBIDGE WINS BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS & VANS TRIPLE CROWN TITLES

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 4 TO COMMENCE AT 8:30AM

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF; ASP WORLD CHAMPS PHOTO OP ONSITE AT 3PM

ROUND 4 OF THE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY

BILLABONG PRO ROUND 3 COMPLETED; LEGENDARY OCCHILUPO RETIRES

STEPHANIE GILMORE WINS BILLABONG PRO MAUI; ABUBO TAKES VANS TRIPLE CROWN

BILLABONG PRO MAUI CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED TODAY; QUARTERS IN THE WATER

8AM START FOR ROUND 3 OF THE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

STEPHANIE GILMORE CROWNED 2007 ASP WORLD CHAMP; SURFS INTO RECORD BOOKS

ASP WORLD TITLES, HIGH SCORES AND BARRELS AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI ROUND 3

STEPHANIE GILMORE CROWNED 2007 ASP WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPION

OTTON SURFS NEAR PERFECT HEAT AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS; HAWAIIANS DOMINATE

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUNDS 2 & 3 WILL RUN TODAY

THE WAIT CONTINUES AT THE BILLABONG PRO MAUI

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO OFF CITING SMALL SWELL

ANDY IRONS MAKES EARLY CHARGE AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

BILLABONG PRO MAUI POSTPONED FOR TODAY; SWELL ON THE HORIZON

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 1 TO COMMENCE AT 10AM

BILLABONG PRO MAUI CALLED OFF FOR TODAY

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; LOOKS GOOD FOR TOMORROW

ASP WORLD TITLE CONTENDERS SET THE BAR AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI DAY 1

BILLABONG PRO MAUI KICKS OFF COMPETITION AT 9:15AM

NO OFFICIAL BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ACTION TO UNFOLD TODAY

LAY DAY CALLED FOR BILLABONG PRO MAUI AFTER OPENING CEREMONIES

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