Pro Surfing: November 2007

MULANOVICH MAKES HER MOVE WITH ROXY PRO HAWAII WIN

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007) – Former ASP World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) tamed 8 to 10 foot (three metre) surf at Sunset Beach to win the Roxy Pro Hawaii today. Her victory has put her just 101 points behind ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and put her well and truly in the race to win her second World Title heading into the final event on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour in Maui next week.

"It's pretty amazing, I really never thought of a World Title coming here," Mulanovich said. "I just wanted to have fun, surf wave by wave, and just have a good contest. But now it's on, it's so on!"

The victory is her second on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour and the 8th of her World Tour career. It is also Mulanovich's first ASP World Tour rated win in Hawaii.

"I'm just stoked," Mulanovich said. "Sunset can be such a perfect wave. I really want to thank Rochelle Ballard for helping me out with my board choice, she pushed me to use that board and it really paid off. Thanks to everyone who helped me out, my boyfriend who was my caddie and my longtime sponsor Roxy for another great event."

Mulanovich finished the four-woman final with 13.73 points to Amee Donohoe's (AUS) 10.83, Samantha Cornish's (AUS) 7.64 and Jessi Miley-Dyer's (AUS) 6.40 points. Donohoe, who only needed a mid-range score to take the lead, was understandably disappointed to miss out on her first World Tour win but has jumped to 5th on the ratings with the result.

"I'll be honest – it's a good result but to sum it in two words, second sucks," Donohoe said. "There was a turning point when I took off on a wave with like three minutes to go because I didn't realize that there was a bigger set coming through behind that one. I just took off on a shoulder and when I turned around there were three waves with the scoring potential to easily get a 6.0. That was the point where I just got really frustrated. I knew I had made a mistake. Everyone is a good competitor and you can't give anyone an inch."

Cornish, who along with reigning and 7X World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) and 2005 World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS), was factored out of the 2007 title race when she didn't win the Roxy Pro Hawaii, was smiling despite finishing 3rd in the Final. The current World No. 4 earned a wildcard back on to the World Tour in 2007 after just missing out on requalification last year.

"I'm pretty happy to make the final, it's really tough out there, but it was an excellent day," Cornish said. "I'm super stoked, it was great result. Like I said earlier, I just want to surf well and see what I can do."

Miley-Dyer was the lone goofy-footed (right-foot forward) surfer in the Final and was pleased just to have advanced to the Roxy Pro Final today.

"I'm really happy with how it all went," Miley Dyer said. "Sunset is a really hard wave on your backhand. Not a lot of goofy-footers have really done well here so I put a lot of time in this week. I've been riding my 7'0" board at Velzyland (a right-breaking wave like Sunset Beach) and here and looking like an idiot, but I'm really glad I did it."

Miley Dyer, like the rest of the field, have reveled in the big rights over the course of the contest and was very vocal about being up for the challenge.

"I think Sunset is a good wave, it's a real challenge," Miley-Dyer. "I think that for any kind of athlete to take themselves out of their comfort zone and push themselves will only make them better. Sunset does that for us. I'm just really happy to get 4th."

Four of the six women who were still in contention for the World Title at the beginning of day, were eliminated in the Quarterfinals. Gilmore, who was mathematically capable of clinching the World Title today had she fared differently, was among them.

"Yeah, it's disappointing but I just had a bad heat, I got caught on the inside a few times," Gilmore said. "At one point I paddled pretty deep and then a big set came and I just looked at Jessie thinking I was going to die. It just broke on my head, I tried to duck under but it just smoked me. Then I got about six more on the head and by that time I only had half a board, it was pretty strenuous. I wasn't really in the right position by the end and then time just ran out."

Gilmore maintains her ratings lead despite her 9th place finish today, but Mulanovich and World No. 2 Silvana Lima have gained considerable ground.

"It will keep it interesting," Gilmore said. "It's definitely going to be a hard task to win the World Title, both Sofia and Silvana are closing in on the gap extremely fast.

Lima was rated 2nd before her 9th place result at Sunset. She has dropped to 3rd behind Mulanovich now. Still, after coming back from a knee injury and in only her second year on tour, Lima is happy to still be within reach of the title.

"It's disappointing, but with me and Steph out now, we'll just have to take it to Maui," Lima said. "Maui is great, perfect waves and it's so beautiful. Good things have happened to me there."

Beachley, who won her seventh title in Maui last year is no longer an outside chance for an eighth after losing in the Quarters.

"The World Title has been out of my reach since the start of the year," Beachley said. "I haven't surfed consistently enough and I haven't really allowed myself to win. More importantly today, it's just disappointing to lose at perfect Sunset. It's my favorite wave in the world and I just can't do it any justice, it's frustrating as hell."

Sixteen-year-old wildcard Coco Ho (HAW) was named the 2007 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Rookie for her success at Sunset Beach this week, while the Schick Quattro Style Award went to Gilmore.

Current Triple Crown Ratings Leader Megan Abubo (HAW) has kept her lead despite suffering a potential rib injury in the Semifinals and exiting the water midway through her heat. She left the beach by ambulance and her injuries are still unconfirmed at this point.

Caroline Sarran (FRA) was also absent from her Quarterfinal heat due to injury. She suffered a neck injury free surfing yesterday.

Mulanovich has moved to 2nd behind Abubo on the Triple Crown ratings, followed by Donohoe in 3rd, Beachley in 4th and Melanie Bartels (AUS) in 5th.

Complete coverage of the Roxy Pro Hawaii will be produced and broadcast by FUEL TV. Visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplecrownofsurfing.com for more information.

Roxy Pro Hawaii Final Results:
Final: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 13.73, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 10.83, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 7.64, Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 6.40

Roxy Pro Hawaii Semifinal Results: 1st and 2nd Advance, 3rd finishes Equal 7th, 4th finishes Equal 5th

Heat 1: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 14.67, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.34, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 9.90, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 5.33
Heat 2: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 9.73, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 5.63, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 5.33, Megan Abubo (HAW) 0.43

Roxy Pro Hawaii Quarterfinal Results: 1st and 2nd Advance, 3rd finishes Equal 9th, 4th finishes Equal 13th
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 13.77, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 10.43, Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 6.33, Caroline Sarran (FRA) INJ
Heat 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 13.17, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 12.34, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 7.64, Coco Ho (HAW) 6.17
Heat 3: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 12.00, Megan Abubo (HAW) 9.67, Leilani Gryde (HAW) 8.54, Silvana Lima (BRA) 5.33
Heat 4: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 12.03, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 11.90, Layne Beachley (AUS) 11.07, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 8.90

Ratings after Event No. 7 of 8 on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour – the ROxy Pro Hawaii:
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5,868
2. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 5,767
3. Silvana Lima (BRA) 5,252
4. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 4,440
5. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 4,406
6. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 4,238
7. Layne Beachley (AUS) 4,214
8. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 3,553
9. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 3,438
10. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 2,976
11. Megan Abubo (HAW) 2,862
12. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 2,784
13. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 2,654
14. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 2,424
15. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 2,412
16. Caroline Sarran (FRA) 2,322
17. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 1,530
18. Leilani Gryde (HAW) 972

FINAL DAY OF ROXY PRO HAWAII; GILMORE COULD CLINCH ASP WORLD TITLE

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007) – The final seven heats of the Roxy Pro Hawaii, the second to last event on the ASP Women's World Tour, will wrap up in excellent eight foot conditions at Sunset Beach this morning. The first Quarternfinal will hit the water at 8am.

Australian rookie Stephanie Gilmore must make the Roxy Pro final and get 3rd or better to potentially win the ASP Women's World Title at Sunset Beach today.

Though six women remain in contention to win the 2007 ASP Women's World Title, three of them (Reigning and 7X World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS), 2005 World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and current World No. 6 Samantha Cornish (AUS)) will be removed from contention if Gilmore earns a semifinal berth by finishing 1st or 2nd in the Quarterfinals.

If Gilmore makes the final and Current World No. 3 and 2004 World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) does not, Mulanovich will also be out of contention. If they are both in the Final, Mulanovich must finish ahead of Gilmore to stay in contention heading into the final event in Maui.

Gilmore can only claim the title at Sunset Beach with a 3rd place finish today if current World No. 2 Silvana Lima does not advance out of the Quarterfinals or finishes fourth in a four-woman Semifinal and earns an Equal 7th.

If Lima finishes Equal 5th or 4th (third in her four-woman Semifinal, or 4th in the Final ), Gilmore must finish 2nd or higher to win. If Lima finishes 3rd Gilmore must win the Roxy Pro Hawaii or the title race will be decided in Maui.

Breakdown by Result:

Gilmore places 13th – Lima, Mulanovich remain in contention with 13th or better. Hedges, Beachley, Cornish must place 1st to remain in world title race.

Gilmore places 9th – Lima remains in contention with 13th or better. Mulanovich must place 9th or higher. Hedges, Beachley, Cornish must place 1st to remain in contention.

Gilmore places 7th – Hedges, Beachley Cornish are out of contention. Mulanovich needs 9th or higher, Lima remains in contention with 13th or better.

Gilmore places 5th – Mulanovich must make the final, Lima remains in contention with 13th or better.

Gilmore places 4th – Mulanovich must place 3rd or higher, Lima can place 5th, 7th, 9th or 13th and still be in contention.

Gilmore places 3rd – Mulanovich must place higher, Lima must place 4th or 5th to remain in contention.

Gilmore places 2nd – Mulanovich must place higher, Lima must finish 3rd to remain in the title race.

Gilmore places 1st – Mulanovich is out of contention, Lima must place 2nd for title to go to Maui

If Gilmore wins a World Title today, she will be the first rookie in the history of professional surfing to do so. FUEL TV will produce and air coverage of the Roxy Pro Hawaii.

Watch it live on www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.

Roxy Pro Hawaii Quarterfinal Match-Ups: 1st and 2nd Advance, 3rd finishes Equal 9th, 4th finishes Equal 13th
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Caroline Sarran (FRA), Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Heat 2: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Coco Ho (HAW)
Heat 3: Silvana Lima (BRA), Leilani Gryde (HAW), Amee Donohoe (AUS), Megan Abubo (HAW)
Heat 4: Samantha Cornish (AUS), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Layne Beachley (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW)

ROXY PRO HAWAII OFF FOR THE DAY; COULD WRAP UP TOMORROW

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007) –The Roxy Pro Hawaii is off for today, Wednesday, Nov. 28th, 2007, but it looks likely that the Quarterfinals onward will run at Sunset Beach tomorrow.

Only seven heats of surfing remain for the Roxy Pro Hawaii, and the 2007 ASP Women's World Title could be decided the next time competition resumes.

The ASP Women's World Title clinching scenario for the Roxy Pro Hawaii is as follows:

Mathematically, World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA), former ASP Women's World Champions Layne Beachley (AUS), Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER), as well as current world No. 6 Samantha Cornish (AUS) are capable of overtaking ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) with two wins if Gilmore doesn't post better than a combination of 9th or 17th place results in the last two events of the season.

Should Gilmore earn a 5th at Sunset Beach, Hedges, Beachley and Cornish will be out of contention leaving only Lima and Mulanovich in the race.

If Mulanovich bows out early with a 17th at Sunset Beach, Gilmore needs a 9th to knock her out of contention. If Mulanovich earns a 9th at Sunset Beach, Gilmore needs a 5th. If Gilmore finishes 4th or better, Mulanovich can't win.

Gilmore can clinch the title at the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach if she posts a 3rd place result and Lima finishes 17th or 9th. If Lima finishes 5th or 4th Gilmore must finish 2nd to win the title there. If Lima posts a 3rd place result, Gilmore must win the event or the race will continue to Maui.

Essentially, if Gilmore wins the event and Lima finishes 3rd or lower, the 2007 ASP Women's World Title belongs to Gilmore.

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning, Thursday, Nov. 29th. FUEL TV will produce and air coverage of the Roxy Pro Hawaii.

THE NEXT WAVE PREPARE FOR BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007)- The world's foremost junior surfers will have one New Year's resolution in common come January 2, 2008; to become the 2007 ASP World Junior Champion.

The Billabong ASP World Junior Championship takes place at Sydney, Australia's North Narrabeen Beach, from January 2- 10, 2008 and will see only the top six Under 20 male and top two Under 20 female surfers, as well as four wildcards and two trialists, from eight surfing regions (South America, North America, Hawaii, Australasia, Africa, Europe, Japan and an ASP International emerging region) invited to compete.

The event now in its eleventh year, is the hardest on the Junior circuit to qualify for and the hardest to win. Surfers must reach the top of their respective regional junior series tours in order to qualify for the international competition. The highest seeded Men's U20 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfer from each region is also invited to compete.

Last year saw current WQS ratings leader Jordy Smith (ZAF) add his name to the prestigious honour roll, which includes 3X ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), current World No. 4 Joel Parkinson (AUS) and current World No. 24 Adriano de Souza (BRA), making the Billabong ASP World Juniors an accurate gauge for future world beaters.

Parkinson burst onto the international stage during his junior career, winning the ASP World Junior crown in 1999 and again in 2001, becoming the only surfer to win the event twice.

"It is probably the biggest achievement for an U20 surfer," Parkinson explained. "You can win a lot of junior events but this is the hardest; especially these days when the whole junior world is competing. It's like a checking point, time to decide whether to turn pro and go on tour. I think it is one of the most important junior events today."

The girls division, while only in its third year, has crowned the likes of reigning World Junior Champion Nicola Atherton (AUS) and 2005 ASP Women's World Tour Rookie of the Year Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) and continues to reveal the depth of talent in the female ranks.

This year's heat draw is brimming with fresh faces with wildcard Pablo Paulino (BRA) being the only returning former World Junior Champion.

Leading their respective regions into battle are regional Billabong Junior Series Champions, Charlie Brown (BRA), Mitchell Coleborn (AUS), Casey Brown (HAW), Rudy Palmboom (ZAF), Adrien Valero (FRA), Noboyuki Osawa (JPN), Adam Wickwire (USA) and Angelo Lozano (MEX) in the guys division and Bruna Schmitz (BRA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Alessa Cuizon (HAW), Tarryn Chudleigh (ZAF), Lee Ann Curren (FRA), Nao Omura (JPN) and Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the girls division.

The four event wildcards have been awarded to Paulino, Tonino Benson (HAW), Torrey Meister (HAW) and Tamaroa McComb (TAH) while the two Billabong wildcards will be Paige Hareb (NZ) and Kirby Wright (Aus).

South America leads the team ratings based on the four best scores from each region and has a history of dominance at this event. Three former Billabong World Junior Champions including Paulino (2004), De Souza (2003) and Pedro Henrique (2000) hail from Brazil.

The event format mirrors elite ASP World Tour specifications, meaning junior surfers must compete in man-on-man heats, utilizing a priority system as if already competing on the prestigious ASP World Tour.

In addition, surfers will compete before an ASP International Judging Panel, the same panel which judges their surfing heroes on the ASP Men's and Women's World Tours.

Former ASP World Tour campaigner Luke Egan (AUS) will be the contest director for the fifth consecutive year, presiding over surf conditions and offering valuable insight into ASP World Tour format.

The Billabong World Junior Championship requires six full days of surfing to be completed (four for the boys and two for the girls) and is considered the best preparation for junior surfers hoping to one day compete on the top tier tour.

The event will be broadcast live on the web at www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.

GILMORE GETS IT RIGHT IN ROUND 2 OF THE ROXY PRO HAWAII

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007) – Current ASP ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) needed a second chance to show the world why she's No. 1 on Day 1 of the Roxy Pro Hawaii, but she did so in her Round 2 heat at Sunset Beach today.

Gilmore, who could potentially win her maiden world title when the Roxy Pro runs next, will be the only athlete in the history of professional surfing to win an ASP World Title as a rookie. The mounting pressure of such a huge achievement got to 19-year-old in her Round 1 heat when she finished 3rd to Wildcard Coco Ho (HAW) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) respectively. She was forced to surf Round 2, the first elimination round, for only the second time this year.

"It's all just a whirlwind in my head," Gilmore said. "There are so many things I'm thinking about and so many things that I shouldn't be thinking about. I think I was just a little bit rattled in my first heat, I couldn't find any waves. My Round 2 heat was good, I felt like it was just another chance to get some more practice with my boards, Sunset can be pretty challenging."

Gilmore posted the highest heat total of the day, 18.10 (out of 20.00) and the highest single wave score when she earned a 9.60 in her Round 2 heat against Rochelle Ballard (HAW) and Jacqueline Silva (BRA).

"The second wave of the set had a little bit of froth on the take off," Gilmore said of her highest scoring wave. "I didn't really think I was going to make it, I felt like I was going to eat it pretty hard. Luckily I managed to make it down the face, pull myself together and get a few really good turns in. I didn't really think I'd score that high, but I'm stoked."

World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA), Gilmore's closest competition for the World Title, won her Round 1 heat today. Lima needs to finish within one place ahead of Gilmore in the Roxy Pro to keep her title dreams alive heading into final event of the year in Maui.

"I feel great, no pressure, nothing different," Lima said. "I need to do really well and there are a lot of different ways the World Title race will be determined. I'm trying not to think about it much and just stay calm and concentrate on my surfing."

Hawaiians Coco Ho, Melanie Bartels and Megan Abubo reveled in Round 1 today. Ho, who had to first win the Roxy Pro Trials to earn a place in .the main event, was elated when she finished 1st in her heat against Gilmore and Bevilacqua.

"Stephanie Gilmore is my ultimate hero," Ho said. "It was the best experience to be able to surf with her, but I was so bummed that she wasn't able to get a few good ones and put on a show for us and get me kickin'. I wished her the best in Round 2 and I'm rooting for her for the World Title Race for sure all the way."

Current Vans Triple Crown of Surfing forerunner Abubo beat co-Sunset specialists Layne Beachley (AUS) and Rochelle Ballard (HAW) in the six foot (two metre)surf on offer to keep her Hawaiian winning streak alive. Abubo won the first event of the Triple Crown in Haleiwa, a 6-Star ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) event, last week.

"To win the Triple Crown is a dream for anyone, but for a Hawaiian it just means that much more," Abubo said. "We've just been blessed this year with such good waves here at Sunset and at Haleiwa. I surf here all the time and its' just to great to paddle out and have two of my great friends out there with me in the lineup. I'm hoping the rest of the event will go this well too."

Reigning Roxy Pro champion Bartels beat Australians Samantha Cornish and Amee Donohoe to advance straight to Round 3 in front of her hometown crowd at Sunset Beach today.

"I'm Hawaiian so I feel great about surfing here at Sunset with my family and friends around," Bartels said. "It's great to be surfing in big waves, it's more challenging. The girls who usually do well in small waves just aren't making their heats so it's just good, it shows that you have to be versatile. I'm stoked the heat was good, I love these conditions and getting barreled."

Only seven heats of surfing remain for the Roxy Pro Hawaii, and the World Title could quite likely be decided the next time competition resumes, which may be tomorrow.

The ASP Women's World Title clinching scenario for the Roxy Pro Hawaii is as follows:

Should Gilmore earn a 5th at Sunset Beach, Hedges, Beachley and Cornish will be out of contention leaving only Lima and Mulanovich in the race.

Hawaiian Senator and Triple Crown founder Fred Hemmings will be at Sunset Beach to make a special presentation prior to the Roxy Pro final. Hemmings will be there to acknowledge the women of the Roxy Pro and young Hawaiian surfer Carissa Moore. This will take place some time between 11am and noon, prior to the finalists paddling out.

Round 1 Roxy Pro Hawaii Heat Results:
Heat 1: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 13.60, Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 10.69, Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) 5.73
Heat 2: Caroline Sarran (FRA) 10.0 Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.83, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 5.57
Heat 3: Coco Ho (HAW) 13.17, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 7.94, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 4.33
Heat 4: Silvana Lima (BRA) 6.83, Leilani Gryde (HAW) 4.67, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 1.40
Heat 5: Megan Abubo (HAW) 11.43, Layne Beachley (AUS) 9.86, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 8.66
Heat 6: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.17, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 12.06, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 8.33

Round 2 Roxy Pro Hawaii Heat Results:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 18.10, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 5.33, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 5.00
Heat 2: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 13.77, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.07, Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 4.66

Essentially, if Gilmore wins the event and Lima finishes 3rd or lower, the 2007 ASP Women's World Title belongs to Gilmore.

EARLY ROUNDS OF ROXY PRO HAWAII TO RUN THIS AT SUNSET BEACH THIS MORNING

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007) – Rounds 1 and 2 of the Roxy Pro Hawaii, the second to last event on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, will run in four to six foot (one to two metre) waves at Sunset Beach this morning.

The Roxy Pro Trials will run prior to the main event at 8am, with the winner facing ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) in Heat 3 of Round 1. Round 1 will commence around 9:15am.

The Roxy Pro trialists are Carissa Moore (HAW), Alisha Gonsalves (HAW), Bethany Hamilton (HAW), Coco Ho (HAW), Alana Blanchard (HAW), Francisca Pereira dos Santos (PRT), Lee Ann Curren (FRA) and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS).

Two surfers will be eliminated in Round 2 of the Roxy Pro Hawaii today but it will not be possible for World No. 1 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) to clinch the 2007 Women's ASP World Title.

The ASP Women's World Title clinching scenario for the Roxy Pro Hawaii is as follows:

Should Gilmore earn a 5th at Sunset Beach, Hedges, Beachley and Cornish will be out of contention leaving only Lima and Mulanovich in the race.

Round 1 Roxy Pro Hawaii Heat Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Roseanne Hodge (ZAF)
Heat 2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Caroline Sarran (FRA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Wildcard (TBD)
Heat 4: Silvana Lima (BRA), Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Leilani Gryde (HAW)
Heat 5: Layne Beachley (AUS), Megan Abubo (HAW), Rochelle Ballard (HAW)
Heat 6: Samantha Cornish (AUS), Amee Donohoe (AUS), Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Essentially, if Gilmore wins the event and Lima finishes 3rd or lower, the 2007 ASP Women's World Title belongs to Gilmore.
Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Nov. 27th. FUEL TV will produce and air coverage of the Roxy Pro Hawaii.

ROXY PRO HAWAII OFF; SWELL SLATED FOR TOMORROW

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Monday, Nov. 26, 2007) – Competition for the Roxy Pro Hawaii, the second to last event on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, will not commence today citing small surf and forecasted swell on the horizon.

When women's competition does commence at Sunset Beach, the first matter of business will be an eight-woman trials event held to decide the final surfer in the the Roxy Pro. The Roxy Pro Trials will consist of three four-woman heats, with the winner of the final heat facing Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) in Heat 3 of Round 1.

Surfline.com are forecasting an increase in swell later today and overnight that is expected to see either the Roxy Pro or the O'neill World Cup of Surfing – the final event on the 2007 men's ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) – start tomorrow

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Nov. 27th. FUEL TV will produce and air coverage of the Roxy Pro Hawaii.

Visit www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplcecrownofsurfing.com for more information.

The ASP Women's World Title clinching scenario for the Roxy Pro Hawaii is as follows:

Should Gilmore earn a 5th at Sunset Beach, Hedges, Beachley and Cornish will be out of contention leaving only Lima and Mulanovich in the race.

Esentially, if Gilmore wins the event and Lima finishes 3rd or lower, the 2007 ASP Women's World Title belongs to Gilmore.

ROXY PRO HAWAII CALLED OFF FOR THE DAY; BARTELS SET TO DEFEND HER TITLE

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007) – Declining swell has seen competition for the Roxy Pro Hawaii called off today, the first of a 12-day waiting period shared by the penultimate event on the ASP Women's World Tour and the 6-Star Prime O'neill World Cup of Surfing – the final event on the 2007 men's ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS),.

When women's competition does commence at Sunset Beach, the first matter of business will be an eight-woman trials event held to decide the final surfer in the second of three events in the 2007 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Series – the Roxy Pro Hawaii.

Though reigning Roxy Pro Hawaii champion Melanie Bartels (HAW) is an ASP Women's World Tour rated surfer this year, the local surfer won her first ASP Women's World Tour event at Sunset Beach as a wildcard in 2006.

Bartels, who had previously surfed on the elite tour in 2004 and 2005 but failed to requalify in 2006, had to surf her way into the main event through the Roxy Pro Hawaii trials before claiming her first World Tour win.

"Winning Sunset last year meant the world to me," Bartels said. "Being from Hawaii and having worked my way from the bottom to the top in that event made me feel really proud and I can't wait to do the same in these next two events."

Bartels is currently rated equal 11th on the ASP Women's World Tour, but has assured herself a spot on the 2008 tour courtesy of her 2007 WQS rating.

"I feel pretty relaxed at the moment and also super anxious and fired up to surf Sunset," Bartels said. "I love the fact that the last two events on the tour are held in Hawaii. I'm totally ready for Sunset and Honolua."

Bartels is one of four, and potentially five, Hawaiians who could be donning contest vests at the testing venue of Sunset Beach. Five of the eight trialists hoping to earn main event berths, and ultimately follow in Bartels' footsteps, hail from Hawaii.

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning, Monday, Nov. 26th.

Visit www.aspworldtour.com and www.triplcecrownofsurfing.com for more information.

ABUBO MAKES HER TRIPLE CROWN INTENTIONS CLEAR HEADING INTO ROXY PRO HAWAII

NORTH SHORE, Hawaii (Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007) – Hawaiian surfer Megan Abubo has been a staple on the ASP Women's World Tour for the last 11 years, but after a shaky start to the 2007 season, the 29-year-old appeared to be in jeopardy of losing her spot amongst the elite in 2008.

A victory at her home break in Haleiwa, Hawaii in the last ASP Women's World Qualifying Series (WQS) event of the year – and the first of the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Series – assured Abubo a 2008 elite tour berth courtesy of a Top 6 WQS finish.

She will now enter the upcoming Roxy Pro Hawaii, the second to last event on the ASP Women's World Tour held at Sunset Beach from Nov. 25th to Dec. 6th, free of requalification woes, but under pressure nonetheless.

"I was so excited to win at home – it's been a long time coming," Abubo said. "To start the Triple Crown off with a win is huge for me and I am very excited to compete in the Roxy Pro at Sunset and on Maui. There has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that I qualify no matter what, but I work well under pressure, so I'm putting heat on myself to do well in the Triple Crown – it has always been one of my dreams and I am going to try my best to obtain that goal."

The 29-year-old finished runner-up to 7X ASP World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) in 2000 and has won eight ASP Women's World Tour events, but is currently rated a lackluster equal 11th on the top tier tour. Despite contesting both the World Tour and the WQS in 2007, Abubo headed into the Hawaiian season sans an inspiring result on either tour.

"This has been my toughest year on tour ever and longest in my career," Abubo said. "Up until Haleiwa I think I only had one semifinal result in a WQS event and a quarterfinal finish in a World Tour event. I can remember years when I would throw away a quarterfinal or count it as my lowest result. Midway through the year I was even thinking about throwing in the towel things were getting me down so much."

Abubo made the Quarterfinals of the first event of ASP Women's World Tour season on the Gold Coast of Australia, but hasn't advanced finished above equal 9th in any of the five events since.

"It's hard when you're on top for so long and then it isn't there anymore, but I had a tremendous amount of support from my sisters and got my head on straight and never quit or gave up," Abubo said. "I trained pretty hard and have been focused on winning in Hawaii and that's it. All I wanted to do was win at home. I have tunnel vision right now which is good and that vision is on winning and doing well in as many events at home as possible to get that fire back again."

Abubo moved to Oahu at age 2 and has called Haleiwa home since. A move a few miles north now has her surfing Sunset Beach more regularly, and she is eager to illustrate her prowess there when the Roxy Pro commences.

"I love surfing Sunset and feel very comfortable out there especially when no one else is out – heats are so much fun out there," Abubo said. "I actually live at Sunset now and surf there more than Haleiwa so I hope to get on some big boards and surf some big waves. One of the big things at Sunset is fitness and I feel super fit right now. I am ready for the challenge and can't wait for the Roxy Pro. I have made the finals there a few times in many different kinds of conditions so I'm ready for anything."

Abubo will face 7X ASP World Champion and multiple Sunset Beach champion Layne Beachley (AUS) as well as Rochelle Ballard (HAW) in Heat 5 of Round 1. Beachley surfed the break regularly when she lived there in the late 1990s and Ballard can see the break from her front porch.

Current World No. 1 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) could capture her maiden world title at the Roxy Pro Sunset (if she does she will the first rookie to ever do so) but she knows that it's the local and formerly local girls she'll have to get past first.

"I think the local girls will always be a threat, Megan Abubo especially after her great win at Haleiwa," Gilmore said. "Layne Beachley is probably the most comfortable out there especially if it's big, so its going to be interesting to see what the ocean will produce for us and hopefully we'll perform to their standards throughout the event."

The ASP Women's World Title clinching scenario for the Roxy Pro Hawaii is as follows:

Mathematically, World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA), former ASP Women's World Champions Layne Beachley (AUS), Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER), as well as current world No. 6 Samantha Cornish (AUS) are capable of overtaking ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) with two wins if Gilmore doesn't post better than a combination of 9th or 17th place results in the last two events of the season.

Should Gilmore earn a 7th at Sunset Beach, Hedges, Beachley and Cornish will be out of contention leaving only Lima and Mulanovich in the race.

If Mulanovich bows out early with a 17th at Sunset Beach, Gilmore needs a 9th to knock her out of contention. If Mulanovich earns a 9th at Sunset Beach, Gilmore needs a 5th. If Gilmore finishes 4th or better, and Mulanovich 5th or less then Mulanovich can't win.

Gilmore can clinch the title at the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach if she posts a 3rd place result and Lima finishes 7th or less. If Lima finishes 5th or 4th Gilmore must finish 2nd to win the title there. If Lima posts a 3rd place result, Gilmore must win the event or the race will continue to Maui.

Essentially, if Gilmore wins the event and Lima finishes 3rd or lower, the 2007 ASP Women's World Title belongs to Gilmore.

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

ASP HISTORY, ROOKIE SENSATIONS AND A SHOWDOWN IN HAWAII

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007) – Following last week's victory at the Mancora Peru Classic, event No. 6 of 8 on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, rookie phenom Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has further solidifed her ratings lead and is in a position to make ASP history as the first surfer ever to clinch the ASP World Title in their rookie season.

With two events left in the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour season, the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach and the Billabong Pro at Honolua Bay, only six surfers remain who can potentially claim this year's ASP Women's World Title.

In addition to Gilmore, current No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA), compatriot Samantha Cornish (AUS), former ASP Women's World Champions Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER), as well as reigning and seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) are all still mathematically in contention for this season's crown.

If Gilmore secures a 5th or higher at the upcoming Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, then Hedges, Beachley and Cornish will be eliminated from contention, leaving only Mulanovich and Lima.

If Mulanovich suffers a 17th at Sunset Beach, and Gilmore finishes 9th or higher, the Peruvian will be eliminated from contention. Concurrently, if Mulanovich finishes 9th and Gilmore finishes 5th or higher, the former champ will also be eliminated. If Gilmore finishes 4th or higher at Sunset Beach, there is no way Mulanovich can overtake this season.

For Gilmore to clinch the title at Sunset Beach, Lima will need to finish 9th or lower while Gilmore finishes 3rd or higher, or 4th or lower while Gilmore finishes 2nd or higher. If Gilmore wins the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, and Lima fails to finish 3rd or higher, then the race will be over.

While a possible ASP Women's World Title finish may be on offer at the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, it is likely it will come down to the final event of the season at the Billabong Pro in Maui.

Gilmore will be available for a live Press Conference today, Thursday, Nov. 8, at 11am at Snapper Rocks Beach. A hi-lights tape of her recent victory at the Mancora Peru Classic will be available at the Press Conference.

MICK FANNING WINS IN BRAZIL TO CLINCH MAIDEN FOSTER’S ASP WORLD TITLE

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007) Australian Mick Fanning clinched his maiden Foster's ASP World Title after winning the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil today. Fanning was in the water about to surf a semifinal heat against childhood friend Joel Parkinson (AUS) when Taj Burrow (AUS) was eliminated by Tom Whitaker (AUS) and his lifelong dream was realized.

"I woke up this morning and I just had a good feeling that it was going to happen today," Fanning said. "It was so amazing to be out there with Joel. When I realized I'd won I went, 'What do we do Joel?' and he was like, 'I don't know!' I was just so stoked to share my first ever heat as the World Champion with him. It was amazing."

Fanning surfed a signature heat to beat Parkinson 18.70 to 12.84 in Semifinal 1 before defending his Brazilian title by beating rookie Kai Otton (AUS) in the final to win the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro. The win marks his 9th Foster's ASP World Tour event win.

Americans Kelly Slater and Andy Irons have monopolized the World Title for the last five years but Fanning's win today makes him the first Australian to clinch a men's ASP World Title since Mark 'Occy" Occhilupo did so in Brazil in 1999.

"To take the reins over from Oc is incredible," Fanning said. "He is pretty much the legend of the sport. He's such a character and such a cool guy. Even when I've been on tour with Andy, he's such a determined guy as well and I was there for his first world title. And then there's Kelly – the guy who gave inspiration to every kid who surfs today, he's amazing."

The 26-year-old's ascent to ASP World Champion has not transpired without tribulation. Raised by a single mother who now manages his career, Fanning lost his older brother Sean, also a gifted surfer, in a car accident as a teenager. The two were extremely close and Fanning felt his presence in the water today.

"It was so cool with Joel out there in the final and there was a dolphin out there, I'm not sure if it was my brother or what," Fanning said. "Every heat I've had today there has been a dolphin right there in the lineup, just chilling."

Born in West Sydney, Fanning, his siblings and mother moved to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast of Australia when he was very young. He grew up surfing with Parkinson and top rated surfer Dean Morrison (AUS) who are known collectively as the "Cooly Kids."

"Joel and Dean are the reason that I train so hard," Fanning said. "When I was a kid those guys used to smoke me all the time. I was always trying to be better than those guys."

Fanning made his Foster's ASP World Tour debut in 2002 after finishing No. 1 in the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) the year prior. An impressive 5th place finish his first year on the elite tour earned him highest rookie result of all time, an honor he now shares with 2006 Rookie of the Year, Bobby Martinez (USA).

Fanning's six-year professional career has seen him make a steady ascent to the No. 1 position he held for the entirety of the 2007 season. After a 5th place debut in 2002, Fanning finished World No. 4 in 2003, World No. 3 in 2005 and 2006 and World No. 1 today.

Fanning's lowest rating on the Foster's ASP World Tour – World No. 7 in 2004 – came about after he suffered potentially career-ending injury half way through the season. He tore his hamstring from the bone in a freesurfing incident, but came back from that injury to win the first event of the 2005 season at his home break in Snapper Rocks.

"That's what life is," Fanning said. "It goes up and down. You've got to take the good with the bad and even though I was injured it was probably the best six months of my life. I didn't have to worry about surfing. I had fun with my friends and at the end of it I found the girl that I love and want to marry so even though it was bad for my body it was a million more times better for my mind and my heart."

Fanning is engaged to be married to long-time girlfriend and Gold Coast Model Karissa Dalton in February of 2008.

Fanning has epitomized consistency since winning the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in South Africa in 2006, featuring in seven finals, three semifinals and two quarterfinals in the last 15 events. He won the 2007 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro today, along with the 2007 Quiksilver Pro France, the 2007 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, the 2006 Nova Schin Festival Brasil, the 2006 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay and finished runner-up in Tahiti this year and in France in 2006.

Parkinson, who didn't seem too fazed by his Semifinal loss was in the water when his close friend won and was moved by their heat together.

"It was pretty cool, we were speechless," Parkinson said. "It was me Mick and a dolphin was circling around us for ages, doing laps. We were like, "Can you even believe this is happening!" He was talking about how the whole last week he's been stressing and how ironic it was that it was us in that heat together."

Occhilupo arrived on the scene to congratulate Fanning after hearing the news.

"I get goosebumps just thinking about it," Occhilupo said. "Yesterday I wanted to go home, but when Mick won the title today I was straight in my car and then jumping over every single heat to give him a cuddle. It's been eight years and we've got it back to Australia. I don't want to say too much, but I think it might stay there a long time."

Otton was another Australian who shone today. Though he was disappointed to lose the Final, the rookie couldn't help but be pleased at cracking the Top 10 on the ratings and surfing in his first ever World Tour final. He's rated 9th now.

"It's been amazing," Otton said. "To make your first final feels good. I thought getting 3rd at Teahupoo was good, now to do this here is just incredible. With all of the circumstances today, Mick winning, it's just been a dream day for Australia really."

Otton is now one place behind first-year surfer Jeremy Flores (FRA) and the two will have to battle it out for 'ASP Rookie of the Year' honors in Hawaii.

"All I wanted was a chance at 'Rookie of the Year' in Pipe so we'll see what happens," Otton said. "I got a bit rattled in the middle of the year thinking about it and I think that's what happened. Then I've come here and I was thinking it was out of reach so I just tried to make heats and now we're going to Pipe, so we'll see what happens."

Australian Tom Whitaker (AUS) earned a Semifinal berth against Otton when he beat Burrow in the Quarters and was in the water when Fanning clinched the title.

"I'm really close with both of those guys," Whitaker said. "I gave Mick a big hug out there. Him and Joel are best mates and they were super stoked. Then I looked around and there's one of my best mates paddling over who I'd effectively knocked out of the world title race."

Though Burrow's title hopes were dashed by Whitaker earlier in the day, the current World No. 2 was on hand to celebrate with Fanning.

"It took me a little while to smile because I was kind of in shock but I'm obviously really stoked for Mick," Burrow said. "It's an Aussie world champ and if it's not going to be me I'm glad it's Mick. He's showed that much determination and focus that he earned it. I'm really stoked for him and I'm happy with my year. It's the best year I've ever had and I'm going to roll it into next year and realize its there for the taking."

Eight-time World Champion Slater also had a longshot at the title before losing to Otton in Round 4.

"Part of me came here for Mick because I knew he had a really good shot at winning the title in Brazil," Slater said. "But I thought, if I'm going to show up, I'm going to give it my best shot. I had priority with 10 or 11 minutes to go and a left came and I thought there was a better one behind it so I let him go and it really sealed the deal right there. I got KOd, Kai Otton-ed.

The last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour will commence in Hawaii on Dec. 7. Visit the media center online at www.aspworldtour.com for more details as well as www.ripcurl.com.

Fanning's 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour Results:
Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro: 1st
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast: 1st
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: 3rd
Billabong Pro Tahiti: 2nd
Rip Curl Pro Search Chile: 3rd
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay: 3rd
Boost Mobile Pro Trestles: 17th
Quiksilver Pro France: 1st
Billabong Pro Mundaka: 3rd

Fanning's Year End Foster's ASP World Tour Placings:
2007: World No. 1
2006: World No. 3
2005: World No. 3
2004: World No. 7
2003: World No. 4
2002: World No. 5

Fanning's Foster's ASP World Tour Victories:
Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, Brazil (2007)
Quiksilver Pro, South West Coast, France (2007)
Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast, Australia (2007)
Nova Schin Festival, Imbituba Brazil (2006)
Billabong Pro, Jeffreys Bay South Africa (2006)
Rip Curl Search, Saint Leu, Reunion Island (2005)
Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast, Australia (2005)
Billabong Pro, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa (2002)
Rip Curl Pro, Bell's Beach, Australia (2001)

Foster's ASP World Tour Ratings after Event No. 9 of 10, the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro:
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8136 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 6782 points
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 6516 points
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6156 points
5. Andy Irons (HAW) 4966 points
6. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4799 points
7. Bobby Martinez (USA) 4582 points
8. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 4580 points
9. Kai Otton (AUS) 4378 points
10. Taylor Knox (USA) 4309 points

TITLES ON THE LINE ON FINAL DAY OF HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007) – If current Foster's ASP World Tour No. 1 Mick Fanning (AUS) can advance through four heats of competition and win the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro today, he will clinch his maiden world title.

The remaining 15 heats of competition, the second to last on this year's tour, will be run in five to six foot (two metre) surf in Imbituba. If title contender Taj Burrow (AUS) finishes one round above Fanning, and/or 8X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) finishes two above him, the title will be decided in Hawaii in December.

Fanning is the defending event champion, Burrow won it in 2005 and Slater took top honors in 2003. Sixteen surfers are still in the running to wear the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro crown by day's end.

Visit www.aspworldtour.com to watch it all LIVE!

Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. Michael Campbell (AUS)
Heat 2: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat 3: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 4: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 6: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Leonardo Neves (BRA)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Ricky Basnett (ZAF)
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)

TITLE CONTENDERS THROUGH TO ROUND 4 OF HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Monday, Nov. 5, 2007) – Foster's ASP World Title contenders Mick Fanning (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA) and Taj Burrow (AUS) continued to amass valuable ratings points by advancing to Round 4 of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro today. Twenty-six heats of competition were held in solid four to six foot (one to two metre) surf in Imbituba.

Fanning was the highest scoring title contender today. He beat Brazilian wildcard Marco Polo 15.57 to 8.90.

"He started off with a 6.00, I think I started out with a 5.00," said Fanning. "I just wanted to get two scores and put him in a position just so I could loosen up a little bit. It's always difficult going up against the wildcards in any situation here in Brazil because the fans are so vocal and it's so nerve-wracking."

Fanning would have clinched his maiden world title today had Burrow or Slater lost their Round 3 heats. While they could keep their aspirations alive into Hawaii by finishing ahead of Fanning in Brazil, the likelihood of them beating him in Pipeline decreases with every heat Fanning makes.

"That's the thing, I'm gaining points right now too," Fanning said. "If those guys keep getting through as well, they'll be bettering points but I just want to keep going through, taking it heat by heat and focusing on the job at hand."

Slater scored early and left wildcard Renato Galvao (BRA) needing big numbers the duration of their heat.

"Right when we got out there it was clean, there were a few rights coming through and I got that one five seconds into the heat," Slater said. It started out quick, I got a score and got a backup and he never bettered my second score so he needed a big one in the end."

While he wasn't stressing about beating Galvao in Round 4, Slater was contemplating the daunting task at hand if he hopes to clinch his 9th ASP World Title. He must place two rounds ahead of Fanning to stay in contention.

"There's a little stress if you think about it the wrong way," Slater said. "I started getting a headache out there thinking about it. The situation is what it is, it's a long shot for Taj and I and we just need to keep putting up some numbers and making it through heats. We're on the opposite side of the draw from Mick so there is nothing we can do about it there but he does surf before me so if does go out – two more wins and he's put me out of the race – so if he does go out in one of those heats that's going to pump me up and get me inspired but that will be tomorrow so we'll see what happens."

Burrow is in a slightly better situation than Slater mathematically and only has to finish one round ahead of Fanning to take the race to Hawaii. He beat wildcard William Cordoso (BRA) in a low scoring affair to find himself in a Round 4 berth with Ricky Basnett of South Africa.

"It was tricky for sure," Burrow said. "I kind of thought that the lefts were the go and that's all I concentrated on was going left. My first wave was a pretty good one but still kind of hard to turn on with so much water moving and windy. That was my first wave to day and it was a little shaky but I managed to get a 7.00 which was a keeper for out there but I could only back it up with a 4.83. It was pretty low scoring, but it was enough. I guess the conditions only allowed that."

Burrow is situated later in the draw than Slater and Fanning and has been on the beach watching their heats before donning his own rashguard.

"I actually prefer being in an earlier heat because you feel like you are one step ahead of the other guys," Burrow said." At the moment Mick is in that position, he gets to surf first. I watched those guys surf and they're both surfing really well. It's exciting for the spectators for sure, we're all in it."

World No. 4 Joel Parkinson posted the highest heat total of the day after scoring a perfect 10 in his heat against wildcard Jihad Kohdr (BRA).

"It was a good looking left, I didn't even have priority, I just went," Parkinson said. "There's no pressure on me so I just surfed it like I would have in a free surf. The first turn just set the rest up and it was a good wave to surf. It was only three turns, but they felt like three good turns."

Parkison was a factor in the 2007 Foster's ASP World Title race up until an early loss at the last event in Spain.

"After my chances to win the world title slipped away, I just wanted no pressure on myself. There was that cloud of the world title hanging around my head and now its gone, so the year is over for me. I'm just here to surf some heats, have a good time, and get a result."

Heitor Alves (BRA) is the only wildcard still surfing in the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro. He beat Bobby Martinez (AUS) and Chris Ward (AUS) today. Alves, who is rated 13th on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), could likely qualify for the Foster's ASP World Tour next year.

"During last year's competition here in Imbituba I lost in Round 3," Alves said. "Before the start of the heat I was a bit confused because my board was broken, so I had to surf with new equipment which I have never done before. Luckily it worked. Up to now I am the only Brazilian to qualify for the 4th round, so whatever the next results are, I'll be satisfied. Next year I'll compete fewer times at the WQS so I will have time to train in perfect hollow waves, so I can improve my performance for the World Tour in places such as Fiji and Teahupoo."

While an official call will be made at 7:15 tomorrow morning, it is highly likely that Round 4 will commence at 7:30am and that an event champion will be crowned tomorrow afternoon.

Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.17 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.23
Heat 2: Michael Campbell (AUS) 12.17 def. Corey Lopez (USA) 11.67
Heat 3: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 16.50 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.60
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.67 def. Jihad Khodr (BRA) 8.33
Heat 5: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.67 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 8.83
Heat 6: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 13.84 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.04
Heat 7: Luke Stedman (AUS) 16.00 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 6.83
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.57 def. Marco Polo (BRA) 8.90
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.50 def. Renato Galvao (BRA) 10.00
Heat 10: Kai Otton (AUS) 12.00 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 7.00
Heat 11: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 15.17 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.50
Heat 12: Leonardo Neves (BRA) 12.40 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.34
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.83 def. William Cardoso (BRA) 7.44
Heat 14: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 12.83 def. Bruce Irons (HAW)4.17

Today's Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 7: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 14.73 def. Royden Bryson (ZAF) 10.90
Heat 8: Heitor Alves (BRA) 13.50 def. Chris Ward (USA) 11.26
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.16 def. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 3.90
Heat 10: Bruce Irons (HAW) 12.67 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.67
Heat 11: Kai Otton (AUS) 16.17 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 6.24
Heat 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) 13.50 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 12.80
Heat 13: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.83 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.00
Heat 14: Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 12.33 def. Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 11.56
Heat 15: Cory Lopez (USA) 14.27 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 13.66
Heat 16: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 12.17 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 11.83

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO ON IN IMBITUBA – TRYING TO RUN 26 HEATS

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Monday, Nov. 5, 2007) – Surfers in Heat 7 of Round 2 of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, Royden Bryson (ZAF) and Jihad Khodr (BRA), hit the lineup at 7am this morning. Today's heats will be 25-minutes in duration as event officials endeavor to run the rest of Round 2 and all of Round 3 today.

After today, only two days remain in the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro waiting period. If all of Rounds 2 and 3 are completed today, only 15 heats of competition, or one full day's worth of surfing, will remain before an event champion is crowned.

If Kelly Slater (USA) and Taj Burrow (AUS) don't win their Round 3 heats today and World No. 1 Mick Fanning (AUS) does, the defending event champion will clinch his maiden World Title. If Fanning loses in Round 3, Slater needs to finish 3rd or better and Burrow 9th or better to keep their title hopes alive.

Visit www.aspworldtour.com to watch it all LIVE.

Upcoming Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 7: Royden Bryson (ZAF) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 8: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Peterson Rosa (BRA)
Heat 10: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 11: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 12: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 13: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 14: Phillip MacDonald (AUS) vs. Bernardo Miranda (BRA)
Heat 15: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 16: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)

BURROW INTO ROUND 3 OF THE HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007) – Current World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) will join 2007 Foster's ASP World Title campaigners Mick Fanning (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA) in Round 3 after winning his Round 1 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro heat this morning.

The remaining six heats of Round 1 and the first six heats of Round 2 were completed in Imbituba before uncooperative winds forced officials to call off competition for the remainder of the day. Burrow beat local surfer Marco Polo (BRA) and Luke Stedman (AUS) in the first heat of the day.

"I had a really shaky start, I felt a bit clumsy," Burrow said. "This is probably the earliest I've surfed since I've been here so I just didn't feel too warmed-up. Plus, I was way too hot, the water was so warm and I way too hot in my wetsuit, I was getting the hottest head, so that kind of put me in a bit of a fluster. I thought I was going to be surfing in the 33rd round for sure and was fine with it. I just figured I'd wear my boardshorts and be fine."

With just seconds on the clock, Burrow caught a wave, got a score, and avoided Round 2 altogether.

"I put everything I had into this right and got a 9.33 and then realized I just needed a 6.00 and it's pretty easy to get a 6.00 out there – the waves are pretty good," Burrow said." I tried once, got a 5.9 and then with just seconds left I picked up a wide one the other guys were sitting too deep for and got the job done with a 6.80. It worked out fine in the end, but I was a little flustered at the start."

Burrow must finish a round ahead of current ratings leader Mick Fanning (AUS) to stay in contention for the world title and was relieved to stay in the game with his win today.

"Mick and Kelly were one step ahead getting to surf their heats yesterday when I had to surf my heat today so that is always a little bit frustrating," Burrow said. "But its fine, I'm there now."

Shaun Cansdell (AUS) also found his way into Round 3 after posting the day's highest heat total (17.10 out of 20.00) and sending rookies Royden Bryson (ZAF) and Josh Kerr (AUS) to Round 2. Cansdell is rated 40th on the Foster's ASP World Tour and 19th on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), which means he needs to place in the Top 26 on the elite tour or Top 16 on the WQS if he hopes to requalify for next year.

"The way I see it, the year is not over, it hasn't finished yet," Cansdell said. "I could get on roll and have a win, who knows. I'm just going to go for it and see what happens. I'm looking pretty good on the WQS, so I probably have a better chance on that tour, but I'm going to give it my best on this one too because I have nothing to lose – I'll just give it a shot on both."

World No. 6 Bobby Martinez (USA) beat wildcard Guga Arruda (BRA) in the first heat of Round 2 to keep his Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro aspirations alive. Martinez won the last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour in Spain, but was forced to surf Round 2 after finishing last in his Round 1 heat yesterday.

"I put that last event behind me, because I don't live in that place any more, I'm here and it's a new day, there's a new event underway," Martinez said. "I've been in the 33rd round before this year and last year and it's stressful anytime you're in that round, coming off a win or not, you don't want to be there."

Only one of 10 wildcards in the event have successfully eliminated a Top 45 surfer thus far. Marco Polo (BRA) beat World No. 9 Pancho Sullivan (HAW) in Round 2 today. Four other Brazilian wildcards, Guga Arruda (BRA), Fabio Carvalho (BRA), Diego Rosa (BRA) and Fabio Gouveia (BRA), were eliminated but full-time campaigners Leonardo Neves (BRA) Neco Padaratz (BRA) and Raoni Monteiro (BRA) all advanced to Round 3 after winning their Round 1 heats.

Monteiro beat CJ Hobgood (USA) and former Foster's ASP World Tour surfer Peterson Rosa (BRA) today.

"It was a good heat for me," Monteiro said. "I got two good waves but in the end I was kind of lucky because in three man heats you can't put pressure on the other guys because there is no priority. Those guys only needed a 7.00 but for the last four minutes the wave didn't come. I'm feeling pretty good about this contest and getting straight into the third round."

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am. Log onto www.aspworldtour.com and http://www.hangloose.com.br/hangloosepro for more.

Today's Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) 13.00 def. Guga Arruda (BRA) 9.83
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.67 def. Fabio Carvalho (BRA) 9.16
Heat 3: Marco Polo (BRA) 12.17 def. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 5.34
Heat 4: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.07 def. Diego Rosa (BRA) 10.00
Heat 5: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 13.17 def. Fabio Gouveia (BRA) 9.00
Heat 6: Michael Campbell (AUS) 10.00 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 8.07

Today's Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.20, Marco Polo (BRA) 15.33, Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.34
Heat 11: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.27, CJ Hobgood (USA) 9.30, Peterson Rosa (BRA) 7.63
Heat 12: Gabe Kling (USA) 12.17, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.40, Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 9.97
Heat 13: Leonardo Neves (BRA) 11.74, Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 8.34, Michael Campbell (AUS) 7.50
Heat 14: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 17.10, Royden Bryson (ZAF) 12.50, Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.50
Heat 15: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 13.66, Chris Ward (USA) 8.37, Troy Brooks (AUS) 6.53
Heat 16: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 11.33, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.60, Victor Ribas (BRA) 10.07

*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.

REMAINING ROUND 1 HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO HEATS TO START AT 7:30

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007) – The remaining six heats of Round 1 will be the first matter of business when the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro kicks things off in 3-5 foot (one to one-half metre) surf in Imbituba this morning.

The first heat of the day will commence at 7:30am and will feature title contender Taj Burrow (AUS) taking on Luke Stedman (AUS) and Marco Polo (BRA). Burrow's title competition, Mick Fanning (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA), won their Round 1 heats yesterday and have advanced directly to Round 3.

Event officials will endeavor to run as many heats as possible today as there are only three days left in the waiting period after today and three and a half days worth of surfing to complete.

Remaining Hang Loose Catarina Pro Round 1 Match-Ups:
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 Catarina Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.50, Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.83, Cory Lopez (USA) 8.73
Heat 2: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 14.80, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 10.23, Jihad Khodr (BRA) 6.23
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA) 10.80, Frederick Patacchia (HAW) 10.50, Simao Romao (BRA) 9.65
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.16, Fabio Gouveia (BRA) 8.23, Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 5.94
Heat 5: William Cordoso (BRA) 14.17, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.86, Greg Emslie (ZAF) 12.43
Heat 6: Renato Galvao (BRA) 15.50, Phillip Macdonald (AUS) 12.93, Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.10, Diego Rosa (BRA) 12.16, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.67
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.67, Guga Arruda (BRA) 12.74 Bruce Irons (HAW) 7.83,
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.07, Kai Otton (AUS) 11.63, Fabio Carvalho (BRA) 11.37

SLATER SETS THE PACE IN ROUND ONE OF THE HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007) – Reigning World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) illustrated how he has won eight ASP World Titles with an impressive performance in Round 1 of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro. The 15,000 plus crowd on the beach went wild after Slater's stellar surfing in the three to five (one to one-half metre) waves in Imbituba today. He had to sprint up the beach and hop a fence to elude his fans.

"It's crazy, I had to try to run around the crowd there and they got kind of mad at me," Slater said. "The waves were fun, we finally got some surf and I had a good heat and people are just going crazy right now."

The 2003 event winner amassed an excellent 18.07 out of 20.00 points for posting 9.40 and 8.67 wave scores in his Heat 9 clash against rookie Kai Otton (AUS) and local legend Fabio Carvalho (BRA).

"I can't surf defensively and get high scores like those," Slater said. "It's the first round so I was able to go out there and surf a little bit loose and it worked really well. I felt like I had a really good heat, probably the best heat I've had since Trestles. Even though I got 3rd in Spain, I didn't have a really good event. I didn't feel like I surfed very well in that contest. Even after all that ground I made up in Trestles, from Jeffrey's Bay until now Mick and I ended up even. You have to capitalize on those opportunities when you have them."

Slater has to make the semifinals at the very least to stay in contention for his 9th world title, the scenario also hinges heavily on World No. 1 Mick Fanning's (AUS) performance.

"Mick surfed pretty well but he didn't surf great," Slater said. "He looked to me like he stumbled a little bit but he's probably just got excitement jitters. He's just trying to get himself on a roll and trying to feel the wave out. There's not much more I can say other thanthat, I can only do what I can do and the chances of somebody stopping Mick on the other side of the draw are pretty slim this year. Hopefully someone can step up to the plate and at least keep him to a 5th so if I can win this thing I'd at least have a shot at it in Pipe. I'm just trying to keep myself in there."

Fanning won his heat convincingly as well, defeating Bruce Irons (HAW) and Guga Arruda (BRA) to advance straight to Round 3.

"We waited and scored the best waves we have had so far, so that was a good thing," Fanning said. "It picked up throughout the day too, it was fun out there. I wanted to get a couple of good waves under my belt and I was just feeling it out on the first couple, luckily I got two and made it through. The Brazilian wildcards are dangerous and you don't want to be in Round 2 with them."

The crowd let Fanning know that they appreciated his surfing by mobbing him on the sand – an overzealous fan nearly made off with his hat after snatching it straight from his head.

"The Brazilian fans are radical," Fanning said. "Just getting up the beach was wild. It's good though, they have their local fans but then they go for everyone else as well so it's a really good vibe."

Current World No. 4 Joel Parkinson (AUS) won his heat with ease and attributed it to being pressure-free now that he's out of the title race.

"I've come here without a goal really," Parkinson said. "I had a look at the ratings and I can't really go up and I can't really go down. I guess I'm just here to surf and surf heats which kind of worked for me. Not having the world title hanging over my head, or any other crap to worry about, just worked out there today."

Jeremy Flores (AUS), the standout rookie of 2007 thus far, easily beat wildcard Fabio Gouveia (BRA) and Ricky Basnett (ZAF) in their Round 1 match-up.

"I felt good," Flores said. "The waves were fun. I think I got really lucky because I caught the right ones and that made the difference. I got some good scores which felt good after seeing the heat before with such low scores. I'm struggling with my boards and choosing the right one lately, but my board felt good too so it's all positive."

Injury replacement surfer Renato Galvao (BRA) was one of two wildcards who won his heat today. He beat the winner of the last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour, Bobby Martinez (USA) as well as Phillip Macdonald (AUS) to join co-wildcard William Cordoso (BRA) in Round 3.

"I've surfed twice before in the World Tour event in Imbituba, but I lost in the first round before," Galvao said. "I'm really happy I made it this year and that I have the opportunity to show my skills here now."

Heat 10 of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro will feature title contender Taj Burrow (AUS) taking on Luke Stedman (AUS) and Marco Polo (BRA). A call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

GILMORE WINS INAUGURAL MANCORA PERU CLASSIC – SOLIDIFIES RATINGS LEAD

MANCORA, Peru (Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007) – Rookie sensation and current ratings leader on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), scored an incredible last-minute victory over reigning and seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) to claim the inaugural Mancora Peru Classic.

With conflicting swell forecasts circling the venue this morning, event organizers and competitors elected to run the Quarterfinals, the Semifinals and the Final today, in order to make the most of the conditions on hand.

Gilmore, who took down compatriot Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and Peruvian icon Sofia Mulanovich in her Quarterfinal and Semifinal heats earlier today, was in need of a solid 7.20 out of a possible 10 in the dying moments of the Final. With less than a minute to go, Gilmore spun around on a walling lefthander and proceeded to belt it on her backhand all the way to the beach to earn herself an 8.10 out of a possible 10 as well as the event win.

"I was definitely feeling the day's strenuous efforts on my body there in the last few minutes of the heat," Gilmore said. "We did a lot of sitting and waiting, but it's pretty difficult to stay mentally focused for the entire 40-minute final. I don't know how I managed to get that last wave in the dying seconds. The ocean was dead flat, and then out of nowhere came this little wave and it was pretty special. I'm pretty proud of myself."

Gilmore's win today in Mancora marks her third event victory of the season, and increases the Australian's lead in the hunt for the 2007 ASP Women's World Title. Should Gilmore remain on top when the season culminates, she will make ASP history as the first competitor to win the ASP World Title in their rookie season.

"We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but I'm still sitting in No. 1 on th ratings and it's right where I want to be," Gilmore said. "Hopefully I've gained a couple of points with Layne (Beachley) coming in second and not Silvana (Lima) or Sofia (Mulanovich). I really don't want to think about it, but going into Hawaii, I'm pumped to just get on some bigger boards and some bigger waves and get some really good action going."

Beachley, who enjoyed her first finals berth of 2007, solidifies her current position at No. 5 in the world and will be a serious threat to the 2007 ASP World Title race heading into the remaining two events of the season in Hawaii.

"Obviously, I am a bit frustrated that I didn't come away with the win here in Peru, but congratulations to Steph," Beachley said. "Looking forward, I'm excited to getto Hawaii and into some bigger surf. I have 18 years on tour and seven world titles, and I sometimes forget that. I'm very much looking forward to heading over there and I'll definitely be putting my experience to good use."

Sofia Mulanovich (PER), former ASP Women's World Champion and current No. 3 on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, looked solid in her Quarterfinal bout against Australian Amee Donohoe, but was unable to overtake a rampaging Gilmore in the Semifinals.

"It is really hard to lose out in the Semifinals," Mulanovich said. "I was very much looking forward to bringing a win back to Peru, but Steph (Gilmore) was on fire. I'm disappointed that I didn't win today, but I am very happy that the event was a success here in Peru and I will head to Hawaii in hopes of reclaiming the world title."

Silvana Lima (BRA), current World No. 2, was another who built momentum throughout the week, before allowing Beachley to go on a heat-winning wave in their Semifinal clash.

"The wave didn't look that good from where I was paddling, and I hesitated and missed it," Lima said. "3rd is a very good result for me, but I really wanted to win here in Peru."

The next stop on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour will be the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach from Nov. 23 to Dec. 6, 2007, followed by the final stop of the year, the Billabong Pro Maui from Dec. 8-20, 2007.

Heading into Hawaii, six girls remain in contention for the 2007 ASP Women's World Title in Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA), Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Samantha Cornish (AUS) and Layne Beachley (AUS).

More 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.

QUARTERFINAL RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
QF 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 15.10 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 14.00
QF 2: Silvana Lima (BRA) 15.27 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.00
QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.76 def. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 13.90
QF 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 17.14 def. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 12.20

SEMIFINAL RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
SF 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 13.83 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.93
SF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.17 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.43

FINAL: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.37
2: Layne Beachley (AUS) 14.46

ASP WOMEN'S WORLD TOUR STANDINGS AFTER MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5508 points
2 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 4982 points
3 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 4567 points
4 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 3878 points
5 – Layne Beachley (AUS) 3854 points
6 – Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3684 points
7 – Amee Donohoe (AUS) 3434 points
8 – Rebecca Woods (AUS) 3000 points
9 – Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 2899 points
10 – Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 2474 points
11 – Megan Abubo (HAW) 2424 points
11 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 2424 points
13 – Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 2412 points
14 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 2244 points
15 – Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 2232 points
16 – Caroline Sarran (FRA) 2052 points
17 – Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 1260 points
18 – Leilani Gryde (HAW) 612 points

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO HITS THE WATER AT 2:15

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007) – Round 1 of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro will hit the water 2:15pm in Imbituba today where event officials will attempt to run as many heats as possible in the three foot (one metre) waves on offer this afternoon.

The first heat in the water will feature Australia's Dean Morrison (AUS), Florida's Cory Lopez (USA), and local surfer Heitor Alves (BRA). Log on to www.aspworldtour.com to watch it all LIVE!

Upcoming Hang Loose Catarina Pro Round 1 Heat 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), Fabio Gouveia (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)

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC QUARTERFINALS HIT THE WATER AT 11AM

MANCORA, Peru (Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007) – The Quarterfinals of the Mancora Peru Classic are schedule to hit the water at 11am this morning in contestable one-to-three foot (0.5) metre waves at Mancora.

Amidst conflicting swell forecasts, and with seven heats remaining in Mancora Peru Classic competition, event organizers and competitors have opted to run the Quarterfinals today before assessing the conditions for possible Semifinal and Final starts.

"We have a few different reports coming in as far as swell goes," ASP Women's World Tour Manager Brooke Farris said. "The girls have decided to surf the Quarterfinals today, as the conditions are contestable before make a call on the Semifinals and Finals. Quarterfinals will hit the water at 11am."

First up will be a world champion affair with reigning and seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) squaring off against former ASP Women's World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS)

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.

QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
QF 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) vs. Chelsea Hedges (AUS)
QF 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA)
QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
QF 4: Amee Donohoe (AUS) vs. Sofia Mulanovich (PER)

QUARTERFINALISTS DECIDED AT MANCORA PERU CLASSIC

MANCORA, Peru (Friday, Nov. 2, 2007) – This morning saw the remaining two heats of Round 3 of the Mancora Peru Classic completed with Australian Amee Donohoe and Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich proving victorious in their respective matches.

The Quarterfinalists have now been decided at the Mancora Peru Classic, event No. 6 of 8 on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, and event organizers have opted to hold off competition until tomorrow, when a projected swell increase is forecast to hit.

Former ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich netted the day's high heat total of a 14.67 out of a possible 20 for her explosive backhand approach, and her Round 3 victory over French rookie Caroline Sarran sees the Peruvian icon into the Quarterfinals.

"It's great to have everyone cheering when you're in the water," Mulanovich said. "Even though we ran early today, there were still many people that showed up and it makes everything very exciting."

Currently rated No. 3 on the ASP Women's World Tour, a result in Mancora could see Mulanovich edge closer to regaining the ASP Women's World Title.

"Of course I would love to get back in the race for the World Title, but I'm just trying to take things heat by heat at the moment," Mulanovich said. "I feel like I can do well here because of my experience, but all the girls are ripping. We will see what happens."

Mulanovich will come up against Donohoe following the Australian's closely-fought victory over compatriot Claire Bevilacqua in this morning's Round 3 heat.

"I've got Sofia next and I was thinking about that in the surf," Donohoe said. "It's going to be an experience in itself with all the people and the whole vibe is going to be pretty crazy."

With only seven heats remaining in competition, tomorrow could potentially see an inaugural Mancora Peru Classic Champion crowned by the end of the day.

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

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 3 RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 7: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 13.44 def. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 13.03
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.67 def. Caroline Sarran (FRA) 10.26

EIGHTEEN BRAZILIANS TO CONTEST HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Friday, Nov. 2, 2007) – The Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro has been called off for the fourth day in a row citing small conditions not suitable for competition.

With only five days left in the event waiting period, and a minimum of four full days needed to run the second to last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour, Round 1 will likely commence tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007.

When competition does commence, 18 of the 48 surfers competing in the event will hail from Brazil. With three wildcards, seven replacement surfers, and eight full time Brazilian Foster's ASP World Tour competitors in the water, there will no doubt be a huge local backing on the beach courtesy of local fans.

Another call on Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro competition status will be made tomorrow at 7am.

<b>Upcoming Hang Loose Catarina Pro Round 1 Heat Match-ups:</b>
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), Fabio Gouveia (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)

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC TO COMPLETE REMAINING ROUND 3 HEATS THIS MORNING

MANCORA, Peru (Friday, Nov. 2, 2007) – The Mancora Peru Classic will look to complete the remaining two heats of Round 3 today before finishing the competition tomorrow when a projected increase in swell is forecast to arrive

"We're going to get the last couple of Round 3 heats out in the water today early at 7:15am while the tide is still low," ASP Head Judge Richard Porta said. "We're just looking to tidy up the round before the swell increase hits tomorrow. Unless something drastic happens this morning and the surf begins to pick up earlier than expected, we'll be finished after the two Round 3 heats.

First up will be an all Australian affair with Amee Donohoe squaring off against Claire Bevilacqua before former ASP Women's World Champion and Peruvian Icon Sofia Mulanovich takes on '07 rookie Caroline Sarran (FRA).

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.

REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 7: Amee Donohoe (AUS) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Caroline Sarran (FRA)

AUSTRALIANS CONTROL MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 3

MANCORA, Peru (Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007) – Following the completion of Round 2, the first six heats of Round 3 of the Mancora Peru Classic ran today, with the Australians dominating the clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Mancora.

Former ASP Women's World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) led the Australian charge, advancing through her Round 2 heat before posting an emphatic win over Melanie Bartels (HAW) in Round 3. Despite only having one heat to rest in between her Round 2 and Round 3 heats, Hedges was in commanding form on her forehand, netting the day's high single-wave score of an 8.33 out of a possible 10.

"It's never that great surfing the second round, but for me it was kind of good," Hedges said. "I got to surf Mancora with no one out. I think, in a way, you get that momentum going and you start to warm up a bit. For me, it worked out pretty good."

Currently rated No. 5 on the ASP Women's World Tour, Hedges will look to capitalize on her forehand in the pristine lefts of Mancora.

"I never really get to go left," Hedges said. "It's a little bit of a catch-22 because I don't go left that often so I'm probably not as confident on my forehand as I am on my backhand. I love going left so you just got to give it everything on your forehand. You really have to be able to go vert and make the moves worth the points because backhand you can hook into it a bit easier."

Current ratings leader and rookie sensation Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) continued her solid run in Peru today, nailing a solid Round 3 victory over veteran competitor Rochelle Ballard (HAW). Gilmore's win moves her one step closer to solidifying her position at the top of the ratings.

"I take it heat by heat, but yeah, I'm always thinking about the World Title," Gilmore said. "Who wouldn't want to? It's a pretty cool thing. I saw Sam Cornish get knocked out today so that's one less person to think about. It's still a really hard game. Silvana (Lima) is right there and she's surfing incredibly well. Game on."

Gilmore will square off against good friend Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) in the upcoming Quarterfinals, following Miley-Dyer's impressive Round 3 victory over Jacqueline Silva (BRA).

"I've got Steph (Gilmore), but I'm just here to have fun," Miley-Dyer said. "Hopefully I'll do well on the left. I always feel really confident surfing on my forehand and I'm just stoked to be here. I've qualified and I'm not going for a World Title or anything so I think the pressure is really on her."

Hedges, Gilmore and Miley-Dyer will be joined by compatriots Layne Beachley and Rebecca Woods as well as the winner of the Round 3 clash between Amee Donohoe (AUS) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS). That will give the Australians six of eight remaining competitors in the Quarterfinals.

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

Up first will be Heat 7 of Round 3 featuring Donohoe and Bevilacqua.

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 2 RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.84, Caroline Sarran (FRA) 6.84, Leilani Gryde (HAW) 5.60
Heat 2: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 13.34, Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 11.83, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 10.34

ROUND 3 RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 15.67 def. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 12.23
Heat 2: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 15.16 def Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.67
Heat 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 15.00 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 11.67
Heat 4: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.00 def. Anali Gomez (PER) 12.50
Heat 5: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.43 def. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 7.76
Heat 6: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 13.66 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.50

REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 7: Amee Donohoe (AUS) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Caroline Sarran (FRA)

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 2 IS IN THE WATER

MANCORA, Peru (Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007) – The Mancora Peru Classic is back in the water today with Round 2 action hitting the lineup in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves.

"We'll be looking to get the girls in the water as soon as possible today," ASP Head Judge Richard Porta said. "The conditions are clean and we've got some good sets rolling through. We'll start with the two heats of Round 2 and then go straight into Round 3. Hopefully we can finish both, but if the wind and/or tide doesn't cooperate, we'll pull the plug."

First up in the elimination Round 2 will be Silvana Lima (BRA), Caroline Sarran (FRA) and Leilani Gryde (HAW).

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 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)

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