BEDE DURBIDGE WINS BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS & VANS TRIPLE CROWN TITLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROUND 4 OF THE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY

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

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

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

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

BILLABONG PRO ROUND 3 COMPLETED; LEGENDARY OCCHILUPO RETIRES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8AM START FOR ROUND 3 OF THE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

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

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

Watch it LIVE at: www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

Competition will have an 8am start this morning. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUNDS 2 & 3 WILL RUN TODAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO OFF CITING SMALL SWELL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANDY IRONS MAKES EARLY CHARGE AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 1 TO COMMENCE AT 10AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; LOOKS GOOD FOR TOMORROW

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

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

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

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

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

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

NO OFFICIAL BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ACTION TO UNFOLD TODAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; NEXT CALL TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007) – The waiting period for the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, begins today, Dec. 8th and stretches for 13 days until Dec. 20th. Small and unfavorable conditions at Pipeline this morning have seen the contest called off for the day.

When competition does commence, former 3X ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), who has won the event four out of the past five years, will surf in the first heat. Irons will take on Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA) and Tiago Pires (PRT) in Round 1.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury replacement surfers. The 12 1st place finishers along with the four highest 2nd place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate Round 3 and the remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet 16 "Pipeline specialists," as nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro Surfer's Union (HPSU), in Round 2.

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

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