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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.

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)

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)

BIG STORM STALLS START OF HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007) – Onshore, stormy conditions and a site-smashing tornado offset a slight bump in swell this morning. As a result, the second to last event on the Foster's ASP World Tour, the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro will not run today.

Heavy wind and rain picked up the large tents and structures set up to shelter the surfers and VIP attendees, blew it over neighboring fences and even downed a powerline. Event officials will focus on rebuilding the site and another call on the start of the Santa Catarina Pro will be made tomorrow at 7am.

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

LAY DAY FOR HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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