Pro News 2002

Sunday, December 15 (Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii) Layne Beachley (Aus) today clinched a record breaking fifth consecutive ASP world title, while Jacqueline Silva (Brz) went on to win the Billabong Pro Maui. The US$60,000 women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) also marked the third and final leg of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series, with last year’s tournament winner Neridah Falconer (Aus) collecting US$7,500 bonus prizemoney as the overall points leader.

Perfect 6ft (2m) barrels were on offer all day at the idyllic location of Honolua Bay. A strong crowd cheered on the world’s top rated women, and a whale even breached outside the lineup, adding to the scene. Beachley led the ratings heading into today’s showdown despite the fact she was eliminated in round three a week ago. For her to be passed during the Billabong Pro Maui, ratings runner-up Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) needed to reach the final, while #3 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) or #4 Keala Kennelly (Haw) would have to win to claim the 2002 crown. None of these possibilities transpired.

Having declared her determination to break Lisa Andersen’s (USA) record of four consecutive crowns, the 30-year-old chipped away at the mountain steadily, with each title posing its own challenges. Then, with a similar situation to last year unfolding at Honolua whereby Beachley was forced to watch from the lineup as her rivals competed, all were defeated short of the mark.

"Unbelievable," exclaimed Beachley, holding her hand up with all five fingers spread out to represent each world title. "I remember saying I was numb with shock last week when I lost, well now I’m numb with shock again (laughs). I still can’t believe it’s just fallen into place like it has. My destiny was in the hands of fate and I just had to resign myself to it. I was prepared to sit here all day and congratulate someone else. I’m just glad it’s come back to me.

"The other four (titles) were a result of today," she concluded, on her ultimate motivation. "I went for five from the moment I’d won one. Equally Lisa’s record was a dream come true, but now bettering it is just beyond belief. I don’t know what I’m in for now, as there’s some incredible talent coming on tour and the standard of women’s surfing in general makes it much more difficult to win world titles, but I’ll enjoy the challenge. I’m really excited about next year and now I can give everyone ‘High Fives’ and it’ll mean something (laughs)."

Following the world title climax, the Billabong Pro Maui reached its own conclusion with Silva dominating an unusual 40-minute final against recently crowned 2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS) winner Pauline Menczer (Aus). Having posted the tournament’s only perfect 10-point ride during her earlier semifinal clash, Silva carried the momentum onwards to win her first WCT final in epic conditions. The Brazilian created an early and commanding lead with two impressive 8+ rides, but with 14-minutes remaining lost her surfboard when the legrope broke. Without her own replacement board in the lineup, a confused Silva eventually swam over and borrowed one from a previous competitor’s caddy, though against ASP ruling. Commentators explained the error, so she returned to the channel unable to compete any further. Nonetheless, Menczer was unable to bridge the combination of scores already required by this point.

After finishing second in the years opening WCT in Australia, today’s result pushed Silva all the way from equal sixth to runner-up position on the final 2002 ratings. "After three years on the WCT this is my first win, so I’m really happy,"
said Silva afterward. "Plus that wave during the semifinals, it was my first perfect 10, so this contest is the best one for me ever (laughs).

"I didn’t know the rules," she continued, of the bizarre final. "I was very lucky I got some good waves at the beginning of the final since I lost my board, but Pauline didn’t catch up. I’m feeling good, and I’m going to make big preparations for next year to try and become world champion."

Menczer also posted her best result of the WCT season. Having scored a 9.5 in the quarterfinals and then an 8.75 in the semis before breaking her surfboard, she was unlucky not to find more waves of similar offering in the main decider. The 1993 world champion cited her shorter board as a distinct disadvantage when it counted most.

"I was just really bummed I broke my board in the semis, as this board felt way too small out there," said Menczer. "Jacqueline gave me a chance when she lost hers, but I didn’t feel like I had a hope on that board out there. I was just stoked to be in the final with her, as it was a perfect way to end a bad year on the WCT. It’s the only result I’ve had, so it’s nice to know I can still do it."

Equal third in the Billabong Pro Maui were Rochelle Ballard (Haw) and Heather Clark (SAfr). Ballard, always on the lookout for barrels, ultimately didn’t find what she needed against an in-form Silva. "That heat was really inconsistent," explained Ballard. "I got one big bomb, but my board was under-gunned and I watched this freight-train wave barrel
in front of me. As I was paddling back out I saw Jacqueline pull into this nugget and get shacked. It blew my mind, as I was thinking, ‘hey, that should be me in that barrel (laughs)’. I’m disappointed, as I really wanted to win this contest, but it’s been a good event."

Clark, who eliminated Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares (Brz) in a do-or-die re-qualification heat this morning, really let loose against title contender MacKenzie in the last quarterfinal. The South African completely controlled the match, earning a 9.35 and another 8.5 for the highest combined total of the tournament for 17.85 points. Menczer stopped her in the semifinals, however, with a superb 9.5-barrel ride.

"I was really happy just to get through my first heat with ‘Tita’, as we were both on the borderline of re-qualifying," explained Clark. "Whoever got through made the cut, while the loser was out. Once I made it through, I was more relaxed up against Lynette and got some insane waves. Then in the last heat I just ended up falling off. I’m still happy though, as this is my third semifinal finish three years in a row here."

Finishing equal fifth in the Billabong Pro Maui were Kennelly, wildcard Julia Christian (USA), Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) and MacKenzie. Kennelly faced fellow Hawaiian Ballard in the first quarterfinal and while she held the lead for most the match, lost in the dying minutes. One barrel she pulled into appeared to be offering an exit, but at the last moment she was clipped. Then despite catching a final ride, she only managed a 4.25 when needing a 4.51 score to advance and keep her title hopes alive. "I think being against Rochelle, we were both hoping to have a barrel contest," explained Kennelly. "I would have liked to have been more of a (world title) threat, but it wasn’t meant to be."

Redman-Carr (Aus), who held the best chance of passing Beachley leading into the final day, was eliminated first heat this morning in round three. Against Menczer, the West Australian fell on her first wave and let a few good ones pass her by, needing a near-perfect 9.9 to advance. "I didn’t really feel the pressure in my heat," reasoned Redman-Carr
afterward. "The waves were quite hard to surf and I think the smaller waves were better.

"The year didn’t start off too well for me," she continued. "Then it went up and up, but started going back down, and finished then. I just didn’t maintain."

Falconer, who amassed enough points to win the Vans Triple Crown, was in Australia today suffering from a slipped disc in her back. Still, news of the bonus lifted her spirits tremendously. "I’m stoked," she began. "I’ve finished the Triple Crown runner-up twice before, so I know how that feels. I guess it pays off to be consistent in Hawaii. This is a nice way to finish the year."

Official results of the Billabong Pro Maui, 2002 women’s WCT event #6/6
1st Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 17.0 – US$10,000
2nd Pauline Menczer (Aus) 12.5 – US$6,000

Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd receives US$4,000)
SF1: Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 17.5 def. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 10.75
SF2: Pauline Menczer (Aus) 14.15 def. Heather Clark (SAfr) 13.5

Quarterfinals (1st>semifinals; 2nd=5th receives US$3,000)
QF1: Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 10.25 def. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 10.0
QF2: Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 11.25 def. Julia Christian (USA) 6.4
QF3: Pauline Menczer (Aus) 15.75 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 9.5
QF4: Heather Clark (SAfr) 17.85 def. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 11.75

Remaining round three heats (1st>quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$2,500)
H5: Pauline Menczer (Aus) 15.0 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 9.85
H6: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 12.5 def. Megan Abubo (Haw) 11.4
H7: Heather Clark (SAfr) 13.9 def. Maria Tavares (Brz) 12.4
H8: Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 12.75 def. Amee Donohoe (Aus) 5.15

Final Top 10 ratings from 2002 WCT (all qualify for 2003 WCT)
1 Layne Beachley (Aus) 3,200-points
2 Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 2,870
3 Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 2,860
4 Keala Kennelly (Haw) 2,690
5 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 2,680
6 Heather Clark (SAfr) 2,500
7 Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 2,490
8 Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 2,470
9 Megan Abubo (Haw) 2,200
10 Samantha Cornish (Aus) 2,170

Top 6 from 2002 WQS (joining 2003 WCT)
1 Pauline Menczer (Aus)
2 Sofia Mulanovich (Peru)
3 Neridah Falconer (Aus)
4 Trudy Todd (Aus)
5 Julia Christian (USA)
6 Marie-Pierre Abgrall (Fra)

Billabong Pro Maui (Dec 8-20)Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2002 World Championship Tour (WCT)
Wildcard Christian Eliminates BeachleyBy Jesse Faen, photos Pierre Tostee, aspworldtour.com

Sunday, December 8 (Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii) Wildcard Julia Christian (USA) today continued her dream run to eliminate reigning four-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus) from the Billabong Pro Maui. The final event on the 2002 women’s World Championship Tour (WCT) commenced this morning with the Vespa Trials, in which Christian (USA) secured her position into the proceeding main event. The US$60,000 tournament will decide the 2002 world champion on the next and final day of competition, as well as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion.

Clean 3-4 ft (1-1.3m) surf was on offer at the idyllic location of Honolua Bay throughout the day. Organizers utilized conditions to run as far as the fourth third round heat. Christian, who dominated five Maui hopefuls this morning to win the Vespa Trials, lost to Beachley in the opening non-elimination round of the main event. The 20-year-old then helped eliminate four-time world champion Lisa Anderson (USA) in the ‘losers’ second round, before meeting Beachley again, head-to-head, in the day’s final, nail-biting third round decider.

Having trailed for the majority of the inconsistent 35-minute clash, the Californian picked off her third and highest scoring ride in the final minutes, posting a heat topping 7.75 score to gain an unmatched lead. After winning the final 4-Star World Qualifying Series (WQS) Turtle Bay Resort event on Oahu only days ago to qualify for the 2003 WCT ranks, today’s results further supports the rising star’s place among the elite.

"This contest I’m just a wildcard, so I figured I’m just going to have fun and surf my best," said Christian afterward. "I happened to be seeded against Layne and I didn’t really think about it too much before I went out. Lately I’ve just been cruising and the more mellow I’ve been, the better I’ve surfed in my heat, so I’ll try and keep it up.

"That was probably my best wave of the whole contest," she explained of her final, sealing ride. "I knew it would probably be a good enough score to win the heat, so I was stoked. The waves have been insane all day and it’s been
nice surfing a WCT with just one other person in the water. I’m enjoying it."

Beachley, who dominated her opening heat against Christian, appeared to have the situation in control once more this afternoon. Despite falling on a good first wave, she quickly secured the lead and held it ’til for the majority. After her opponents’ final ride took charge, however, she ultimately required another worth 6.51-points.

"Honestly, I’m numb right now with shock and disappointment," said Beachley after the defeat. "It’s frustrating, as I fell on my first wave and that’s what lost me the heat. If you want to win heats and world titles you can’t fall, and I fell.

"I don’t know what to think," she added, of the upcoming final day of competition. "I don’t know whether I want to stay and watch it, or go home and get away. I’m so bitterly disappointed in myself right now. When it comes down to being able to win or lose a world title on one wave in one heat, it’s pretty disappointing. It’s out of my hands now and I don’t like the feel of it."

The 30-year-old still leads the race for the 2002 world title, which would mark a record-breaking fifth, if clinched. Ratings runner-up Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) needs a runner-up finish or better in the Billabong Pro Maui now to pass her, while both #3 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) and #4 Keala Kennelly (Haw) can claim the 2002 crown by winning this final tournament at Honolua Bay.

Kennelly, who fought her way back from a first round loss this morning, went on to win both her second and then third round matches this afternoon. The Hawaiian faced her greatest challenge against defending two-time consecutive
Billabong Pro Maui champion Neridah Falconer (Aus) in their clash, and while it was extremely close, the 24-year-old kept her chances alive with a series of critical backhand re-entries.

"Super close and super tough," admitted Kennelly afterward. "I was nervous going into it just knowing how good Neridah is out here, especially with her track record. It’s kind of like her pet event, but I was lucky with the priority today.

"I hate losing in front of my dad too, so that was motivation just there," she added, since her father was on the headland watching. "I’m not putting any pressure on myself, so we’ll what happens. Anything is possible."

Redman-Carr, who finished runner-up to Maria Tavares (Brz) this morning, will contest the first heat when competition commences. She’ll meet 2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS) winner Pauline Menczer (Aus), who defeated fellow Australian and current #3 MacKenzie this morning.

"I’m fairly relaxed," said Redman-Carr, of her world title prospects. "I pretty much have to win the event, so it’s dependant on a lot of factors and I haven’t got myself worked up over it."

Current #9 Rochelle Ballard (Haw) dominated both her heats today. Against Serena Brooke (Aus) in their third round decider, the Hawaiian waited at the start as her opponent took the lead, but patience paid off for the 31-year-old with an incredible double-barrel ride on her first wave, scoring the best single score of the tournament for a near-perfect 9.8. Combined with another 7.75 ride, her two-wave tally of 17.55-points was the highest of the day. Despite suffering strained quad muscles in her right leg, she dominated the 35-minute exchange, with the loss further equating in Brooke’s failure to re-qualify for the 2003 WCT ranks.

"Serena is one of my favorite surfers, so it was actually one of the most emotional heats I’ve had in my life," acknowledged Ballard. "I felt bad for winning, since she hasn’t qualified for the WCT. It’s a shame to see such an incredible surfer like her not make it, but at the same time it felt good to go out and do what I needed to do. I just felt really blessed out there today.

"I didn’t think it was going to do it at first," she continued, of her 9.8. "I just tucked up into it, as it was a high-line barrel. Before I even had a chance to come out, the next one was setting up and snuck out of it. I was pretty happy (laughs)."

Jacqueline Silva (Brz) was another standout today, posting a 9.5 in her first heat where she finished runner-up to Ballard, and then edging out Samantha Cornish (Aus) in round three. The Brazilian opened her account strongly with another high scoring 8.5, and while her Australian opponent came within the closest of margins on her final wave with a 7.9 score, her run ended there.

"I did good in my heats today," admitted Silva. "Samantha’s last wave was really close, but I tried to do my best and stay calm. The sets were inconsistent, but I’m happy I made the next round and hope to make a good result here. This wave is a perfect right and I love surfing on my forehand."

Four-time world champion Lisa Andersen (USA) bowed out of the Billabong Pro Maui, as well as the 2003 WCT ranks today, by losing both her first and second round heats. The Floridian, rated 14th leading into the tournament,
paddled into her last wave hoping to move into second position and progress against Kennelly and Christian, but fell attempting a floater and only scored a 1.1. After an illustrious career, chances are the mother of two will only surf in select events in the future.

Pauline Menczer Wins 2002 ASP World Qualifying Series

Thursday, December 5 (Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii) Australian Pauline Menczer today won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS). The year ending 4-Star rated Turtle Bay Resort Women’s Pro concluded this afternoon, with positions for the 2003 elite World Championship Tour (WCT) also secured.

Menczer, who won a world amateur title in 1988, climbed the elite ranks to win her maiden professional crown in 1993. At 32, she remains one of the sports most successful and colorful characters. Despite suffering severe arthritis for many years, the tour veteran continues to perform at the highest level, generally surviving off her prizemoney earnings alone, since she has been without sponsorship support for the majority of her illustrious career.

Having created a strong position for herself on the 2002 WQS tour following victory at Huntington Beach, California earlier this year, she then solidified her lead with another win in France the following month. Going into this week’s tournament her crowning was under jeopardy from rising star Sofia Mulanovich (Peru), who could have overtaken the ratings by placing first today. While the Peruvian surfed brilliantly to reach the final, she ultimately placed third and therefore runner-up on the WQS.

"I’m getting all emotional now," admitted Menczer, once the final was over and her position was rock solid. "I’ve won a world amateur title (1988) and world professional title (1993), so I felt like it was something I had to try and win also. After winning the US Open of Surfing event in America I really set my sights on it, and then I won another tournament in France this year. I was feeling pretty confident there, but when it came to Haleiwa (Hawaii, two weeks ago) I was a bit worried ’cause I lost early and found out Sofia still had a chance. Just made it all the more nerve-racking, but I’m stoked I had the lead and still won at the end. It would have been a disappointing way to lose.

"I’m really keen to do well there," she added, of the final Billabong Pro WCT on Maui this coming week. "I don’t have any sponsors at the moment, so it would be nice to have some money during the upcoming break and leading
into next year. That’d be good."

Mulanovich, 19, has been hailed a future champion for years and only narrowly missed out on qualifying for the WCT last season. This year her determination and abundance of talent shone through, most notably by clinching her first professional title in Durban, South Africa. Ambitious to the end, she put in a concerted effort today but had to settle with second place on the final ratings. Nonetheless, her main objective of securing a WCT position was achieved convincingly.

"I’m really stoked I made it," said an out of breath Mulanovich, after this afternoon’s final. "I’m really looking forward to next year. I needed to win this event to overtake Pauline and it was close, but I didn’t make it. Oh well, I made the final and finished second overall, so that’s pretty good.

"I’m going to try my best," she added of her maiden WCT season. "It’s like my dream. The big leagues now, so no more joking around. You have to go for it and give it everything you have."

Julia Christian (USA) skyrocketed her career today, winning the Turtle Bay Resort Women’s Pro and thus earning a position on the 2003 WCT. The 20-year-old went into the tournament a long shot, despite having won a major
WQS event in France earlier this year. As the day progressed and others lost, however, it became apparent she could jump enough positions by reaching the final and placing runner-up. Steadily she advanced, and with enormous pressure riding on each of her final rides, she went one better and won the tournament, finishing the year rated 7th.

As the current WCT ratings now stand, with four-time world champion Lisa Andersen (USA) in 14th position heading into the Billabong Pro (Maui), Christian could very well be mainland USA’s only representative in 2003, and
will definitely be California’s sole exponent at the highest level.

"I wasn’t expecting to qualify," admitted Christian. "I was getting pretty over the contest and just wanted to go home. Earlier this morning I was almost wishing I’d lose, as I didn’t feel like surfing, but then I ended up making it to the final and won, and qualified (laughs). So stoked, as I didn’t think it was going to happen.

"I’m excited," she added, of her upcoming year. "I’m actually going to Maui for my first WCT, as I’m in the Vespa Trials. It’ll be a good taste to see what I’m in for next year. I’m on a good roll, so hopefully I’ll keep it up there. I’m excited to surf a new wave and feel pretty good about my chances right now (laughs)."

Of the many surfers Christian overtook today, former world #2 Megan Abubo (Haw) and Marie Pierre Abgrall (Fra) are the only two still left with a chance of qualifying from their final WQS rating. While Abubo can still re-qualify through the WCT in Maui, her current position of 11th allows no movement of error. Ahead of her on both the WQS and WCT is close friend Rochelle Ballard (Haw), who sits in 9th on both ranks. Should she fail to re-qualify through the WCT, her position is guaranteed from the WQS, while if she does make the cut at Maui, another WQS surfer will qualify. First in line is Abubo, but if she also re-qualifies through the WCT, then Abgrall would become the first French surfer, male or female, to reach the elite ranks.

"I feel good as this has been my best year on the tour," said Abgrall. "Now I need to wait for the last event and see what happens. It’s out of my control, so I just have to pray and cross my fingers. I’d been the first European girl, or French surfer to make it, so that would be very excitingand special."

Claire Bevilacqua (Aus) was another to gain distinction today, being awarded the Nose Guard Rookie of the Triple Crown honor. The West Australian distinguished herself both at the recent Roxy Pro WQS event at nearby Haleiwa, and then again today at Turtle Bay, where she finished equal 5th.

"I’m that stoked," said Bevilacqua, after hearing the news. "Even though I’m only 19, it feels like I’ve been waiting forever just to be recognized as one of the up and comers that are going to take down some of the older chicks (laughs). That’s all I want. To be recognized as a good surfer. I love it here in Hawaii so much, as this is the place to push yourself. To win the Rookie of the Year just goes to show people are recognizing I might have something good going."

Daily releases will be available during competition days of the upcoming
Billabong Pro (Maui, Haw), December 8-20.

Below are listed the women already safely on the 2003 WCT, as well as those
who still have a chance from their final WQS position.

1 Pauline Menczer (Aus) 7,383-points
2 Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 7,285
3 Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 6,550 *
4 Samantha Cornish (Aus) 6,380 *
5 Neridah Falconer (Aus) 6,330 +
6 Trudy Todd (Aus) 5,945
7 Julia Christian (USA) 5,910
8 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 5,893 *
9 Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 5,833 +

Roxy Pro France (Sept 26 – Oct 8)

Beachley Wins Event & Leads Ratings

Great 4-5ft (1.5m) waves were on offer at the main site of Le Nord, with a strong beach crowd on hand to watch the surfing action unfold. The increasing tide did change the lineup, but consistent waves persisted throughout the day.

Beachley, whose best result in 2002 had been a runner-up finish in Tahiti, got off to a quick start in the 35-minute decider. The Australian secured her best rides in the first half, holding a strong lead throughout with a combined three-wave total of 19.85-points. Her 26th professional win, she equaled the record previously set by four-time world champion Wendy Botha (Aus) for the most WCT victories ever at 24, since two events were on the World Qualifying Series (WQS).

More importantly, the 30-year-old is now well on track to becoming the first women to clinch five consecutive world titles, with only one more tournament to be held in Hawaii at Honolua Bay, Maui, this coming December.

"About bloody time," laughed Beachley, when surrounded by media. "Usually it doesn’t take me this long into a year to win an event, but hey, a win’s a win and I’ll take it. It was really hard work out there and I was buggered. Fortunately it worked in my favor, as Sofia strived really hard and paddled past me to gain priority, but then went for waves that weren’t going to offer too much and left me in the lineup alone. Strategically I think I surfed a better heat, but Sofia still deserves a lot of accolades. She took out Melanie Redman-Carr, which allowed me to progress back to the number one spot on the ratings. She surfed brilliantly throughout the whole contest and it’s always tough coming up against her. She took me out at the Roxy Pro at the start of the year, so it’s good to get her back.

"I love Hossegor and it’s been really good to me," she continued of the venue. "I’ve won four times here and love the people and the crowd are so surf mad. It’s great to see Europe being so supportive of surfing.

"It’s nice to be able to give him this kind of present," she added, of partner Ken Bradshaw, who celebrated his 50th birthday last night. "I think this means more to him than any material thing that could be given to him. It was his goal that pushed me to win five world titles, and it’s nice to have his belief in me."

Mulanovich, who won the Roxy Pro France Trials to gain her wildcard spot in the main event, was a real threat leading into the decider. The 19-year-old dominated her semifinal, but acknowledged she was somewhat overwhelmed by reaching her first WCT final. Despite securing a strong ride toward the end, she ultimately required another worth 8.01-points. Still, the Peruvian gained invaluable experience, especially since she looks set to qualify for the WCT full-time in 2003 following her recent form on the WQS this year.

"I was really stoked to be in the final, but I just got too excited I guess," reasoned Mulanovich afterward. "I just didn’t surf that well, but hopefully I’ll make more finals. When I saw my name written in there I was like ‘whoa’. I made it pretty far, so I’m stoked with the result. I’m really confident for next year’s tour."

Finishing equal third were Hawaiians Keala Kennelly and Rochelle Ballard. Kennelly, who won the Tahitian WCT earlier this year, today needed a combination of rides to catch Mulanovich in the first semifinal. Having eliminated Maria Tavares (Brz) this morning, she was unable to match her Peruvian opponent the following heat, but moved into fourth position on the current ratings.

"She kicked my butt," laughed Kennelly, following the convincing defeat. "She surfed really well and had an awesome start, an awesome middle, and then an awesome finish. What can you do? Third place is a lot better than 9th, which I got last event, so I’m easy to please. Looking forward to going home now."

Ballard, who posted a near-perfect 9.75 for her quarterfinal barrel ride this morning – the best single score of the entire Roxy Pro France – was again in form against Beachley. The pair put on an awesome display, but the Australian raised the bar even further with the second highest combined total of the event with 18.15-points.

"Yeah, I’m happy with a third as it’s been a tough year for everyone on the tour," said Ballard. "It’s good to have some great waves finally in a contest and be able to perform at the level we like to. It was a good semifinal and Layne just surfed really well. I think her waves allowed her to do one or two more maneuvers than I did and that’s what gave her the scores she got and made the difference."

Equal fifth in the Roxy Pro France today were Maria Tavares (Brz), Heather Clark (SAfr), and Australians Chelsea Georgeson and Lynette MacKenzie. All were defeated in their respective quarterfinal matches this morning.

Official results of the women’s Roxy Pro France1st Layne Beachley (Aus) 19.85 – US$10,000
2nd Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 16.6 – US$6,000

Semifinals (1st > final; 2nd=3rd, receives US$4,000)
SF1: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 17.25 def. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 13.25
SF2: Layne Beachley (Aus) 18.15 def. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 16.5

Quarterfinals (1st > semifinals; 2nd=5th, receives US$3,000)
QF1: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 13.25 def. Maria Tavares (Brz) 10.75
QF2: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 11.5 def. Heather Clark (SAfr) 10.9
QF3: Layne Beachley (Aus) 13.25 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 9.75
QF4: Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 14.75 def. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 9.75

Current ratings after the Roxy Pro France
1 Layne Beachley (Aus) 3,200-points
2 Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 2,860
3 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 2,520
4 Keala Kennelly (Haw) 2,380
5 Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 2,310
=6 Jacqueline Silva (Brz); Samantha Cornish (Aus); Heather Clark (SAfr)
2,170
9 Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 2,160
10 Kate Skarratt (Aus) 2,150
11 Megan Abubo (Haw) 2,050
12 Maria Tavares (Brz) 1,990
13 Serena Brooke (Aus) 1,830
14 Lisa Andersen (USA) 1,540
15 Neridah Falconer (Aus) 1,360
16 Amee Donohoe (Aus) 1,350
17 Pauline Menczer (Aus) 1,200

Figueira Pro (Sept 17-24)Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2002 World Championship Tour (WCT)

Abubo Defeats Cornish In Women’s Final

By Jesse Faen, Photos by Piere Tostee/GrantEllis, www.aspworldtour.com

Figueira da Foz, Portugal (Monday, September 23) Former world #2 Megan Abubo (Haw) today defeated Samantha Cornish (Aus) to win the women’s division of the Figueira Pro. The US$310,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT), comprising both men and women, once again changed venues this morning due to a continued decrease in swell. Organizers initially placed the event on hold as small surf prevailed, but the four semifinalists ultimately decided they wanted a winner and were prepared to surf the marginal conditions.

Molho Norte was 1-2 ft (0.3-06m), with the increasing push following low tide providing the window of opportunity needed. As soon as the final finished, however, the higher tide made the break virtually non-existent.

Abubo, who last won a WCT in Fiji 2001, today secured much needed confidence and ratings points by claiming her seventh major event victory. Despite a poor start to the season, the 24 year old turned her year around against
Cornish in the 30-minute final. The Hawaiian began with two strong waves and ultimately led from the halfway mark, collecting US$10,000 prizemoney and jumped into equal eighth position.

"I’m so stoked," began Abubo. "It’s been a hard week and the waves have been really small. To come down here and have this be the final day is a little disappointing, but it’s a major confidence boost for me since I haven’t been
doing too well on tour this year.

"I knew the waves were going to get worse throughout the whole heat," she continued. "Sam is such a good surfer, but I got lucky to find those waves at the start. It was knee high out there, so I think Mother Nature was on my side with the ones I caught.

"All that was playing on my mind was that if I win I can qualify (for next year’s WCT)," she added, given her prior position of equal 14th. "I’ve had such a horrible year until now. I’ve worked really hard, doing the whole World Qualifying Series (WQS) this summer in France and California. The more surfing I’ve been doing this year, the better a competitor I feel like I’m becoming. I just hope we get some swell for the next event in France. It’d be great to surf some heats with good waves. I really enjoyed coming here to Portugal, it was just unfortunate we didn’t get much surf."

Sam Cornish

Cornish, a WCT newcomer, secured her best result to date with a runner-up finish. The Australian surfed confidently all event, defeating current ratings leader Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) twice, including today’s semifinal match where she posted the highest three-wave total of the entire tournament for 21-points. Against Abubo in the final she earned the best single score of 7.5, but at conclusion the 21-year-old was still searching or another ride wo

rth 5.76-points. Nonetheless, the result moved her all the way into equal fourth on the ratings.

"I wasn’t feeling too good after the final," admitted Cornish, just prior to the awards ceremony. "There wasn’t a lot of waves out there and I didn’t get off to an early start. Megan got all of the set waves and they were hard conditions. I’m really happy now though. It was my first final and a good experience to surf against Megan. It’s really boosted my ratings, and beating Melanie, the current ratings leader twice, was a huge confidence booster for the rest of the year. Hopefully I can keep it up.

"I feel I’m surfing really well at the moment," she continued. "I was struggling at the beginning of the year and didn’t have much fire in me, but now I’ve got it back and I’m really hungry to win. Second was good today, but I want to get that first, and hopefully I can do it next event."

Finishing equal third today in the Figueira Pro were current ratings leader Melanie Redman-Carr and reigning four-time world champion Layne Beachley (both Aus).

Maria Tita Tavares

Redman-Carr, w ho secured the best single wave of both her semifinal and the day for 8.25 points against Cornish, ultimately required another 6.26 to advance. Toward the end of their 30-minute clash waves became even less frequent and holding priority, her younger opponent made use of the advantage. Still, the West Australian remains on top of the ratings leading into next weeks’ WCT in France.

"I felt upset when Sam got that really good wave at the start," said Redman-Carr. "There just weren’t any waves and pretty long gaps between them at the end. I pretty much knew when she was winning with seven minutes to go there wouldn’t be any more good waves out there."

Beachley, who moved into second on the ratings following her result, was frustrated nonetheless after defeat to Abubo. Extremely motivated to clinch an unprecedented fifth consecutive world title, the Australian trailed from the start and was unable to find the final 5.21-points she required.

"It was incredibly frustrating," said Beachley afterward. "I just had a really bad game plan… I’m really frustrated. It’s disappointing to lose in those conditions, but you have to roll the dice and go with it. I guess we’re just thankful we could finish our event.

"She caught the better waves and surfed a better heat and therefore made the final," she continued. "My focus is the world title and unless I place at least one spot ahead of Mel each event, I’m not going to catch her. It’s not a bad start to the European leg, however, so hopefully we score more waves in France."

Official results of the 2002 Figueira Pro women’s division
1st Megan Abubo (Haw) 17.75 – US$10,000
2nd Samantha Cornish (Aus) 16.5 – US$6,000

Semifinals (1st advances; defeated finish =3rd; receive US$4,000)
SF1: Samantha Cornish (Aus) 21.0 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 20.45
SF2: Megan Abubo (Haw) 15.9 def. Layne Beachley (Aus) 15.3

Current Ratings after Figueira Pro
1 Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 2,560-points
2 Layne Beachley (Aus) 2,200
3 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 2,060
=4 Jacqueline Silva (Brz); Samantha Cornish (Aus) 1,870
=6 Kate Skarratt (Aus); Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 1,850
=8 Keala Kennelly (Haw); Megan Abubo (Haw) 1,750
10 Heather Clark (SAfr) 1,710
=11 Maria Tavares (Brz); Rochelle Ballard (Haw); Serena Brooke (Aus) 1,530
=14 Lisa Andersen (USA) 1,390
=15 Neridah Falconer (Aus) 1,060
=16 Pauline Menczer (Aus); Amee Donohoe (Aus) 1,050

Billabong Pro Teahupoo (May 7-18)

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)

2002 World Championship Tour (WCT)

Kennelly Defeats Beachley In Final

Waves remained 4-6ft (1.3-2m) throughout the day, but the west direction of the swell created dangerous conditions for the world’s top rated women to deal with, resulting in numerous injuries.

Kennelly, 23, who first won a World Qualifying Series (WQS) tournament at Teahupoo in 1998, and then a WCT here in 2000, today dominated another final for the trifecta. With her father looking on from the channel, the Hawaiian lead from the outset of the 35-minute decider, posted the best single wave score of the entire tournament for a near-perfect 9.8, and ultimately left her opponent requiring a combination of rides worth 14.51-points. She also moved to fifth on the current ratings.

"This is my favorite event, just for the wave," began Kennelly, back on land surrounded by media and admiring Tahitians. "I just always want to come back here because it’s a world class wave and really challenging for everybody.

"It was super dangerous and everybody is covered with

Keala Kennelly

cuts," she continued, herself sporting a few reminders of the razor sharp reef. "Most of the barrels today were not makeable, so it was really hard.

"I took off and started pushing through it and was hoping it would open up for me," she explained of her epic tube ride. "When it opened I was so surprised, and really lucky. For me, this is the one event all year I really want to win, more than anybody. That’s my motivation. This is Teahupoo, the contest I’m supposed to win (laughs)."

Beachley, 29, secured her best result this year to move back into world title contention. While the final was fairly one-sided in Kennelly’s favor, she achieved the main goal she set herself leading into the Billabong Pro Teahupoo.

"If there’s anyone that deserved to win the event it was Keala," acknowledged Beachley afterward. "She charges harder than any other girl out here, and harder than half the guys sometimes. I’m stoked to see her almost get a 10, and for me, if there’s any better time to have a shocker it’s the final (laughs). She got the better waves and surfe

Keala and Layne

d a way better heat than I did.

"That was the idea coming here," she added, of moving up the ratings. "At least I have another three events to count at the end of the year. I’m stoked I’m back in contention. There was a lot of pressure and expectation on me leading into this event and I just put all that aside and went out and surfed and did my best."

Equal third today were current ratings leader Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) and four-time world champion Lisa Andersen (USA). The Australian bowing out to eventual winner Kennelly, after the Hawaiian found more winning barrel rides in their exchange.

"I was really confident throughout the heat, but Keala picked off a couple of good ones and came out," said Redman-Carr. "You can’t really beat that.

"I’m not feeling that secure," she continued of leading the ratings. "It’s really close between everyone and I would have obviously rather won this event, as I think I have a better chance in these conditions than the next few tournaments. The lead’s the lead though, I guess (laughs)."

Andersen, 33, actually held a commanding lead over Beachley in their semifinal clash until the final 10-minutes. Her opponent then secured an 8.5, and while the Floridian used priority to catch a set wave needing a 7.01, she fell at the bottom, taking a heavy wipeout.

"I didn’t expect her to get an 8.5 on a smaller inside wave," admitted Andersen. "It wa

Lisa Andersen

s kind of shocking ’cause I thought I was doing well up until then. I never thought it was over though, so I didn’t give up. A wave came and everyone was hooting, so I knew I had to go. Who knows, if I made it I might have gotten the score?

"It was pretty heavy," she continued of the wipeout. "The scariest thing was not being able to come up for air. I don’t like not being able to breath (laughs). I’m pretty stoked with third, as I didn’t think I’d get so far."

Finishing equal fifth in the Billabong Pro Teahupoo were Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares (Brz), WCT newcomer Chelsea Georgeson (Aus), Kate Skarratt (Aus) and Lynette MacKenzie (Aus), who is now rated second after failing to secure any good rides in her quarterfinal against Andersen.

Georgeson, 18, suffered a serious wipeout at the beginning of her third round heat this morning against Serena Brooke (Aus) to incur contusions and lacerations all down the left side of her upper body, requiring seven stitches to close one cut near the hip bone. Courageously, she continued surfing and posted the better scores to advance, meeting Redman-Carr in the quarterfinals. Despite injuries, she remained in contention all match,
needing 7.76-points when it concluded.

"My hip hurt paddling for waves," explained Georgeson after the loss. "Having an injury may have made me hold back a little bit, but I felt pretty comfortabl

Chelsea’s wipeout

e once I got my first wave. It was a hard heat and wish I could have tipped her up, but maybe next time.

"It happened on my first wave, but the adrenaline was pumping so much it didn’t really faze me while I was out there," she explained, of her injuries. "I hope Serena is OK too. I guess it wasn’t the best heat for injuries."

Brooke, who required a 6.76 toward the end of their heat, also hit the reef after attempting a floater on the inside section. She suffered abrasions and mild shock, and was taken to Papeete hospital for further attention to rule out any possible abdominal injury. She was released soon after clear of any additional issues.

Official results of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo Women
1st Keala Kennelly (Haw) 22.9 – US$10,000
2nd Layne Beachley (Aus) 11.6 – US$6,000

Semifinals (defeated finish =3rd and receive US$4,000)
SF1: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 15.15 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 11.0
SF2: Layne Beachley (Aus) 14.0 def. Lisa Andersen (USA) 13.5

ROXY Pro (April 27 – May 4)

2002 World Championship Tour (WCT)

Redman-Carr Defeats Clark To Win Final

Tavarua Island, Fiji (Friday, May 3) World #2 Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) today defeated Heather Clark (SAfr) to win the Roxy Pro Fiji and move into equal first on the current ASP ratings. Competition commenced this morning with remaining round three heats, followed by quarterfinals, semis, and then climaxed with the US$60,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) grand finale.

Surf at ‘Cloudbreak’ was 6ft (2m) and perfectly offshore early, but unfortunately strong crosswinds and rainsqualls moved in. After round three finished, organizers were forced to place the event on hold for over an hour, and even once it recommenced, only those persons needed either on the judges’ tower or out on the marshalling ferry, left the sanctuary of their Island resorts. Still, waves on the inside section of the reef offered
potential, it was just a matter of battling the wind and currents to catch them.

Melanie Redman-Carr

Redman-Carr, 26, appeared ominous from day one when she set the pace with the highest total of the round. Having finished runner-up in last year’s final, and then only last week winning a World Qualifying Series (WQS) event at her home break in Western Australia, she continued the charge, claiming her first WCT victory since 1999 (Jeffrey’s Bay, SAfr). Against close friend and traveling partner Clark, she dominated the 35-minute final to earn US$10,000 prizemoney.

"Yeah, I haven’t won for ages, I always get second," laughed Redman-Carr afterward. "I was really stoked about the way my first heat went in perfect waves, but every heat until the final conditions got worse. I would be more stoked if we’d gotten better waves then. We were both really happy to be in the final together, but it was still pretty serious," she continued. It’s quite a challenging wave and none of us have surfed it much. It’s going to be so tight this year," she added, of her position in the world title chase. "Nearly everyone who went bad last contest was in the top half of the ratings this contest. It just goes to show how talented everyone is. It’s definitely the most solid year since I’ve been on tour."

Clark, 30, posted the best single wave score of 9.5, as well as the highest event total for 26-points against newcomer Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) this

Sofia Mulanovich

morning. Despite gaining plenty of reef cuts from her final effort, she was unable to find any more exceptional rides and ultimately required
9.26-points when it concluded. Nonetheless, she is now equal third on ratings.

"Mel’s been looking really good from her very first heat," began Clark. "I tried to get some waves out there, but I just kept taking off hoping they would open up and they didn’t. Stoked to make the final, though, as last year I finished fifth. I would have loved to win, and was trying my hardest, but if anyone had to beat me I’m glad it was Mel.

"R72,000 sure sounds a lot better than US$6,000," she laughed, when figuring
out the exchange rate for her South African bank account.

Finishing equal third today were Serena Brooke (Aus) and Rochelle Ballard (Haw).
Brooke, 26, who was narrowly beaten by Redman-Carr in their semifinal, actually secured the same result in last year’s Roxy Pro Fiji. Despite only requiring a low score to advance, she was unaware of the points’ difference and had injured her ankle attempting a critical floater during the match.

Lisa Andersen

"It was a pretty hard heat and I actually couldn’t hear any of my scores," explained Brooke. "I had two waves at the start, but I didn’t catch anything afterward. I caught one little wave at the end for a 3.0, but I wish I knew I only needed a 3.71 for the last six minutes. That’s just the way it is with conditions like this. I would have loved to make the final, but I’m happy with a third."

Ballard, 31, suffered a similar fate against Clark, unable to secure the better waves. Having eliminated reigning four-time world champion Layne
Beachley (Aus) during their quarterfinal, however, she had set her sights higher than equal third.

"I’m stoked on the result, but I really, really had my eye on the final and winning it," admitted Ballard. "Heather caught the first wave and from then on every priority situation was hers. There would only be one wave in each set, and I’d just be sitting there. I gave it all I got and that’s cool.

"Roxy put on such a great event for us," she added. "They spare no expense and do everything they can to just really bring women’s surfing up to another level. Unfortunately the waves didn’t produce today, but they did a great job and I’m really happy to be here."

Equal fifth in the Roxy Pro Fiji were Kate Skarratt (Aus), wildcard Sofia
Mulanovich (Peru), Beachley, and Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares (Brz).

Beachley, 29, was comforted by long-term boyfriend/big wave legend Ken Bradshaw (Haw) after her loss to Ballard. The Australian improved on her first result of the

year, but was still far from happy with her overall finish, needing a lofty 9.01-points after she failed to post any decent scores.

Current ASP ratings after Roxy Pro Fiji
=1st Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus), Lynette MacKenzie (Aus)-1,300-points
=3rd Heather Clark (SAfr), Jacqueline Silva (Brz)-1,110
5th Kate Skarratt (Aus)-1,090
=6th Chelsea Georgeson (Aus), Rochelle Ballard (Haw), Serena Brooke
(Aus)-930
=9th Lisa Andersen (USA), Samantha Cornish (Aus), Layne Beachley (Aus)-760
12th Maria Tavares (Brz)-610
13th Megan Abubo (Haw)-600
=14th Neridah Falconer (Aus), Pauline Menczer (Aus), Amee Donohoe (Aus),
Keala Kennelly (Haw)-450

ROXY Pro (April 27 – May 4)

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
2002 World Championship Tour (WCT)

Worlds’ Best Women Surfers Off To Fiji