COOLANGATTA, Australia (Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007) –The ASP Women's World Tour will add a jewel to its crown with the addition of the Mancora Peru Classic slated to run from Oct. 30 – Nov. 4, 2007. 2005 ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER), who was instrumental in the addition of the event, is following in the footsteps of reigning and 7X World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) by bringing an elite tour event to one of her home breaks.
"The spot is Northern Peru and it is a fun left called Mancora," Mulanovich said. "I used to go up north every time I had school vacations and surf my head off. My parents have a house there and it is a cool little town with amazing long lefts everywhere."
The addition of the Mancora Peru Classic to this year's calendar will mean that the 2007 ASP Women's World Title will now be decided by eight events, versus the seven originally scheduled.
"The Peru contest has been tentative for a couple of years now, because the Peruvian government and sponsors have been wanting to do an ASP Women's World Tour event for awhile and now they have made it happen this year," Mulanovich said. "I am stoked because I have never competed in a World Tour event at home."
Fresh off a win at the last Women's World Tour event in Spain, the current World No. 3 will no doubt capitalize on the opportunity to compete at a familiar break to see if she can win a second world title.
"Competing at home will be a dream come true to me," Mulanovich said. "It is so good to know the wave and to be surrounded by people who love you. I have grown up surfing Mancora so for sure it gives me an extra confidence."
Beachley organized her first elite tour event in Sydney, Australia last year and then went on to win her 7th ASP World Title. She was full of praise for Mulanovich.
"It's amazing that Sofia is able to not only capitalize on her fame and popularity in Peru but also utilize that to the benefit of the women's tour," Beachley said. "To have an event of this stature added to the tour so late in the year is a huge bonus for everyone as it seems that we are all struggling to find our rhythm and gain momentum. It is very exciting and I am very proud of Sofia for putting her name and energy behind then event to ensure its future and success."
ASP CEO Brodie Carr is equally excited about the late addition.
"I am estatic," Carr said. "We have been working really hard with Peru for some time and it is unbelievable that we are going to have an event there this year. I would see Sof at the contests and say, 'Hey Sof, we are going to make this happen aren't we!' She was always so excited about it!"
Mulanovich was the first Peruvian to win a World Title and has become an idol to young and old at home.
"The support and instant recognition that the ASP gets there because of Sofia is really quite unfathomable," Carr said. "Think Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, anyone who is an absolute sporting hero – that is Sof in Peru!"
Rookie and World Title contender Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) visited Mulanovich and the break last month and is anxious to surf Mancora again.
"Mancora is a really fun wave and it is great to know that we are traveling to a world class wave that will allow the girls to showcase their talent," Gilmore said. "It is great for our tour. Having Sofia in the event is really going to draw amazing crowds and attention, all of which will benefit the Top 17 and women's surfing in South America."
The next stop on the ASP Women's World Tour is the NAB Beachley Classic in October followed by the Mancora Peru Classic in November. For more information visit. www.aspworldtour.com.
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