Pro Surfing: October 2007

SOFIA MULANOVICH DOMINATES ROUND 1 OF MANCORA PERU CLASSIC

MANCORA, Peru (Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007) – Former ASP Women's World Champion and Peruvian icon Sofia Mulanovich dominated the opening round of competition today at the Mancora Peru Classic in clean one-to-three foot (0.5 metre) waves.

Mulanovich came up against Hawaiian veterans Megan Abubo and Rochelle Ballard, netting back-to-back 8-point rides and comboing the field before closing the door shut with an incredible 9.25 out of a possible 10.

"I really enjoy surfing my waves," Mulanovich said. "This is the first time in competition that I've surfed the waves that I grew up surfing. Here and Lobitos and all down this North Coast is amazing. I grew up surfing here and it's all good."

Currently sitting 3rd on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour ratings, a solid result in Peru could see Mulanovich become a real threat for the 2007 Title.

"I'm trying not to think about the World Title yet," Mulanovich said. "I'm trying to do things wave by wave and heat by heat and we'll see what happens."

Reigning and seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) posted a commanding Round 1 win this morning over compatriot Rebecca Woods (AUS) and European rookie Caroline Sarran (FRA). Beachley's backhand mastery and ice-cold heat strategy was apparent in the impressive win which saw her net a 14.75 out of a possible 20 heat total.

"I think with an 8-point ride, it's definitely built my confidencem," Beachley said. "I've struggled to score decent scores this year so it feels good. I feel a lot more relaxed since my world title hopes were dashed in Manly so now I'm just relaxed and focusing on surfing and having fun. I probably should have done that all year."

Claire Belivacqua (AUS) posted a sensational come-from-behind victory over Brazilian powerhouse Silvana Lima and lethal wildcard Anali Gomez (PER). Needing a solid score with moments to go, Bevilacqua swung into a wide-breaking lefthander and tore it to shreds for a 7.00 out of a possible 10, rocketing her from 3rd to 1st.

"When I came in from my heat, I had no idea if I even got through," Bevilacqua said. "There was so much crazy emotion and energy from the crowd and everyone was screaming "Peru! Peru! Peru!" I thought that I'd lost. I'm excited for the Peruvians and that they're so into this sport. It makes us feel really special."

Event organizers and competitors will convene tomorrow at 7am for a possible 7:30am start.

When competition resumes, Round 2 will hit the water with Silvana Lima (BRA), Caroline Sarran (FRA) and Leilani Gryde (HAW) first up.

The LIVE webcast, event information, photos and videos will be available via www.aspworldtour.com

FUEL TV will air its full coverage of the 2007 Mancora Peru Classic on December 20, 2007 at 8pm PT/ET in their Surf Spot programming block.

ROUND 1 RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 11.50, Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 8.25, Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 6.50
Heat 2: Layne Beachley (AUS) 14.75, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 12.60, Caroline Sarran (FRA) 7.15
Heat 3: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 11.50, Anali Gomez (PER) 11.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 8.40
Heat 4: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 13.50, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.00, Leilane Gryde (HAW) 8.90
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 17.25, Megan Abubo (HAW) 8.75, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 8.00
Heat 6: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 14.25, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 13.15, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 10.90

ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA), Caroline Sarran (FRA), Leilani Gryde (HAW)
Heat 2: Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Samantha Cornish (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW)

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 1 HITS THE WATER AT 8AM

MANCORA, Peru (Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007) – The inaugural Mancora Peru Classic will commence this morning with Round 1 of competition hitting the lineup at 8am.

Event No. 6 of 8 on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, the Mancora Peru Classic saw event organizers and competitors make the call to run this morning in clean one-to-three foot (0.5 metre) waves at the main point in Mancora.

"We'll be commencing Round 1 competition this morning with an 8am start," ASP Head Judge Richard Porta said. "There are a few little waves coming in, and as we've seen every morning, the waves tend to come through at this time. It's a little bit small, but very contestable and we're looking forward to starting."

Round 1 of the Mancora Peru Classic will host a bevy of dynamic match-ups that pit former and reigning ASP Women's World Champions Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and Layne Beachley (AUS) up against 15 of the best surfers in the world.

Heat 1, featuring Hedges, Australian upstart Jessi Miley-Dyer and South African stylist Rosanne Hodge, will hit the water at 8am.

The LIVE webcast, event information, photos and videos will be available via www.aspworldtour.com

FUEL TV will air its full coverage of the 2007 Mancora Peru Classic on December 20, 2007 at 8pm PT/ET in their Surf Spot programming block.

ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
Heat 2: Layne Beachley (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Caroline Sarran (FRA)
Heat 3: Silvana Lima (BRA), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Anali Gomez (PER)
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Leilani Gryde (HAW)
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW)
Heat 6: Samantha Cornish (AUS), Amee Donohoe (AUS), Melanie Bartels (HAW)

LAY DAY FOR HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007) – No official action will hit the water in Imbituba, Brazil on Day 2 of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro today. Small conditions with forecasted surf on the horizon, prompted event officials to call a lay day for the second to last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour this morning.

Reigning and 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) won the event in 2003 and is predicting conditions akin to those he reveled in that year.

"There is a big swell later this week in the window," Slater said. "That should make for big rights out the back like in '03. That is probably good for all of us looking for a world title result here. I think bigger rights definitely make it easier for Mick to do well. Taj won Brazil twice in small conditions."

Slater will meet Australian rookie Kai Otton and local replacement surfer Fabio Carvalho in Heat 9 of Round 1.

The next call on competition status will be made tomorrow at 8am. Logon to www.aspworldtour.com for more!

Round 1 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Dean Morrison (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA), Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 2: Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA), Frederick Patacchia (HAW), Simao Romao (BRA)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Ricky Basnett (ZAF), Jean da Silva (BRA)
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Greg Emslie (ZAF), William Cordoso (BRA)
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA), Phillip Macdonald (AUS), Renato Galvao (BRA)
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Diego Rosa (BRA)
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Guga Arruda (BRA)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Kai Otton (AUS), Fabio Carvalho (BRA)
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS), Luke Stedman (AUS), Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 11: CJ Hobgood (USA), Raioni Monteiro (BRA), Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Heat 12: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 13: Michael Campbell (AUS), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 14: Royden Bryson (ZAF), Josh Kerr (AUS), Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
Heat 15: Chris Ward (USA), Troy Brooks (AUS), Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 16: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA), Victor Ribas (BRA)

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO OFF- FOSTER'S ASP TITLE RACE ON

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007) – Competition for the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, the second to last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour, has been called off today, the first of the nine day waiting period.

Inquiring minds shifted their focus from the surf to title contenders Mick Fanning (AUS), Kelly Slater (AUS) and Taj Burrow (AUS) at the official Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro press conference held in Imbituba this morning.

"This year has been great," ratings leader Fanning said. "I've had a lot of really good results and it's coming down to the end the now. Kelly and Taj are still there – it's great for the tour."

Fanning has led the entire season and will wrap up the title with a win at the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro.

"Kelly and Andy [Irons] have dominated to sport for so long, they have 11 world titles between them," Fanning said. "To beat them both in the same year would be fun."

Between Fanning and current World No. 3 Burrow, Australia has a 66% chance at taking the No. 1 spot in the world for the first time in seven years. Burrow, like Fanning, has won two events this year, but will want to win another to have a real chance at top honors.

"I guess there's always a bit of pressure when you're in the front, but I think it's the best place to be." Burrow said. "I think Mick is in a great position but I'm just happy to be in there mathematically and have a chance."

Burrow has to place higher than Fanning in this event to remain in contention for his maiden world title. He's finished World No. 2 (1999, 2002) twice before and won ASP World Tour events in Brazil three times – in Imbituba in 2005, in Saquarema in 2002 and in Rio De Janiero in 1992.

"I've won a few contests in Brazil and I feel really confident here," Burrow said. "It's exciting for the race, because between the three of us, we've all won the event. Mick won it last year, I won the year before and Kelly's Kelly and he's won here too. It's making for an exciting race and should be good for the spectators too. We'll see how it unfolds but I'm excited about it."

Slater, who won his seventh ASP World Title in Imbituba in 2005 needs to finish two rounds ahead of Mick to stay in contention. Ideally, he needs a win in Brazil with Fanning bowing out early to mount a strong campaign for title No. 9.

"I know what I have to do and I am powerless to stop Mick, I can only do what I can do but sometimes that has an effect on the other guy so we'll just have to see what happens," Slater said. "I am a little frustrated that at the end of a year like this I am still narrowly in after not really having a great year but only a few flashes. Just a heat or two would change this whole year for me but if I can make up ground from here it would be probably my best win ever."

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

*Foster's ASP World Tour Title Scenarios heading into the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro:

Please note that in all scenarios below, both Burrow and Slater will need to win the Billabong Pipeline Masters as well, even if Mick Fanning gets a 33rd in Hawaii.

• If Mick Fanning wins in Brazil he clinches the World Title.
• If Fanning gets 2nd, Taj Burrow needs to win the event and Kelly Slater is out of the race.
• If Fanning gets 3rd, Burrow needs a 2nd and Slater is out of the race.
• If Fanning gets 5th, Burrow needs a 3rd and Slater needs a 1st.
• If Fanning gets 9th, Burrow needs a 5th and Slater needs a 2nd.
• If Fanning gets 17th, Burrow needs a 9th and Slater needs a 3rd.
• If Fanning gets 33rd, Burrow needs a 9th and Slater needs a 3rd.

Burrow and Slater will need to count on a 17th or 33rd finish from Fanning in Brazil and place as high as possible in the same event (Burrow higher than 9th and Slater higher than 3rd - to be in better title contention (not needing a win) going into Hawaii.

E.g.: If Fanning gets a 17th in Brazil and Burrow gets a 5th, then with a 2nd place in Hawaii Burrow would win the title if Fanning gets a 17th or worse at Pipe.

LAY DAY CALLED FOR MANCORA PERU CLASSIC

MANCORA, Peru (Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007) – Event organizers at the Mancora Peru Classic have called competition off for today due to the smaller one-to-three foot (0.5 metre) waves and inconsistent conditions.

"The surf has dropped a bit in size and we're looking at some fairly lengthy lulls between sets so we'll be calling competition off for today," ASP Head Judge Richard Porta said. "It's the first day of the waiting period and we're looking at a possible bump in size over the course of the week so we'll be back tomorrow to make the call at 7am."

When Round 1 competition commences, the Mancora Peru Classic will see the ASP Top 17 face off in the rippable lefthanders of Mancora.

With three former and reigning ASP Women's World Champs in Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Layne Beachley (AUS) in the draw as well as 15 other world-class shredders, the Mancora Peru Classic is set to deliver incredible action throughout the week.

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow for a possible 7:30am start.

The LIVE webcast, event information, photos and videos will be available via www.aspworldtour.com

ANALI GOMEZ WINS LOCAL TRIALS MANCORA PERU CLASSIC BEGINS TOMORROW

MANCORA, Peru (Monday, Oct. 29, 2007) – Peruvian upstart Anali Gomez proved victorious today with an impressive display of pointbreak prowess in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) surf at Mancora to take out the Local Trials and earn a seed into the Mancora Peru Classic.

In its inaugural season as an ASP Women's World Tour event, the Mancora Peru Classic saw 12 local Peruvian girls battle it out throughout the day for one coveted spot into the main event.

"We started the day with 12 girls vying for a spot in the event, and although the conditions were somewhat inconsistent, we saw some great surfing," ASP Head Judge Richard Porta said. "It's unfortunate that some of the girls couldn't make it into the event as they were surfing so well, but that's competition and we'll see Anali take on the best surfers in the world starting tomorrow.

"It will be interesting to see what happens as Gomez has gotten a few heats under her belt and, aside from Sofia, the other girls haven't had too much experience out here. However, the ASP Top 17 are the best in the world so Anali will have her work cut out for her."

Although conditions in the final were inconsistent, the poweful goofy-footer made quick work of the crumbling lefthanders, tearing them apart with style, punch and bite on her forehand.

"I'm super stoked to be in the main event," Gomez said. "The girls were surfing so good today and anyone could have won the Trials. I am very excited to be competing in the main event."

Gomez will now face off against lethal Top 17 members Silvana Lima (BRA) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) in Heat 3 of Round 1 tomorrow.

"The girls on the ASP Women's World Tour are very good," Gomez said. "I will have to surf my best and get the best waves. Hopefully I can do well for Peru."

Former ASP World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) has influenced an army of South American surfers, and young Anali Gomez is no exception. Hailing from similar backgrounds, Mulanovich gave Gomez her first surfboard, and the 21-year-old will no do battle as the second Peruvian in history in an ASP Women's World Tour event.

"I am super stoked for Anali to make it into the event – she was absolutely ripping," Mulanovich said. "I maybe helped her out a bit when she was younger, but now she has her own sponsors and she is an incredible surfer. I think she will do well in the main event because she has so much experience and she'll be fired up to do well in Peru."

Event Organizers at the Mancora Peru Classic are anticipating swell in the three-to-four foot (1 metre) range throughout the waiting period, and will look to get things underway with Round 1 tomorrow.

"Looking at the week ahead, we're anticipating some surfing action everyday," ASP Women's World Tour Manager Brooke Farris said. "The winds are obviously a problem here, so we can expect to see some surfing each morning, and we'll work on assessing the conditions from there."

The Mancora Peru Classic will begin the official waiting period tomorrow, October 30, and will run through November 4, 2007.

The LIVE webcast, event information, photos and videos will be available via www.aspworldtour.com

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO COULD BE SITE OF 5TH BRAZILIAN CROWNING

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007) –Brazil's Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, the second to last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour, has decided the men's ASP World Champion four times before. Should current ratings leader Mick Fanning (AUS) win the tournament held in Imbituba, Brazil from Oct. 30th – Nov. 7th, 2007, he will become the fifth surfer to claim the title on South American soil.

Reigning World Champion and current World No. 3 Kelly Slater (USA) clinched an emotional seventh ASP World Title in Imbituba in 2005. Three-time World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), who has withdrawn from the event to prepare for his November wedding, clinched his third title in Brazil in 2004. Sunny Garcia (HAW) took top honors in Rio de Janeiro in 2000 and Mark Occhilupo, the last Australian to earn a world title, clinched his in Brazil's beach breaks in 1999.

At 41-years-old, Occhilupo will likely retire at the end of 2007, after more than two decades on tour. As the last Australian world champion, he is eager to pass the torch before he wraps up his days on the Foster's ASP World Tour.

"It would be classic," Occhilupo said. "It's a good and bad thing to be the last Australian World Champion. You get a few accolades for that, but Australia is the kind of place where it has been too long. We used to win a lot of World Titles. I'll be more than happy to hand it over to one of the boys."

Only Fanning, Taj Burrow (AUS) and Slater are still in contention for the world title.*

Five of the Top 45 will not be in Brazil citing knee injuries. Those surfers are Michael Lowe (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Tim Reyes (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS) and Travis Logie (ZAF). Rookie Luke Munro (AUS) has withdrawn for family reasons. Both 1st and 2nd replacement surfers Trent Munro (AUS) and David Weare (ZAF) declined their spots for family reasons as well.

The absence of seven of the Top 45 at present will bring the number of Brazilian surfers who do not compete on the tour full time to 10. The Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro wildcards are Jihad Kodhr (BRA), Diego Rosa (BRA) and Fabio Gouveia (BRA) and, while the complete number of stand-in surfers has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that former Foster's 45 Peterson Rosa (BRA), Heitor Alves (BRA), Renato Galvao (BRA), Jean da Silva (BRA) and Simao Romao (BRA) will be among the replacements.

*Foster's ASP World Tour Title Scenarios heading into the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro:

Please note that in all scenarios below, both Burrow and Slater will need to win the Billabong Pipeline Masters as well, even if Mick Fanning gets a 33rd in Hawaii.

E.g.: If Fanning gets a 17th in Brazil and Burrow gets a 5th, then with a 2nd place in Hawaii Burrow would win the title if Fanning gets a 17th or worse at Pipe.

RACE FOR THE 2007 ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TITLE HEADS TO PERU

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007) –The top female surfers in the world are preparing to do battle as the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour heads south to the warm-water lefthanders at the Mancora Peru Classic from Oct. 30 – Nov. 4, 2007.

The inagural event at the venue, the Mancora Peru Classic will play a crucial role in two important races as the ASP Top 17 vie for the 2007 ASP Women's World Title as well as their qualification spots for 2008.

Silvana Lima (BRA), current No. 2 on the ASP Women's World Tour, has made the finals in the past three elite-tour events, but has yet to capture a victory in '07.

"I have been making good results, but I really want to win an event," Lima said. "The waves in Peru are similar to Brazil so I hope to keep the momentum up and hopefully win."

Lima is currently separated from ratings frontrunnter, rookie senstation Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), by a scant 82 points and with fomer ASP Women's World Champ Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and wily veteran Samantha Cornish (AUS) all within striking distance, the Mancora Peru Classic will be vital to this season's title race.

"All the girls are surfing really well," Lima said. "There are many girls at the top and all of them can surf well in lefts. I think Sofia will have an advantage as she surfs out there a lot, but Steph and Sam can surf really well too. Hopefully this can be another good result for me."

With only three events remaining in the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour season, the Mancora Peru Classic will also offer important points to surfers sitting at the bottom on the ratings who hope to crack the Top 10 cutoff to qualify for the 2008 season.

The 2007 Mancora Peru Classic will be webcast LIVE beginning on Oct. 30 via www.aspworldtour.com

ASP WORLD TITLE RACE HEADS TO HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007) –The second to last stop on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, will decide this year's ASP World Champion should current ratings leader Mick Fanning (AUS) take it all the way in Brazil's beach breaks next week.

With a win at the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, which will run in Imbituba, Brazil between Oct. 30 and Nov. 7, 2007, Fanning will claim his maiden ASP World Title and head into the Hawaiian leg of competition the 2007 Foster's ASP World Champion.

Only World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) and reigning and 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) can challenge Fanning for the title should he not win in Brazil. Both will be in much better contention if Fanning bows out early with Burrow finishing 9th or better and Slater earning at least a 3rd. Burrow will remain in contention finishing just one place ahead of Fanning; Slater must make more ground. Both will need to win in Hawaii and hope Fanning exits early to win if they don't close the gap in Brazil.*

The Brazilian event's past champions' roster reads like a who's who of the 2007 Foster's ASP World Title race. Fanning will enter the event the defending champion having captured the Brazilian crown last year. Burrow won the event in 2004 and Slater took top honors there in 2003. Damien Hobgood (USA) who was a factor in the 2007 ASP World Title race before injuring his knee and withdrawing from Brazil and the two events prior, won the event in 2005.

Fanning, who captured the World No. 1 spot when he won the first event of the year at his home break on the Gold Coast of Australia and hasn't relinquished it since, has been supremely focused on his own surfing and no one else's all season.

"I can't speak for the others but I feel really comfortable in Brazil," Fanning said. "It has been a strong event for me over the years."

Should Fanning win the title without surrendering the ratings lead, he will become one of a handful of World Champions who have led the entire the season. The others include Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew in 1978, Tom Curren in the 1986-87 and 1990 tours, Martin Potter in 1989, Slater in 1994, 1997 and 2006 and Sunny Garcia in 2000.

*Foster's ASP World Tour Title Scenarios heading into the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro:

Please note that in all scenarios below, both Burrow and Slater will need to win the Billabong Pipeline Masters as well, even if Mick Fanning gets a 33rd in Hawaii.

E.g.: If Fanning gets a 17th in Brazil and Burrow gets a 5th, then with a 2nd place in Hawaii Burrow would win the title if Fanning gets a 17th or worse at Pipe.

MARTINEZ MAKES ASP RATINGS LEAP AFTER REPEAT BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA WIN

MUNDAKA, Spain (Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007) –What started as a dream became reality when defending champion Bobby Martinez (USA) became the first surfer in the history of the Billabong Pro Mundaka to post back to back victories at the reeling lefthander today.

"I had a dream that I won the event about a week ago," Martinez said. "I didn't even tell my fiancé Cleo, but I didn't want to wake up from the dream. It felt so real and now it has come true, it's just so weird how it all ended up. It's good to win an event wherever it is, but winning here last year and then winning here now… it's just brought back so many great memories."

Martinez beat Foster's ASP World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) in a closely fought Final to defend his Billabong Pro Mundaka title and post best result of the season. Burrow lost the final by less than three-tenths of a point, despite posting an excellent 9.33 (out of 10) wave score toward the end of the heat. Martinez bettered his low score by catching the set wave after Burrow's and the Australian was unable to answer back.

"Taj surfed really well, he got the best wave of the heat," Martinez said. "Thank goodness there was that wave that I caught right after his because it ended up being one of my better waves. When the announcers said he got a 9.0 something, I knew he had to have gone into the lead, but then my score was an 8.27 and the situation didn't change. I was just thinking the whole time, 'How much more time is left, let's get this thing over with!'

Martinez jumped from 13th to 6th on the Foster's ASP World Tour ratings with the win. Previous to his win today, the Californian had posted one 3rd, one 5th and five 17th place results on the 2007 tour. He finished World No. 5 last year to become the 2006 ASP Rookie of the Year.

"I was kind of nervous in France, questioning my re-qualification, so I was pretty stressed," Martinez said. "I didn't want this tour to end for me, so to come here and get a win I couldn't be happier. I can't be more thankful. Taj surfed really well, he got the best wave of the heat, I couldn't believe it that I won again. It's just crazy."

Burrow mentioned having a dream in which he won the event last week too, but unfortunately for the current World No. 3, a goofy-footed (right foot forward) Martinez crushed it today.

"That was tough, it actually felt totally unfair at first because Bobby was getting these waves from deep that I knew I couldn't make on my backhand," Burrow said. "They were just too small and too quick and he was flying through them. I was saying, 'I am doomed in this final, I can't do anything,' but then the tide came in a bit and the faces opened up a little. I got that 9.33 pretty late in the heat, and with my 6.83, I just needed a little bit more like a 7.0 something. It was pretty tight and frustrating really but Bobby was ripping, what I can I say."

Only eight of 10 events are factored into the Foster's ASP World Tour ratings at the end of the year and Burrow is dropping a 33rd and a 17th place result. If Burrow wins the next event or places one spot ahead of current ratings leader Mick Fanning (AUS), the World Title will be decided at the ASP season finale in Pipeline, Hawaii.

"I was planning on winning these next few events, but a 2nd is great for sure," Burrow said. "I made the Final and I'm on track. I'll just have to aim to win Brazil or at least place ahead of Mick and Kelly to keep in the picture. I am still there so that's the best thing. All I can work on is getting more and more keepers from here on out, it is an exciting race for sure."

Only Fanning, Burrow and 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) remain in contention for the 2007 ASP World Title after the Billabong Pro Mundaka. Burrow beat Slater 14.00 to 4.93 in their second semifinal match-up of the year today. Burrow caught the best waves of the heat while Slater searched the lineup in vain.

"It's ironic because this contest has kept me in the World Title hunt, but I'm just really frustrated," Slater said. "Realistically, I need a win in Brazil and for Mick and Taj to get 5ths. Then I'd probably have to do the same thing again at Pipe. I can't win the World Title without winning at least one of the next two contests."

Slater did not attend the Foster's ASP World Tour event in Brazil last year, having already won the World Title in Mundaka, but he will have to win the event this year to stay in contention to win a 9th ASP World Crown.

"It's not impossible, it's still there for the taking," Slater said. "I've been in this situation a couple of times going into Pipeline and I was able to pull it out, but that was with one event to go and with an event that played well for me. With Taj and Mick both winning before in Brazil, it's probably not the best circumstance for me, but anything can happen."

Fanning is the defending champion in Brazil, the next and second to last event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour. Burrow won the event the year prior. If Fanning repeats and wins in Brazil again, the 2007 ASP World Title is his.

"Brazil has been a really good event for me, so I still feel comfortable," Fanning said. "I have known from the beginning of the year that it would probably go down in Brazil, maybe even Hawaii, so I'm not worried. I've been in the race with a few events to go at certain times in my career, but I've never been in the position that I'm in right now. It feels good to be in this position."

Despite his Semifinal loss to Martinez today, Fanning knows that his equal 3rd place finish in Mundaka, earned right after a win in France, keeps him in strong contention for a maiden world crown.

"Yeah it's a great result," Fanning said. "I have a 17th to get rid of with two contests to go and these guys are keeping 9ths, so in the big picture it's still pretty good. It's been a good month so I'm still stoked."

The top five spots on the Foster's ASP ratings remained the same after event No. 8 of 10 on this year's tour. The next event in Brazil will begin on Nov. 30, 2007.

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA FINAL RESULTS:
Final: Bobby Martinez (USA) 16.44 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.16

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.17 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.67
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.00 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 4.93

Foster's ASP World Tour Ratings after Event No. 8 of 10, the Billabong Pro Mundaka:
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 7346 points – Top 5 ratings leaders remain the same
2. Kelly Slater (USA) 6326 points
3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 6275 points
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5505 points
5. Andy Irons (HAW) 4966 points
6. Bobby Martinez (USA) 4582 points – Up 7 spots from 13th
7. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 4580 points – Up one spot from 8th
8. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4424 points – Up one spot from 9th
9. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 4287 points – Down three spots from 6th
10. Damien Hobgood (USA) 4274 points – Down three spots from 7th

MUNDAKA TURNS ON FOR THE LAST THREE HEATS OF THE BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA

MUNDAKA, Spain (Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007) – The Billabong Pro Mundaka will complete the final three heats of competition at the main event site in Mundaka today. Clean three foot (one metre) waves are reeling through the contest area creating the perfect canvas for the top three rated surfers on the Foster's ASP World Tour – Mick Fanning (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA) and Taj Burrow (AUS) – and the defending event champion, Bobby Martinez (USA), to unleash on.

Three of today's four semifinalists have featured in the Billabong Pro Mundaka previously. Martinez, who will take on Fanning in the first Semifinal of the day, won the event last year. Martinez beat Slater, who will take on 2003 finalist Burrow (AUS) in the Final last year.

Semifinal 1 will hit the water at 11:40am. The Semifinals will be 35 minutes in duration, and the Final, which may be 40 minutes long, should hit the water at roughly 1pm. Logon to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for updates and to watch it all LIVE!

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)

GILMORE BACK ON TOP AFTER NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC WIN

CURL CURL, Sydney (Sunday, Oct. 14 2007)- ASP World Tour rookie Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) proved unstoppable at Sydney's Curl Curl beach this morning, successfully defending her NAB Beachley Classic crown to reclaim the World No. 1 spot.

The 19-year-old who won this event as a wildcard in 2006, defeated Brazilian sensation Silvana Lima (BRA) in the toughest Final seen on the ASP Women's World Tour this year.

Competing in excellent 1-metre surf, Gilmore and Lima went wave for wave in their first ever match- up, producing performances that have taken women's professional surfing to new heights.

Gilmore edged out her South American foe with an overall score off 15.43 to Lima's 15.33 (both out of a possible 20.00 points), earning US$ 20 000, the richest prizemoney purse on the ASP Women's World Tour.

"I can't believe it!" Gilmore exclaimed after the Final. "That was one of the hardest heats of my life. It was back and forth the whole time and Silvana was getting waves that I didn't want and turning them into 7's and 8's. It was scary! To beat her is just incredible!"

Posting a near perfect 9.00 point ride (out of 10.00) off her second wave, Gilmore assumed an early heat lead which was soon crushed by Lima's consecutive 7.23 and a 7.17 rides.

While Gilmore waited patiently with priority, the ravenous Brazilian locked into a smaller inside wave, performing a clean cut-back and furious white water re-entry, to post an 8.10 and extend her lead.

As time drained, Gilmore needing a 6.07, the defiant blonde drew every ounce of potential out of a bumpy set wave, improving on her required score with a 6.43, from which Lima was never able to recover.

"I really didn't know what was going to happen and then I got that wave and luckily I got the scores," Gilmore said. "You just feel so proud of yourself when you win and I feel invincible right now."

Gilmore has returned to the World No. 1 position on the ASP ratings after slipping down to World No. 4, when she finished equal ninth in Spain.

"It feels insane to be back at World No 1," Gilmore said. "I'm surfing better than ever now. I'm feeling strong and confident and I'm just on top of the world!"

Lima retained her World No. 2 position, earning US$ 10 000 but was visibly devastated by yet another runner-up finish.

Her runner-up result today marks her third such result this year, after reaching the Finals in Brazil, Spain and now Sydney.

"I can't believe I lost!" Lima lamented. "It's still a good result for me and I know I am surfing well. We'll take it to the next event! I'm ready, let's go!"

A standout performer from start to finish, Lima punctuated the NAB Beachley Classic with her radical aerial manoeuvres, earning some of the event's top scoring rides, including a 9.10 against Jacqueline Silva (BRA) in the Quarterfinals.

Lima now lies less than 100 points behind Gilmore on the ASP ratings and fuelled by her defeat at Curl Curl today, will return to ASP competition as a formidable foe at the next three events.

Finishing equal third and earning US$ 8000 for their efforts, were Jessi Miley- Dyer (AUS) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER).

Miley- Dyer posted her best result of the 2007 season and has jumped from World No. 14 to World No. 9.

The former ASP World Junior Champion was defeated by an on-form Lima in Semifinal Heat 1.

"I'm really happy to reach the Semis, especially since it's in Sydney, my hometown," Dyer said. "I didn't start the year well but I feel a lot more confident in bigger waves so I am looking forward to Peru and Hawaii."

Mulanovich maintained her World No. 3 spot with an equal third today. The talented Peruvian surfer was defeated by Gilmore in Semifnal Heat 2 when she opted to sit on the left- breaking peak, giving Gilmore full reign of the right.

"I was just really lost out there I think," Mulanovich explained. "I chose to sit on the left peak instead of just taking the right with Steph. Steph is such an amazing surfer that if you let her run by herself, she's going to get the waves and score really high."

The result was Mulanovich's first equal third of 2007 and has put her in a good position going into the next event in Peru.

"I am stoked I made it to the Semifinals," Mulanovich said. "I'm pumped now that Steph's nailed me and I'm looking forward to the next event."

Former ratings leader coming into this event Samantha Cornish (AUS), has slipped down to World No. 4 after she was defeated by Jacqueline Silva (BRA) in Round 3 on Saturday.

Behind her lie Chelsea Hedges (AUS) who is still at World No. 5, while Layne Beachley (AUS) has moved up one spot to World No. 6.

The ASP Women's World Tour now moves to Mancora Peru for the Mancora Peru Classic, which takes place from October 30 – November 4, 2007.

ASP Women's World Tour ratings after Stop No. 5 of 8
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 4308
2. Silvana Lima (BRA) 4226
3. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 3811
4. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3504
5. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 3326
6. Layne Beachley (AUS) 2882
6. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 2882
7. Rebecca Woods (AUS)2448
8. Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 2347
9. Melanie Redman- Carr (AUS) 2232
10. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 2114

NAB Beachley Classic Final Results:
Heat: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)15.43 def Silvana Lima (BRA) 15.33

NAB Beachley Classic Semifinal Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA)14.17 def Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)10.00
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)16.60 def Sofia Mulanovich (PER)11.67

NAB Beachley Classic Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 17.35; def Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 12.35
Heat 2: Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 11.25 def Layne Beachley (AUS) 9.15
Heat 3: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 16.00 def Amee Donohoe (AUS) 14.50
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.15 def Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 5.65

NAB Beachley Classic Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA)12.15 def Rosy Hodge (ZAF)9.10
Heat 2: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 12.25 def Samantha Cornish (AUS)4.75
Heat 3: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 13.75 def Megan Abubo (HAW)11.10
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS) 13.15 def Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)11.35
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)10.50 def Leilani Gryde (HAW)7.90
Heat 6: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 16.00 def Claire Bevilaqua (AUS)12.50
Heat 7: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.50 def Melanie Bartels (HAW)11.90
Heat 8: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 12.25 def Caroline Sarran (FRA)9.00

NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED TODAY

CURL CURL, Sydney (Sunday, Oct. 14 2007) – The last four remaining surfers in this year's NAB Beachley Classic, Stop No. 5 of 8 on the ASP Women's World Tour, will return to Sydney's Curl Curl beach where a clean 1-metre swell is on offer this morning.

Just three heats remain of the 2007 NAB Beachley Classic which will see the 2007 champion crowned before noon today.

Still in contention for this year's title are World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA) who could capture the World No. 1 spot with a win in Sydney; World No. 14 Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS), who will finish with her best result of the year at this event; World No. 4 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) who is looking hungrier than ever to defend her NAB Beachley Classic title and World No. 3 Sofia Mulanovich (PER), who is fresh of a victory in Spain and eager to become the only surfer on tour to capture two victories in a row this year.

Today's winner will take home the richest winner's cheque on the ASP Women's World Tour, US$20 000 as well as 1 440 ASP ratings point which will significantly impact the current ASP Women's World Title race.

The six day NAB Beachley Classic window which kicked off on October 9, 2007 will be completed today.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

NAB Beachley Classic Semifinal Match-ups:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

NAB Beachley Classic Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 17.35; def Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 12.35
Heat 2: Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 11.25; def Layne Beachley (AUS) 9.15
Heat 3: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 16.00 def Amee Donohoe (AUS) 14.50
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.15 def Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 5.65

NAB Beachley Classic Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Caroline Sarran (FRA)15.75; Megan Abubo (HAW)13.65; Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
Heat 2: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 15.75; Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)8.82
Rebecca Woods (AUS)7.83

NAB Beachley Classic Round 1 Results
Heat 1: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 12.50; Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.45 Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.75; Heat 2: Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) 13.30; Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.25; Amee Donohoe (AUS) 11.70 Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.65; Layne Beachley (AUS) 11.00; Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 10.15 Heat 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)15.00;Leilani Gryde (Haw)8.45; Megan Abubo (HAW)6.75; Heat 5: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)10.85; Chelsea Hedges (AUS)9.40; Caroline Sarran (FRA)7.50 Heat 6: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10;Melanie Bartels (HAW)13.10; Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)6.10

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA OFF TODAY; SEMIFINAL AND FINAL TO RUN TOMORROW

MUNDAKA, Spain (Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007) – Despite monitoring conditions at Mundaka throughout the morning, waves consistent enough to complete the Semifinal and Final heats of the Billabong Pro Mundaka never materialized. The final day of competition will be tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 14th, 2007.

"We were waiting for the low tide at midday and one or two good waves came through but not enough of them," Contest Director Mike Parsons said. "The swell is supposed to be a little more north tomorrow which should bump it up in Mundaka a little bit to be contestable for the remaining three heats around midday. Obviously, if it's not good enough we'll have to make a cutoff point and go to Bakio to finish. We're not expecting it to go dead flat so we'll be able to finish tomorrow somewhere, we're just not sure whether it will be in Mundaka or not. It's going to be close."

Tomorrow's first Semifinal will pit defending champion Bobby Martinez (USA) against World No. 1 Mick Fanning (AUS). The second will feature title chasers Kelly Slater (USA) and Taj Burrow (AUS).

The next call on competition status will be made at Mundaka tomorrow morning at 9am.

Visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for hi res photos,

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)

TWO AUSSIES AND TWO SOUTH AMERICANS ADVANCE INTO SEMIFINALS AT NAB BEACHLEY CLAS

CURL CURL, Sydney (Saturday, Oct. 13 2007) – A powerful southern swell and location change to Sydney's South Curl Curl beach, reduced the remaining 15 surfers competing in the NAB Beachley Classic to a mere four, with two Australians and two South Americans advancing this afternoon.

Competing in arguably the biggest surf seen on the ASP Women's World Tour this year, World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA), World No. 3 Sofia Mulanovich (PER), defending NAB Beachley Classic Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and World No. 12 Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) advanced into the Semifinals of Stop No. 5 of 8 on the top tier tour.

Obliterating her Quarterfinal match-up against fellow Snapper Rocks local Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Gilmore held a captive audience with a series of radical tail slides and furious snaps, to post the highest individual wave score of the event so far, a 9.90 (out of a possible ten).

"If you want to win an event you need to know how to impress the judges," Gilmore said. "Everyone is blowing up and it's exciting to watch. It pushes you to surf out of your league and to experiment and I'm even surprising myself lately."

Gilmore left Hedges needing a combination of scores to catch up, her two-wave heat total of 16.15 (out of possible 20.00) far out of reach of Hedge's 5.65.

Not far behind Gilmore was Brazilian sensation Silvana Lima, who's aerial manoeuvres and sweeping floaters earned the day's highest two-wave heat total of 17.35, which included an excellent 9.10 score.

Lima defeated early event standout Jacqueline Silva (BRA), who disposed of ASP ratings leader Samantha Cornish (AUS) in Round 3.

"When I am practicing at home in Brazil I always try for aerials or floaters," Lima said. "The waves were really fun today and my board makes it easy for these manoeuvers."

Lima advanced into what will be her fourth Semifinal this year, making her the most consistent performer on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour.

"This result is very important for me," said Lima, who meets Jessi Miley Dyer in the Semifinals. "With Samantha going out early I am hoping to take the World No. 1 spot but I will have to take it heat by heat."

2004 ASP World Champion Sofia Mulanovich will take on her third Semifinal of the 2007 season, after defeating Amee Donohoe in their Quarterfinal match-up.

The diminutive Peruvian, who is fresh off a win in Spain, fought back from perceived defeat after Donohoe opened up with an 8.10 score and backed it up with a 6.40.

Posting a 7.50 and following up with an 8.50, Mulanovich advanced into the Semifinals where she will meet Gilmore tomorrow.

"I like the heats where your competitor gives you a challenge because you don't have a chance to get nervous," Mulanovich said. "I knew I had to step it up against Amee and there was no I way I was going to let her beat me. Thanks God I got a wave and made it through."

A surprise upset came at the hands of World No. 14 Jessi Miley-Dyer who eliminated 7X ASP World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) from her own event, in Quarterfinal Heat 2.

The powerful goofy-footer who has approximately ten years of experience surfing junior contests at Curl Curl, used her intimate knowledge of the break to defeat Beachley. The reigning ASP World Champion couldn't seem to find a decent scoring ride, despite being a seasoned local at Curl Curl, herself.

"I'm really stoked to get past Layne, she is such a fantastic competitor," Miley Dyer said. "She's from Sydney but so am I, so I'm just really happy to win in front of my family and stoked to have a contest here."

Dyer will take on Lima in the Semifinals.

Round 3 saw the day's biggest upset when Jacqueline Silva (BRA) defeated current ASP ratings leader Samantha Cornish (AUS).

Silva looked confident in the bigger surf, opening up with an excellent 8.25, while Cornish was unable to find a decent scoring ride, posting nothing higher than a 2.25.

"I couldn't really find a wave out there this morning," Cornish lamented. "This is a pretty bad result for me but there are still three events so I'll just be going back to the drawing board and looking forward to the next event."

Just three heats remain at this year's NAB Beachley Classic which will see the Semifinals and Finals take place tomorrow. The 2007 champion is expected to be crowned before lunchtime.

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

NAB Beachley Classic Semifinal Match-ups:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

NAB Beachley Classic Goes Mobile in Search of Swell

MANLY, Sydney (Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007) – Due to a lack of swell at Sydney's Manly Beach this morning, organisers of the NAB Beachley Classic, Stop No. 5 of 8 of the ASP Women's World Tour, have opted to make the event mobile, moving it 4km North to the more open faced beach of Curl Curl.

With 1.5 metre left and right peaks on offer at this new location, the World's Top 17 Women will have the idyllic platform in which to contest the most critical of the remaining four rounds, at this year's NAB Beachley Classic.

"This predominantly South swell is hitting all the beaches up North, bar this one, so we'd like to utilise what is around," event namesake Layne Beachley said. "It's pumping at all the other beaches so we're moving just to keep it interesting."

Today's action kicks off with the first of the woman-on-woman heats in Round 3, which will see only the winner advancing into the next round.

ASP World Tour rookie Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) takes on World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA) in the first heat of the day. The action continues with a number of tough match-ups including the Layne Beachley (AUS), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) rematch in Heat 4; Sofia Mulanovich (PER) versus Leilani Gryde (HAW) in Heat 5 and defending NAB Beachley Classic champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) pitted against Melanie Bartels (HAW) in Heat 8.

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

NAB Beachley Classic Round 3 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs Rosy Hodge (ZAF)
Heat 2: Samantha Cornish (AUS) vs Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 3: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) vs Megan Abubo (HAW)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs Leilani Gryde (HAW)
Heat 6: Amee Donohoe (AUS) vs Claire Bevilaqua (AUS)
Heat 7: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Heat 8: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs Caroline Sarran (FAR)

EPIC BILLABONG PRO SEMIFINAL STAGE SET; WORLD TITLE RACE GOES TO BRAZIL

BAKIO, Spain (Friday, Oct. 12, 2007) – A semifinal stage of epic proportions has been set for the final day of the Billabong Pro Mundaka with ASP World Title contenders Mick Fanning (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA) and Taj Burrow (AUS) along with defending Billabong Pro Mundaka Champion Bobby Martinez (USA) all winning their Quarterfinal heats at the back-up venue of Bakio today.

Slater and Burrow needed to finish equal 3rd or better in the Billabong Pro to ward off a rampaging Fanning from clinching the 2007 Foster's ASP World Title in Spain. Having drawn each other in Semifinal 2, one surfer is assured a final berth and thus a 1st or 2nd place finish, the other will leave with the equal 3rd they needed to take the race to Brazil.

"I won that heat and I have to go to Brazil now," Slater said. "Sometimes it's hard to define exactly what you have to do, but right now I know exactly what I have to do. I have to go to Brazil and I have to win, that's about it."

Slater may have won his eighth ASP World Title in Mundaka last year, but was relieved just to remain in contention after eliminating France's Jeremy Flores today. Had Flores beat Slater, the title would have been guaranteed to an Australian for the first time since Mark Occhilupo's win in 1999.

"If I lost it that heat it would have been an Australian title no matter what, but I think surf fans around the world want to see the race continue for a little bit longer, no matter who wins it," Slater said. "Mick is in the driver's seat and Taj and I are just along for the ride trying to catch up to him; trying to draft him, so to speak."

Slater and Burrow have surfed against each other 15 times in elite tour competition, with Slater besting Burrow 10 of those 15 times. Their 16th encounter will occur either tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 13th or Sunday, Oct. 14th – the last day of the waiting period. Burrow won their last clash in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa this year and went on to take out the event and post his second win of the season.

"Taj and I have had some good battles over the years, we'll see how it goes," Slater said. "This is his first year to have two wins and probably the first year he's been real serious about going after that World Title. He's pretty focused. We've had heats before here in Mundaka. I stole a win from him here and I'm sure he'll be looking to get me back for that one, but I'm looking to get him back for J-Bay."

Burrow beat fellow Australian Bede Durbidge in the last Quarterfinal of the day to earn his Semifinal berth against Slater. Sitting in 3rd on the ASP ratings, Burrow needs to beat Slater if he hopes to better his chances of having a legitimate shot at earning his first world title.

"It's just another heat," Burrow said. "Kelly is Kelly so it's going to be a hard one for sure. I'm just looking to nail another contest."

Whether its Burrow or Slater who advance will ultimately be less critical to the race than whether they beat Fanning should he advance over Martinez and into the Billabong Pro Final.

"It works out pretty good for Mick with me and Kelly on one side of the draw doesn't it," Burrow said. "One of us is going to have to get knocked out and it's coming down to crunch time so we're all going for it."

Fanning took on Taylor Knox (USA) in his Quarterfinal clash, but easily beat the Californian 14.33 to 6.17.

"Taylor has been surfing insane for the last three contests. He didn't have the result he wanted in France, and I knew he wanted a good one here," Fanning said. "It's always tough going up against Taylor, he's always so solid."

Fanning's Semifinal berth in Spain is his 9th in the last 13 events. He's won two events this year, and will be hard to beat if he wins another.

"You have to keep the pressure on, it's not over yet," Fanning said. "I've got to keep getting through heats, get another good result and try to finish strong here. "I've got Bobby Martinez next. He's the defending champ and he has been surfing insane this event. With Kelly and Taj both through their heats, they are going to have to fight it out through that one too. That's surfing, it just comes down to the end."

Martinez earned the highest wave score of the event thus far, a 9.70 out of 10.00, for slotting himself into the only real barrel ridden in the Billabong Pro Mundaka this year.

"I don't know where it came from," Martinez said. "It looked really nice with a steep part on it. I paddled for it and thought that I maybe could get a little barrel, it stayed hollow and I just went for it. I got lucky because I haven't really seen any waves like that today since I've been watching. I guess I was in the right place at the right time."

Martinez eliminated Phil Macdonald (AUS) in Quarterfinal 1 and will feature in the first Semifinal against Fanning when the event runs next. The defending champ is sitting 13th on the ratings and has much less at stake than Fanning. He claims not to be too fazed by the draw.

"I feel the same way I feel about any match up," Martinez said. "Mick is winning right now, but I'm not afraid to lose. I've lost all this year and I've lost all my life so I'm just going out to go out there fighting. I've got nothing to lose so I'm going to give it all I've got."

The next call on competition status will be made at Mundaka tomorrow morning at 9am.

Visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for hi res photos,

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) 15.87 def. Phil MacDonald (AUS) 12.50
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.33 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 6.17
Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 10.90 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.67
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.94 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.33

TODAY'S BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.34 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 7.16
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.83 def. Royden Bryson (ZAF) 6.83
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 8.93 def. Leonardo Neves (BRA) 8.24

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA BACK ON IN BAKIO; ONLY 10 HEATS TO GO

BAKIO, Spain (Friday, Oct. 12, 2007) –The remaining three heats of Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Mundaka will be surfed in three foot (one metre) waves at the backup venue in Bakio today. The Quarterfinals and beyond are on standby.

Defending Champion Bobby Martinez (USA), Phillip Macdonald (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA), World No. 1 Mick Fanning and reigning World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) have already earned Quarterfinal berths. Heat 6 of Round 4, which features Jeremy Flores (AUS) and CJ Hobgood (USA) hit the water at 1:15 local time.

If Taj Burrow (AUS) doesn't make his Round 4 heat over South Africa's Royden Bryson (ZAF), he will be out of the 2007 Foster's ASP World Title race.

Go to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for updates and to catch all the LIVE action.

REMAINING ROUND 4 BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA MATCH-UPS:
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Leonardo Neves (BRA)

ROUND 4 BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) 17.27 def. Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 8.60
Heat 2: Phil MacDonald (AUS) 16.83 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.40
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA) 12.67 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 10.16
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.33 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 12.83
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.50 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.23

SWELL ON THE WAY FOR NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC WEEKEND SHOWDOWN

MANLY, Sydney (Friday, Oct. 12, 2007) – Competition has been called off due to a flat ocean at Sydney's Manly Beach today but with a significant swell forecast, the World's Top 17 Women are in for an action packed weekend.

"We weren't supposed to see this southerly change until tomorrow which is sort of a positive thing," Contest Directory Matt Wilson said. "It means we should start to see the arrival of new swell this afternoon instead of tomorrow morning, which sets us up for quite a good weekend."

With an increase in swell and favourable winds expected, organisers of Stop No. 5 of 8 on the ASP Women's World Tour are confident that the remaining 15 heats will run in the best waves possible.

"At this stage we're looking at a Sunday finish, unless tomorrow is really epic," Wilson continued. "We are expecting a strong offshore breeze but if we get a slight swing in the easterly direction, it could push some swell in which would mean waves of up two 2 metres rolling into Manly over the next two days."

7X ASP World Champion and event namesake Layne Beachley (AUS) is looking forward to the eventful weekend that lies ahead. The undisputed surfing sensation will be a treat to watch when she takes on wildcard surfer Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in Round 3.

"This week has flown by, I can't believe its Friday and we've only run two rounds," Beachley said. "Everything has run smoothly so far, I think because we knew what we were in for and with promising swell on the horizon, I am confident we'll see good waves at the weekend."

The two remaining days of the six day window will see the business end of this year's NAB Beachley Classic underway with Round 3 and will run through four rounds before the 2007 NAB Beachley Classic Champion is crowned.

In addition to the surfing, Saturday includes the Beachley Classic Radical Fitness Day, a fun day for the public to test their strength, flexibility and fitness levels.

Sunday sees the Lifestyle Working Celebrity Surf Challenge, featuring Australia's best loved celebrities who will participate in numerous beach activities in aid of Beachley's charity, Aim for the Stars.

The Aim for the Stars charity was founded by Beachley in 2003 to assist women in achieving their dreams.

"As women, we tend to think we're not capable of doing something until we see another woman doing it," Beachley commented. "I am all about empowering girls to go out there and believe in their dreams and continue following them."

An inspiration to women across the globe Beachley, who has achieved more in surfing than any other female surfer, came close to quitting the tour due to financial difficulties in the early 1990's, when she was rated World No 2.

"Back when I was a kid I used to talk myself up about how I would be the best surfer in the world," Beachley said. "Then I almost walked away from it all when I was living on $8000 a year and struggling to get by. I would have walked away from all of this! That's why I set up the charity to prevent girls from walking away from their dreams."

The NAB Beachley Classic needs just one full day of surfing to be completed. The next call will be made at 7.30am on Saturday morning.

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

THREE CONTENDERS LEFT IN ASP TITLE RACE AFTER 20 BILLABONG PRO HEATS

BAKIO, Spain (Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007) – Foster's ASP World Tour ratings leader Mick Fanning (AUS) is two heats closer to clinching his maiden world title after winning his Round 3 and 4 Billabong Pro duels today. Thing is, reigning and 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) aren't ready to let him run away with it.

Twenty heats of Billabong Pro Mundaka competition were run in very contestable three foot (one metre) waves in Bakio today. The first five heats of Round 4 saw five of eight Quarterfinalists decided late in the day; Fanning and Slater were among them, former 2007 title contender Joel Parkinson (AUS) was not.

Fanning beat wildcard Hodei Collazo (EUK) in Round 3 before taking out fellow Australian Luke Stedman in Round 4 to find himself in the Quarters.

"Luke had a 7.50 to start off with, but you just have to go out there and get your waves," Fanning said. "Steds is one of those guys who always tends to get the best waves in the heat so I'm just stoked to get through that one."

Fanning won the first Foster's ASP World Tour of the year on the Gold Coast of Australia as well as the last tour event in France. With a win here, Slater and Burrow need to finish at least equal 3rd to take the title race to the next stop in Brazil.

"If I can get three firsts the pressure really rolls back on to those two guys," Fanning said. "I just have to keep really focused and keep the heats rolling hopefully."

Slater posted a last-minute win over wildcard Tiago Pires (PRT) in Round 3, but his elimination of Adriano de Souza (BRA) in Round 4 was much more convincing. Into the Quarters, Slater knows better than anyone what he needs to do if he plans to go for ASP World Title No. 9. According to him, he has to do it in Spain.

"If I don't beat Mick in this contest, I'm pretty much out of it," Slater said. "Right now I'm six heats behind Mick, if I finish one place behind him here that means I'll be seven heats behind him for the title, so I just need to keep chugging along. It can happen so I feel pretty good a lot more lively."

Slater has been vocal about Joel Parkinson (AUS) being Australia's next major title contender in recent years, yet he finds himself alongside Burrow and Fanning as the only three surfers still in the hunt.

"It doesn't surprise me that it's Mick in the race, it's just that Joel has always had such a natural talent from such a young age," Slater said. "Joel is just so naturally talented, but when you watch him he doesn't seem as driven as Mick. Mick is a work horse, he's working harder than any of us out here. He's definitely more focused, definitely more prepared before his heats. He's just got this whole scene around him supporting him too, great support from his girlfriend, his team manager and team sponsor, family and friends. He's created a great atmosphere for himself and it's really working out for him."

Parkinson was eliminated by Philip Macdonald (AUS) in Round 4 today. His hopes for a 2007 World Title were crushed as well. Despite finishing in the Top 10 last year, Macdonald finds himself several excellent results from requalifying this year.

"I'm in a lost worse position than Joel is," Macdonald said. "He's gunning for a World Title and I'm in 37th trying to get my spot back on the tour. It's bad luck that he's no longer in the World Title race but I'm just worrying about myself."

Macdonald will meet defending champion Bobby Martinez (USA) in Quarterfinal 1.

After a Round 3 walk through, Martinez put on a commanding performance to take out Bernardo Miranda (AUS) in the first heat of Round 4. A huge aerial and throwaway wave scores in the excellent range were proof that despite his bye (courtesy of a withdrawal by Australian Trent Munro) into Round 4, Martinez was well deserving of his Quarterfinal berth.

"It was lucky for me that Trent went home," Martinez said. "To get a bye, I mean I've been struggling, so I'm going to take it. I'm just glad to have made it and still be here competing in the event because I've lost in the 17th round so many times this year."

Title contender Burrow will have to ponder his Round 4 match-up against Royden Bryson (ZAF) overnight, but if his nocturnal reveries are anything like last night's, he should be on the right track.

"I actually had a dream about it last night, a dream that I won this contest and that everything opened back up again," Burrow said. "It was a cool, a nice little dream to wake up to. I'm not thinking about the World Title that much… well, actually I am (laughing). But I'm just trying to think about the contest, you know nail it the next couple of events, that's what I really want to do."

Billabong Pro Mundaka Contest Director Mike Parsons will make another call on the event status tomorrow morning at 8am. There are 10 heats left and three days to run. Ideally, some surfing will be held at the main site of Mundaka.

"It looks like a slow drop in the swell throughout the day tomorrow, so we're hoping to at least get through Round 4 tomorrow," Parsons said. "Ideally, in a perfect world we'd get Mundaka Saturday for the Quarterfinals and finish at Mundaka on Sunday. If there isn't enough swell tomorrow at Mundaka first thing in the morning we will most likely end up here at Bakio to finish Round 4 to get into a position where we only have seven heats to go for the weekend."

Video highlights from Round 3, along with photos, quotes and downloadable audio files from the surfers, are available on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.

ROUND 3 BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) earned a bye over Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 2: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 14.00 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.67
Heat 3: Phil MacDonald (AUS) 13.00 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 9.67
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.66 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 12.74
Heat 5: Taylor Knox (USA) 14.34 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 13.67
Heat 6: Victor Ribas (BRA) 11.00 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.33
Heat 7: Luke Stedman (AUS) 15.84 def. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 12.23
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.63 def. Hodei Collazo (EUK) 15.50
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.83 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.34
Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.66 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.47
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.80 def. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 11.23
Heat 12: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 15.50 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 14.33
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.57 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 9.00
Heat 14: Royden Bryson (ZAF) 13.20 def. Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 12.90
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.00 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 13.
Heat 16: Leonardo Neves (BRA) 10.07 def. Michael Campbell (AUS) 9.70

ROUND 3 OF THE BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ON AT BAKIO

MUNDAKA, Spain (Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007) –Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Mundaka will commence at Bakio at 9:30 today. The first heat of the day will feature Australia's Adrian Buchan against Brazil's Bernardo Miranda.

World No. 1 Mick Fanning (AUS) will face wildcard and local Basque surfer Hodei Collazo (EUK) in Round 3. Reigning and 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) will meet wildcard Tiago Pires (PRT) in Round 3 while World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) draws the final wildcard, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) in Heat 13.

Contest officials are aiming to run all 15 heats today. Defending Champion Bobby Martinez (USA) received a bye in Heat 1 of Round 3 due to the withdrawal of Trent Munro (AUS) for family reasons.

Video highlights from Round 2, along with photos, quotes and downloadable audio files from the surfers, are available on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.

ROUND 3 BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) earns a bye over Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Bernardo Miranda (BRA)
Heat 3: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Phillip Macdonald (AUS)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 7: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Hodei Collazo (EUK)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
Heat 12: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 14: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) vs. Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Luke Munro (AUS)
Heat 16: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Leonardo Neves (BRA)

FOUR SURFERS ADVANCE INTO ROUND 3; REDMAN- CARR WITHDRAWS FROM 2007 TOUR DUE TO

MANLY, Sydney (Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007) – Just two heats were completed during the NAB Beachley Classic, at Sydney's Manly Beach this morning, which saw four girls advance into Round 3 during Stop No. 5 of 8 on the ASP Women's World Tour.

Current World No. 7 Amee Donohoe (AUS) highlighted the morning's action with a committed performance that earned her excellent 8.50 and 7.25 (out of a possible 10.00) point rides, to advance directly into Round 3.

"It was the first time I felt in rhythm with ocean all week, so I am stoked," Donohoe said, after her win. "I was disappointed to lose out in Round 1 but I couldn't let it get to me. There's a lot at stake at this event because of the extra points and luckily it went my way."

Donohoe defeated World No. 14 Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) and World No. 6 Rebecca Woods (AUS) who were penalised with an interference call on the first wave of the heat.

"I was actually on the outside and I could see them both paddling for that wave," Donohoe explained. "It looked like neither surfer was going to pull back and I wasn't sure who would get the interference. They ended up being given a double and they weren't too happy. It happens sometimes. Bad way to go out."

Donohoe will meet Bevilacqua again in Round 3.

Caroline Sarran (FRA) took a deserved Round 2 victory over World No. 14 Megan Abubo (HAW) and World No. 9 Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), assuming immediate control of the heat to edge out her competitors with a 6.50 and a 7.25.

"I'm really happy," Sarran said. "I've had a hard time this year drawing Layne (Beachley) or Chelsea (Hedges) almost every heat. I haven't scored well at many of the events so it's great to finally get good scores. I had fun out there."

Sarran advanced into Round 3 where she will meet 2005 ASP World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) when the competition resumes.

Advancing in second place were Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) who meets Donohoe and Megan Abubo (HAW) who will take on Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS), in Round 3.

Rebecca Woods (AUS) and Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) were eliminated from the event in equal 17th place.

While this result marked Woods's worst of 2007, it was possibly the last for former ASP World No. 2 Redman- Carr's.

The Western Australian surfer has withdrawn from the remaining three events of this year's ASP Women's World Tour, due to being in the early stages of pregnancy.

Carr, who has spent the majority of her adult life as one of the World's Top 17 surfers, including holding the World No. 1 spot at this event last year, is looking forward to the new challenges presented by motherhood.

"It's very exciting, something I've never experienced before," Redman-Carr said. "I'm pretty nervous but I am looking forward to it."

Visibly disappointed not to have advanced through Round 2, Redman-Carr admitted to feeling out-of-sorts in the water.

"I feel a little slow and heavy and it's difficult with the weight distribution," Redman- Carr said. "It is sort of a novelty and quite a nice thing to be able to tell my child one day. I would have liked to have made it through at least one more round, especially since this event could be my last."

7X ASP World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS), one of the few current ASP Women's World Tour campaigners to have competed extensively against Redman- Carr over the years, will feel the absence of one of her fiercest rivals at the next few events.

"Mel's had such an illustrious career," Beachley said. 'She's a real tenacious and formidable competitor on the circuit and could out-paddle, out-surf and out-strategize the best of them on tour. We are going to miss her but I am really excited for her to have a child and start a family."

Only two heats were completed today and with similar conditions expected tomorrow, organisers are confident of completing Round 3 before the weekend.

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

CONTESTABLE CONDITIONS SEE ROUND 2 UNDERWAY AT MANLY

MANLY, Sydney (Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007) – A two hour wait for conditions to improve at Sydney's Manly Beach this morning, proved worthwhile when an outgoing tide and light onshore winds saw contestable waves take shape for more ASP Women's World Tour action, on Day 3 of the NAB Beachley Classic.

The first of the elimination rounds, Round 2, gets underway at 10am which sees former ASP World No. 2 Melanie Redman- Carr (AUS) pitted against Megan Abubo (HAW) and Caroline Sarran (FRA) in the first heat of the day.

Heat 2 follows with World No. 6 Rebecca Woods (AUS) taking on World No. 7 Amee Donohoe (AUS) and World No. 14 Claire Bevilacqua (AUS). Only four surfers will progress through this round.

Organisers will reassess conditions after Round 2 with the possibility of running either Round 3 or the Teams' Challenge, later in the day.

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

NAB Beachley Classic Round 2 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS); Megan Abubo (HAW); Caroline Sarran (FRA) Heat 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS); Amee Donohoe (AUS); Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

GROUNDHOG DAY AT THE BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA - ROUND 3 OFF AGAIN

MUNDAKA, Spain (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007) –The 16 Foster's ASP World Tour surfers who won their Round 1 Billabong Pro Mundaka heats haven't donned a jersey since the first day of the waiting period over a week ago. They won't wear one today either, the Billabong Pro Mundaka is off again.

Two full days of surfing remain to be run before a champion will be crowned. There are five days left in the Billabong Pro Mundaka waiting period and according to contest officials, competition may have to head back to the back-up beach break of Bakio tomorrow. Conditions suitable enough to run competition at the official sit of Mundaka have yet to materialize.

"Overall, it is still looking like an inconsistent week to run heats at Mundaka," Kevin Wallis of Surfline.com said. "While it will have its moments on Thursday and Friday, they'll be pretty short windows with the westerly swell and extreme tides. There should still be plenty of contestable waves at Bakio and the weekend swell does look better"

When competition does recommence, the first heat of the day will be a bye for defending champion Bobby Martinez (USA). Martinez was supposed to meet injury replacement surfer Trent Munro (AUS), but Munro has pulled out of competition citing family reasons.

Another call on competition will be made at 8am tomorrow.

Video highlights from Round 2, along with photos, quotes and downloadable audio files from the surfers, are available on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.

TWO FEMALE JUDGES JOIN ASP INTERNATIONAL JUDGING PANEL AT NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC

MANLY, Sydney (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007) – After an explosive day of Round 1 action during the ASP Women's World Tour NAB Beachley Classic yesterday, small, onshore conditions at Sydney's Manly Beach this morning, forced organisers to call the first lay day of the six day window period.

"The conditions this morning where what we expected to see yesterday," Contest Director Matt Wilson said. "Luckily we were able to run six heats due to a surprise push in swell on Tuesday, so in my mind we're actually six heats ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, conditions did not improve with the outgoing tide this morning, so there was no need to run."

The forecast looks promising for the next two days and surfers, organisers and judges alike are looking forward to getting back to business at Manly Beach, on Thursday and Friday.

The NAB Beachley Classic stands alone as the richest of the eight stops on the ASP Women's World Tour and is also unique in that two, of its five- person judging panel, are women.

Former professional Australian surfer Holly Monkman (Coolangatta), 28, and Chilean Marcela Garido (Florianopolis, Brazil), 26, have joined the international judging panel under Head Judge Richard Porta, at this year's NAB Beachley Classic.

Both women have made their debut on an ASP Women's World Tour judging panel at this event and have left a good impression on Porta, as well as well as the World's Top 17 Women.

"They both worked really well through both the Trials as well as Round 1 yesterday," Porta said. "It's not imperative to have female judges on the panel but it gives the girls' some faith that it's not all a man's world out there. Both these women are good judges. They are not there because they are female, they can judge and that's the bottom line."

As per ASP International guidelines, the NAB Beachley Classic judging panel is made up of four judges, with one rotating judge that slots in every fourth heat. The panel is overseen by the head judge, in this case Porta, who checks the scores, controls the timing and makes sure no-one misses a thing.

Monkman's extensive experience as a former professional surfer, professional ASP Women's World Tour commentator and qualified surfing coach with numerous hours logged judging smaller junior events, state rounds and Australian Title events, as well as the 6-Star Prime ASP World Qualifying Series in Margaret River earlier in the year, makes her well qualified for this position.

"I've been working in the surfing industry for a long time now and one thing it's taught me is how to change hats," Monkman said. "I really do enjoy being in the judging tower and dissecting and comparing rides. I find it comes naturally to me and I have been watching the girls surf for so many years now that I can tell when they're surfing their best and when they're not quite on form."

Garido, made her way onto this year's NAB Beachley Classic panel through her experience judging the National Series in Brazil, as well as her work for Surfing Australia. After good reports all round, the recreational surfer and qualified international judge was included on this year's panel.

"I studied Sports Management in Brazil and as a surfer, I always wanted to know more about the rules of the sport," Garido said, of her inspiration to become a surfing judge. "I did my judging course and started working on events as a judging officer in Brazil until this opportunity came up to work in Australia. The level of Women's surfing is inspiring and it's such a privilege to work alongside some of the world's best judges at this event."

Four rounds of the NAB Beachley Classic remain, which will see Porta's panel bring ASP International judging criteria into play in deciphering the eventual winner, of what has been sighted as the most important stop on this years ASP Women's World Tour, given the 20% bonus points on offer.

"The judging criteria for the women's events are exactly the same as for the men's," Porta explained. "It's all about speed, power and flow, and completing manoeuvres in the most critical part of the wave. We judge the way we'd like to surf so, if you surf with risk and commitment you'll get the scores. We surf because it gives us a rush and that's how we judge."

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

The next call will be made at 07.30am tomorrow morning.

NAB Beachley Classic Round 2 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS); Megan Abubo (HAW); Caroline Sarran (FRA) Heat 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS); Amee Donohoe (AUS); Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

BILLABONG PRO ROUND 3 OFF AGAIN – FIVE DAYS LEFT IN WAITING PERIOD

MUNDAKA, Spain (Tuesday, Oct. 9 2007) –The Billabong Pro Mundaka, Stop 8 of 10 on the Foster's ASP World Tour, is off again today. Five days remain in the event waiting period with two full days of surfing needed to complete the event.

Surfline.com is the official Billabong Pro forecaster.

According to Surfline's Kevin Wallis: "Even smaller surf prevails Tuesday as the NW swell offers just leftovers and mixes with a small, new W swell. We've got a complex low pressure system taking hold in the Atlantic right now, which will continue for the next 3-4 days. This will produce a series of W to WNW swells starting around Wednesday evening (with Wednesday morning looking quite slow) and continuing through early Friday. Another round of WNW to NW swell could then build late Saturday and into Sunday."

World No. 1 Mick Fanning (AUS) will face wildcard and local Basque surfer Hodei Collazo (EUK) in Round 3. Collazo defeated 3X World Champion Andy Irons yesterday. Reigning and 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) will meet wildcard Tiago Pires (PRT) in Round 3 while World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) draws the final wildcard, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) in Heat 13.

Another call on competition will be made at 8am tomorrow.

Video highlights from Round 2, along with photos, quotes and downloadable audio files from the surfers, are available on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.

ROUND 3 BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) earns a bye over Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Bernardo Miranda (BRA)
Heat 3: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Phillip Macdonald (AUS)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 7: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Hodei Collazo (EUK)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
Heat 12: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Aritz Aranburu(AUS)
Heat 14: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) vs. Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Luke Munro (AUS)
Heat 16: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Leonardo Neves (BRA)

WILDCARD FITZGIBBONS OUTSURFS BEACHLEY TO ADVANCE INTO ROUND THREE

MANLY, Sydney (Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007) – Demonstrating all the attributes of a future world beater, ASP Australasian Junior Champion and wildcard surfer Sally Fitzgibbons (Aus) edged out 7X ASP World Champion Layne Beachley (Aus), during Round 1 of the ASP Women's World Tour NAB Beachley Classic, at Sydney's Manly Beach, today.

Fitzgibbons won the Oakley Wildcard Trials on Monday to advance into the main event. Her superior paddling power and deliberate tactics saw her out-class Beachley, to post the highest two-wave heat total of the event, a 15.65 (out of a possible 20.00 points).

"I am just over the moon!" Fitzgibbons said after her win which also included the day's highest individual wave score, an 8.50 (out of 10.00). "I went out there and got those couple of rides I needed, I didn't expect to get that far ahead. I'm just super happy."

Surfing through five rounds of competition during the Oakley Wildcard Trials on Monday, Fitzgibbons went on to reveal her true talent against the world's best during Round 1, advancing seamlessly into Round 3.

"Surfing the trials helped me to familiarise myself with the banks at Manly," Fitzgibbons said. "Even though the conditions were totally different out there today, it was still similar and I was just lucky to get the waves I needed."

Beachley, who finished in second place, was put to the test by Fitzgibbons's exceptional wildcard performance. The 7X ASP World Champion clawed her way back from a potential Round 2 fate, with a 6.10 ride which saw her advance ahead of Claire Bevilacqua (Aus) in the dying minutes of their Round 1 clash.

"I've been surfing out here my whole life," Beachley said. "That's why I am so frustrated right now because I know where to surf and which waves to catch. I just didn't do that today. It was a valuable lesson and I will have to make up for it during the next round."

Beachley and Fitzgibbons are scheduled to meet again in Round 3.

Defending NAB Beachley Classic Champion Stephanie Gilmore (Aus) maintained her wildcard mindset which saw her win this event in 2006. Posting the second highest two-wave heat total of the day a 15.10, Gilmore outshone her fellow Heat 6 competitors Melanie Bartels (Haw) and Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus).

"I'm in a totally different position this year," Gilmore explained. "There are ratings points and world titles that I should be aiming for and not thinking about but I am. I tried to stay on Sally's wavelength today, which was to have fun and keep surfing good."

Losing her ASP ratings lead to Samantha Cornish in Spain, Gilmore is aware of how much is at stake for both herself as well as her fellow top five campaigners at this event.

"If any of the girls in the top five were to get a win here, they could really get away from the pack and that would make things extremely hard going into the last three events," Gilmore said. "I am at World No. 4 which is good and I'm still in with a shot at the World Title".

Current World No. 3 Sofia Mulanovich (Per) produced another signature performance that has seen her climb the ASP ratings ladder this year. Winning her Round 1 heat with excellent 8.00 and 7.00 point rides, the 2004 ASP World Champion defeated Leilani Gryde (Haw) who replaced 'no- show' surfer Rochelle Ballard (Haw) and Megan Abubo (Haw) in Heat 4.

Also advancing in first place were World No. 1 Samantha Cornish (Aus) who posted the first 8.00 ride of the day over Jacqueline Silva (Bra) and Rebecca Woods (Aus); South African Rosy Hodge who captured a surprise Round 1 victory over World No. 2 Silvana Lima (Bra) and Amee Donohoe (Aus) and Jessi Miley-Dyer (Aus), who slipped into top gear to defeat World No. 5 Chelsea Hedges (Aus) and Caroline Sarran (Fra).

All six heats of Round 1 where completed before the competition was called off due to unfavourable winds. Conditions will be reassessed and another call made at 07h30 tomorrow morning.

The NAB Beachley Classic runs from 9- 14 October, 2007 and holds a prize money purse of US$ 100 000 as well as 20% bonus ASP ratings points.

The event is produced by Layne Beachley in collaboration with National Australia Bank and the Association of Surfing Professionals.

NAB Beachley Classic Round 2 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS); Megan Abubo (HAW); Caroline Sarran (FRA)
Heat 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS); Amee Donohoue (AUS); Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

NAB Beachley Classic Round 1 Results
Heat 1: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 12.50; Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.45
Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.75;
Heat 2: Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) 13.30; Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.25; Amee Donohoe (AUS) 11.70
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.65; Layne Beachley (AUS) 11.00; Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 10.15
Heat 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)15.00;Leilani Gryde (Haw)8.45; Megan Abubo (HAW)6.75;
Heat 5: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)10.85; Chelsea Hedges (AUS)9.40; Caroline Sarran (FRA)7.50
Heat 6: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10;Melanie Bartels (HAW)13.10; Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)6.10

Pro Surfing

SOFIA MULANOVICH DOMINATES ROUND 1 OF MANCORA PERU CLASSIC

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 1 HITS THE WATER AT 8AM

LAY DAY FOR HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO OFF- FOSTER'S ASP TITLE RACE ON

LAY DAY CALLED FOR MANCORA PERU CLASSIC

ANALI GOMEZ WINS LOCAL TRIALS MANCORA PERU CLASSIC BEGINS TOMORROW

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO COULD BE SITE OF 5TH BRAZILIAN CROWNING

RACE FOR THE 2007 ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TITLE HEADS TO PERU

ASP WORLD TITLE RACE HEADS TO HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

MARTINEZ MAKES ASP RATINGS LEAP AFTER REPEAT BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA WIN

MUNDAKA TURNS ON FOR THE LAST THREE HEATS OF THE BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA

GILMORE BACK ON TOP AFTER NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC WIN

NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED TODAY

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA OFF TODAY; SEMIFINAL AND FINAL TO RUN TOMORROW

TWO AUSSIES AND TWO SOUTH AMERICANS ADVANCE INTO SEMIFINALS AT NAB BEACHLEY CLAS

NAB Beachley Classic Goes Mobile in Search of Swell

EPIC BILLABONG PRO SEMIFINAL STAGE SET; WORLD TITLE RACE GOES TO BRAZIL

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA BACK ON IN BAKIO; ONLY 10 HEATS TO GO

SWELL ON THE WAY FOR NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC WEEKEND SHOWDOWN

THREE CONTENDERS LEFT IN ASP TITLE RACE AFTER 20 BILLABONG PRO HEATS

ROUND 3 OF THE BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ON AT BAKIO

FOUR SURFERS ADVANCE INTO ROUND 3; REDMAN- CARR WITHDRAWS FROM 2007 TOUR DUE TO

CONTESTABLE CONDITIONS SEE ROUND 2 UNDERWAY AT MANLY

GROUNDHOG DAY AT THE BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA - ROUND 3 OFF AGAIN

TWO FEMALE JUDGES JOIN ASP INTERNATIONAL JUDGING PANEL AT NAB BEACHLEY CLASSIC

BILLABONG PRO ROUND 3 OFF AGAIN – FIVE DAYS LEFT IN WAITING PERIOD

WILDCARD FITZGIBBONS OUTSURFS BEACHLEY TO ADVANCE INTO ROUND THREE

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