East Coast Wahines

Monday, December 13, 2004 (Honolua Bay, Maui) Twenty-one-year-old Australian Chelsea Georgeson claimed Billabong Pro Maui glory today by posting an amazing 9.75 score out of a possible 10 just minutes away from the final siren in the last women’s World Championship Tour (WCT) event for the year. In the nail-biting finish, Georgeson defeated defending Billabong Pro Maui champion Samantha Cornish (AUS) to post her first WCT win since 2003, in France, and snatch the year’s overall third placing from six-time world champion Layne Beachley.

“I’m so happy. It’s a perfect end to the perfect year. My best friend [Sofia Mulanovich] won the world title, my other best friend [Rochelle Ballard] got second, and I think I’ve been pushed up into third! I’m just so ecstatic about winning the last event of 2004. I haven’t won an event all year, so I’m so stoked,” said Georgeson on her win, which combined with her favorable placing at the last WCT event on Oahu’s Haleiwa, saw the former Australian junior champ also win the coveted Vans Triple Crown title. Boasting a US$10,000 prize purse, this year’s crown was decided on the results of the two women’s Hawaiian WCT events.

Chelsea Georgeson and Sam Cornish

“I can’t believe it,” she continued, on her Triple Crown win. “Someone just told me that I’ve

won, and it’s not even the Triple Crown it’s the double crown, so that’s even better (laughs). At the last event they doubled the prize money, so it’s been a great winter for us girls. Now I’ve won the Triple Crown I’ll be going home even happier.

“I’ve been sitting in fourth all year, just hanging there. Layne was in third and I knew it was pretty close. I can’t take anything away from Layne, she’s an unbelievable surfer and she’s had six world titles. It’s just the luck of the draw some times, and it can all come down to that last event.”

And what a last event it was. Unfolding in idyllic six-to-eight foot conditions at the breathtakingly picturesque Honolua Bay, with light 5-15 knot variable winds and clear skies, the peaceful surrounds were contrast with the strong building swell expected to unleash the largest waves to hit Maui’s infamous big wave Mecca, ‘Jaws’, since 1978. The rising swell continued to pulse throughout the day, offering competitors intense rides and pristine walls in which to battle out crucial end-of-year placings.

Organizers for the prestigious US$62,5000 event opted to monitor conditions throughout the morning in order to capitalize on a forecasted increasing swell. The decision paid off; when competition commenced at midday competitors were greeted with arguably the most contestable conditions the women’s tour had experienced all year.
24 year-old finalist Samantha Cornish, although disappointed by her loss, enthuses; “The conditions were awesome today. It wasn’t always barreling, but it was just so rip-able all the way down the line with solid six-to-eight foot sets. An unbelievable day; the sun was out and the crowd was awesome. The local people were cheering and you could hear them on the headland. It was pretty amazing.”

In a rematch of last year’s dramatic final, Samantha and six-time world champion Layne Beachley had clashed early in the fourth round, with Sam once again beating the in-form Beachley; “Layne was always going to be hungry to get revenge for last year. But I’m not one to back down,” said Cornish. But the seemingly invincible Cornish met her match in Georgeson, “ It was really exciting just to be back in the final again here. It’s such a great place and such a perfect wave. Chelsea surfed unbelievable and just got the right waves, she deserved to win on the day. I had the best surf and I had great day too, so I’m really happy.”

Layne Beachley

Also graceful in defeat was twenty-year-old Australasian champion Rebecca Woods, who just recently qualified for next year’s WCT. As a wildcard Woods had eliminated newly crowned ASP World Champion, Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich, but Rebecca’s dream run came to an end when the Copacabana local was matched up against fellow Australian Trudy Todd in the quarterfinals. The youngster, who ironically has the word ‘Believe’ tattooed on her left foot, claims self-doubt saw her Billabong Pro Maui campaign come to an end; “I just buckled from pressure from myself basically. I just really wanted to get out there and show what I can do. I’m definitely a bit bummed because I didn’t surf to my potential. It’s something I’m going to have to get over, and just learn how to combat. Trudy’s a fierce hassler, but I let my own head mess with me too. But on a positive it’s just going to make me hungrier for next year. I’m not going to be here just making up numbers as a wildcard, I’m going to come back fiercer and grateful for the experience this year has brought me - and a new respect for this amazing wave.”

In the other side of the spectrum, veteran campaigner and this year’s highest placed Hawaiian surfer, Rochelle Ballard, was narrowly beaten by South African Heather Clark in the quarterfinals, finishing fifth overall in the Billabong Pro Maui to retain her position at number two on the end of year WCT ratings. “I just kept thinking that the waves were going to be good all day so all I wanted to do was surf again. I just went into it with an open heart, praying to God. He blessed m e with waves and I tried to give it all I had. I was really stoked about that.

“I was just going to go out there completely focusing on the waves, trying to have fun. Everything usually falls into place if you stay with the moment. I’ve really enjoyed this year, and have being using pressure to my advantage at the moments it’s been critical. The ocean does it’s own tricky things, but so long as you can keep your head in the right place and your heart, that’s the way it should be,” said Ballard of her amazing run.

Billabong Pro Maui Finals (1st> US$10,000; 2nd US$6,000)
F: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) def. Samantha Cornish (AUS)

Semifinals (1st>Finals; 2nd=3rd receives US$4,000)
SF1: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) def. Trudy Todd (AUS)
SF2: Samantha Cornish (AUS) def. Heather Clark (ZAF)

Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th receives US$3,000)
QF1: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) def. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
QF2: Trudy Todd (AUS) def. Rebecca Woods (AUS)
QF3: Samantha Cornish (AUS) def. Layne Beachley (AUS)
QF4: Heather Clark (ZAF) def. Rochelle Ballard (HAW)

Round Three (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=9th receives US$2,750)
H7: Heather Clark (ZAF) def. Keala Kennelly (HAW)
H8: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) def. Melanie Bartels (HAW)

WCT Ratings After Event #7 Billabong Pro Maui 2004
1.    Sofia Mulanovich, Peru
2.    Rochelle Ballard, Haw
3.    Chelsea Georgeson, Aus
4.    Layne Beachley, Aus
5.    Maria Tita Tavares, Bra
6.    Jacqueline Silva, Bra
7.    Keala Kennelly, Haw
8.    Laurina McGrath, Aus
9.    Megan Abubo, Haw
10.    Samantha Cornish, Aus
11.    Trudy Todd, Aus
12.    Heather Clark, Zaf
13.    Melanie Redman-Carr, Aus
14.    Pauline Menczer, Aus
15.    Melanie Bartels, Haw
16.    Lynette MacKenzie, Aus
17.    Prue Jeffries, Aus

Mahalao to Hawaiian Airlines– the Official Airline to the Billabong Pro Maui. Also special thanks to Sean Collins and Surfline.com for all their forecasting expertise.

Billabong Pro Maui
Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
December 8th to 20th 2004

Wildcard Woods eliminates World Champion Mulanovich.

Friday, December 10, 2004 (Honolua Bay, Maui) Billabong Pro Maui wildcard Rebecca Woods (AUS) today created a massive upset by eliminating 2004 world champion Sofia Mulanovich from this year’s final women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT). Organizers ran all the way through until three quarterfinals were filled, with the US$62,500 event set to conclude tomorrow, conditions pending.

Great 4-6ft (1.3-2m) righthanders remained on offer at Honolua throughout the day. Gusty northeast winds continued, but the overhanging cliff face utilized by ASP judges also protected the waves.

Woods, who qualified for next year’s WCT via the World Qualifying Series (WQS) in 2004, began her day by winning the Billabong Pro Maui Trials. The 20-year-old then lost her opening main event round against freshly crowned ASP world champion Sofia Mulanovich and South Africa’s Heather Clark, but made amends with a ‘losers’ round victory to face Mulanovich once more.

Against the Peruvian this afternoon, she opened with a 7.5 score and immediately took control. Despite failing to lock in a strong second ride, her opponent never bettered a 5.25 score and ultimately required another 5.76 to catch up. Nonetheless, with maiden world title already secure, it would take more to dampen the 21-year-old’s spirits.

“I hate losing, but now I can’t wait to go home and celebrate the world title with all the people who love me,” said Mulanovich. “I’m stoked for ‘Woodsy’ as she was surfing really good and I knew she was going to push me. She kicked my butt (laughs).

“I’m hot blooded and want to win every heat I surf, but in the end I appreciate everything that has happened and am super happy,” she continued. “My dream came true this year. There’s always going to be good and bad days, so you just have to take the best from each and learn from the rest.”
or Woods, the result clearly announces her arrival on the WCT, and furthermore, title chances of her own.

“I’m pretty ecstatic at the moment,” began Woods. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in. I’m just really glad I finally got through the third round of a WCT, as I’ve competed at Teahupoo (Tahiti) a couple of times and lost. This is a good step in the right direction. I’ll be competing on the ‘CT next year, so at the moment there is no pressure on me.

“Sofia’s such a good surfer and the world champ, so I won’t ever take anything away from her,” she added. “I’m just really happy with how I surfed today. Honolua Bay is definitely one of my favorite breaks now.”

Trudy Todd (AUS) and Megan Abubo (HAW) contested a crucial third round match-up. Both required a good result to ensure their 2005 positions on the WCT, but it was the Australian who picked off a needed 4.85 last wave to advance and now face the giant-killing wildcard in the quarterfinals.
Six-time world champion Layne Beachley made her Billabong Pro Maui intentions obvious with a commanding third round win. Against fellow Australian Lynette MacKenzie, the 32-year-old locked in a brilliant 9.0 and then upped the ante with the day’s top single score of 9.5 and the highest overall tally of 18.5-points. Having won the last WCT on Oahu recently, she currently holds advantage for this year’s US$10,000 Vans Triple Crown winner take all purse, and few would bet against her after today’s performance.

“After surfing only one wave in my first heat and scraping through, I really wanted to make up for it then,” explained Beachley. “I was so keen to catch the sets, so I committed to taking off on the biggest ones I could find and the judges rewarded me with nines and 9.5’s.

“My goal is always to win the Triple Crown, and do really well in Hawaii,” she continued. “I love the place, and big waves. Even though I’ve won my last four world titles here at Maui, it’s the one event that has eluded me my whole career, so it’d be nice to cap the season off with two wins and really substantiate my mark in the sport.”
Defending Billabong Pro Maui champion Samantha Cornish (Aus) was another standout, winning both heats today convincingly. She and Beachley are now set to surf a re-match of last year’s final in quarterfinal #3.

2004 World Qualifying Series (WQS) winner Chelsea Georgeson eliminated fellow Australian and 1993 world champion Pauline Menczer (AUS). In what was a crucial heat for Menczer, the 34-year-old surfing icon failed to emerge from a deep barrel that proved costly. The natural footer required an 8.5 to catch Georgeson’s commanding lead, but ultimately bowed out of the tournament, as well as the WCT for 2005.

“I blew it on a really nice barrel,” acknowledged Menczer. “That’s the way the cookie crumbled. I’m happy though, and will be doing the WQS next year. I have some other ideas of what I’d like to do too, so we’ll see what happens.”
When competition resumes, South Africa’s Heather Clark faces Hawaiian Keala Kennelly in the first heat, while current ratings #2 Rochelle Ballard is against fellow Hawaiian Melanie Bartels. Next call is at 7am (local time) tomorrow via the Contest Hotline 1 808 665 1712.

Mahalao to Hawaiian Airlines – the Official Airline to the Billabong Pro Maui. Also special thanks to Sean Collins and Surfline.com for all their forecasting expertise.

Billabong Pro Maui results:

Round Three (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=9th receives US$2,750)
H1: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 14.0 def. Pauline Menczer (AUS) 10.25
H2: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 13.5 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 4.75
H3: Trudy Todd (AUS) 11.1 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 10.5
H4: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.0 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 8.25
H5: Layne Beachley (AUS) 18.5 def. Lynette MacKenzie (AUS) 6.0
H6: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 17.0 def. Laurina McGrath (AUS) 10.25

Round Two (1st, 2nd>Rnd3; 3rd=17th receives US$2,250)
H1: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 8.0; Lynnette MacKenzie (AUS) 1.5; Maria Tavares (BRA) 0.0
H2: Megan Abubo (HAW) 12.0; Pauline Menczer (AUS) 9.0; Prue Jeffries (AUS) 2.45

Round One (1st, 2nd>Rnd3; 3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 14.5; Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 14.35; Pauline Menczer (AUS) 12.55
H2: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 10.75; Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 10.5; Megan Abubo (HAW) 3.25
H3: Heather Clark (ZAF) 15.0; Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.1; Rebecca Woods (AUS) 7.6
H4: Samantha Cornish (AUS) 13.25; Layne Beachley (AUS) 5.5; Prue Jeffries (AUS) 5.2
H5: Trudy Todd (AUS) 9.9; Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 9.65; Lynette MacKenzie (AUS) 8.1
H6: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 14.0; Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 12.85; Maria Tavares (BRA) 7.6

Trials
1st Rebecca Woods (AUS) 15.0; 2nd Moana Wietecha (HAW) 14.5; 3rd Paige Alms (HAW) 6.45; 4th Monyca Byrne-Wickey (HAW) 6.0; 5th Helena Suehiro (HAW) 4.35; 6th Lilia Boerner (HAW) 3.0

Billabong Pro Maui
Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
December 8th to 20th 2004.

New Era of Women’s Surfing to be Unleashed at Billabong Pro Maui
Beachley Frontrunner for Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

Next weeks Billabong Pro Maui will usher in a new era of women’s surfing next week with recently crowned Sofia Mulanovich, 21, (Peru) entering as world champion in place of the long reigning Layne Beachley (Aus). Thirty-two-year old Beachley (Aus) exited her six years as world champion in perfect style taking first place over Mulanovich at the recent WCT event on Hawaii’s North Shore.

The ousted but not out Beachley (Aus) could still manage to rewrite the sports history books at the Billabong Pro Maui by claiming a third women’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title. Already holding an unprecedented two crowns, having won, in 1997 and ‘98, Beachley is leading the series over Mulanovich, Chelsea Georgeson (Gold Coast, Aus) and Maria Tita Tavares (Brz). There is an additional US $10,000 winner-takes-all purse for the woman who performs the best over the two Hawaiian WCT events.

Beachley who is now ranked at no.3 in the world is also in contention for the 2004 runner-up position requiring a third or better if current no.2 Rochelle Ballard (Haw) finishes with a ninth on Maui. Also in contention for the world no.2 position are Georgeson, Tavares and Jacqueline Silva (Brz). Over her career Beachley has won a total of 27 WCT titles but never the Billabong Pro Maui.

"I have mixed emotions about Maui, primarily due to the pressure ridden circumstances of my last four world title wins," said the Sydney surfer. "Even though I have won my last four titles there, I still have not won the event so if it turns on I would love to finish the year off with a win, at a place that has alluded me for so long. Winning at Haleiwa has given me a lot of confidence and I am ready and hoping to finish this year off with a win.™h

Defending Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion Keala Kennelly became the first Hawaiian woman to win the award last year and is still a chance at no.5 on the Series ratings. 26-year-old Kennelly who also finished as the 2003 world runner-up said, "It was about damn time someone from Hawaii won, and I would be stoked if Rochelle (Ballard), Megan (Abubo) or Bartels(Melanie) won it this year to keep it in the hands of Hawaii. But I will also be giving it my best shot as well."

2005 WCT qualifier and Australia’s top ranked junior surfer Rebecca Woods (Copacabana, Aus) will be one of six surfers competing in the Billabong Pro Maui Trials for the lone wildcard on offer. The wildcard winner will be thrown straight into the deep end, taking on world champion Mulanovich and Heather Clark (Sth Africa) in the opening round.

Woods was full of praise for Mulanovich’s world title win saying "It’s awesome. She has already pushed the level of surfing so much further on her way through to the top and now she will push it that much harder. Sofia will take what Layne has achieved for the sport and run with it. She has shown all the young girls coming through that you can achieve your dreams."

The super talented natural footer has already carved out a big reputation and if she wins the wildcard will give the worlds top 17 women surfers a serious run at Honolua Bay, Maui. The break is one of the most picturesque line-ups in the world with long right-hander’s offering a number of sections, with large open walls and hollow tubes. The Billabong Pro has become synonymous with the famous Maui break, showcasing the world’s top rated women unlike any other event.

The Billabong Pro Maui will decide the top 10 WCT performers who will re-qualify for the 2005 Women’s WCT, with the top six World Qualifying Series (WQS) moving up as well. After the completion of the final 2004 WQS event , the top six WQS finishers are Chelsea Georgeson, WQS champ for the year, followed by WA’s charger Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus), Melanie Bartels (Haw), future star Woods (AUS), defending Billabong Pro Maui champion Samantha Cornish (Crescent Head, Aus) and Claire Bevilacqua (West Australia). Four of those girls are current WCT surfers though, who may qualify via the WCT ratings, and not need their WQS rating. Of those four, only Chelsea Georgeson is currently qualifying as Top 10 WCT surfer.

The Billabong Pro Maui holding period is December 8th to 20th, 2004. Competition is can be hold over a minimum of two days within the 13 day waiting period in the best possible waves.

Mahalao to Hawaiian Airlines - the Official Airline to the Billabong Pro Maui

Current ASP Ratings.

1 . Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 5484
2. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 4392
3. Layne Beachley (Aus) 4176
4. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 3924
5. Maria Tita Tavares (Brz) 3846
6. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 3738
7. Laurina McGrath (Aus) 3336
8. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 3318
9. Megan Abubo (Haw) 2898
10. Trudy Todd (Aus) 2544
11. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 2376
12. Pauline Menczer (Aus) 2376
13. Samantha Cornish (Aus) 2352
14. Melanie Bartels (Haw) 2238
15. Heather Clark (SAfr) 2172
16. Lynnette MacKenzie (Aus) 1620
17. Prue Jeffries (Aus) 1440

 

SOFIA MULANOVICH WINS 2004 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR!!!

Honolulu, HAWAII (Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004) - Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich, 21, made professional surfing history today by becoming the first South American, man or woman, to claim the Association of Surfing Professionals (A.S.P.) World Championship Tour (W.C.T.) crown. Mulanovich needed to place third or better in the Roxy Pro to put the 2004 world title result beyond the reach of her W.C.T. rivals. Her closest rival coming into the event was Hawaii’s Rochelle Ballard, who lost in the quarter finals.

Six-time world champion Layne Beachley (Australia), 32, passed the torch to Mulanovich in a form befitting a true champion, taking first place in the Roxy Pro, in what became the richest women’s final in pro surfing history. Mid-heat, recognizing the monumental nature of the moment, Roxy Executives Randy Hild and Danny Kwock announced that they would double the prize purse of the final for first through fourth place. The result was a $20,000 pay check for Beachley, $12,000 for Mulanovich, $9,000 for third placed Chelsea Georgeson (Australia), and $7,000 for Maria Tita Tavares (Brazil) in fourth. The total purse for the event climbed from $62,500 to $86,500.

In a fusion of past, present, and future, Mulanovich celebrated the moment of her life with the blessing of Roxy Team Manager and 4-time world champion Lisa Andersen as well as outgoing champ Beachley, collectively representing a total of 11 world surfing titles.

"When I was a little kid I used to dream about this," said Mulanovich. "A couple of years ago I didn’t think I’d be able to win a world title. I wasn’t that confident. But this year helped my self-confidence."

Mulanovich has dominated the 2004 season since the get-go, reaching four of the six W.C.T. events held to date, winning three of them. One event remains following the Roxy Pro, the Billabong Pro on Maui, starting December 7.

"I’ve done this for my country and for all South Americans," continued Mulanovich. "Just to make a change and give them hope. If you really want something, you’ll get it.

"My goal was to be world champion today. In the final, my thinking was that I just had to beat one person, but half way through I started thinking I might be able to do better than that. For the future? I don’t know. I’m just stoked I’m the world champion this year."

Beachley was always the woman to beat in the 35-minute final. Ever-driven by a personal goal, Layne was determined to go out on her six-year world champion run in perfect style. She did just that, surfing brilliantly to win convincingly in tricky six-foot surf. The final scores over each surfer’s top two rides had Beachley on 13.26 points, Mulanovich on 9.34, Georgeson with 8.6 and and Tavares on zero - having failed to catch a single ride in the shifting, competitive line-up.

"It’s not bitter, it’s very, very sweet," said a satisfied Beachley. "I’m going out with a sense of achievement and a sense of relief. This was my first final of the year, so there’s a sense of relief and achievement to win. Of all the girls on tour, I think Sofia’s the most deserving of a world title. She’s worked hard, she’s modest and humble in what she sets out to achieve. She calls it luck, but I call it greatness. There’s a lot more responsibility and expectation on a world champion. There’s far more to it than just surfing well and she’s capable of pulling all that together. Just the fact that Sofia has taken the sport to a new nation. Women’s surfing is evolving into a sport that is creating heroes."

Beachley’s win also gives her the lead on the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series ratings. There is an additional $10,000 winner-takes-all purse for the woman who performs the best over the two Hawaiian events. Sofia sits at second on the Vans Triple Crown ratings.

Roxy Pro
Final
1st=$20,000; 2nd=$12,000; 3rd=$9,000; 4th=$7,000;
Listed in order 1st to 4th
Layne Beachley (AUS); Sofia Mulanovich (PER); Chelsea Georgeson (AUS); Tita Tavares (BRA);

Semi-Finals
1st and 2nd to Final
3rd=5th Place; 4th =7th Place
Listed in order 1st to 4th
SF1: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS); Sofia Mulanovich (PER); Jacqueline Silva (BRA); Megan Abubo (HAW);
SF2: Layne Beachley (AUS); Tita Tavares (BRA); Keala Kennelly (HAW); Melanie Bartels (HAW);

Quarter Finals
1st and 2nd to Semi-Finals
3rd=9th Place; 4th=13th Place
Listed in order 1st to 4th
Q1: Jacqueline Silva (BRA); Chelsea Georgeson (AUS); Heather Clark (ZAF); Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS);
Q2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER); Megan Abubo (HAW); Laurina McGrath (AUS); Lynette MacKenzie (AUS);
Q3: Tita Tavares (BRA); Melanie Bartels (HAW); Rochelle Ballard (HAW); Trudy Todd (AUS);
Q4: Keala Kennelly (HAW); Layne Beachley (AUS); Pauline Menczer (AUS); Samantha Cornish (AUS);

Women’s ASP WCT Ratings after the Roxy Pro (one event remains before the season end):
1. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 5484
2. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 4392
3. Layne Beachley (Aus) 4176
4. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 3924
5. Maria Tita Tavares (Brz) 3846
6. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 3738
7. Laurina McGrath (Aus) 3336
8. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 3318
9. Megan Abubo (Haw) 2898
10. Trudy Todd (Aus) 2544
11. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 2376
12. Pauline Menczer (Aus) 2376
13. Samantha Cornish (Aus) 2352
14. Melanie Bartels (Haw) 2238
15. Heather Clark (SAfr) 2172
16. Lynnette MacKenzie (Aus) 1620
17. Prue Jeffries (Aus) 1440

Rip Curl Malibu Pro 2004
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
Women&Mac226;s World Championship Tour (WCT)

For Immediate Release

Sunday, 3 October 2004 (Malibu, CA, USA)

Hawaiian Megan Abubo Wins Inaugural Rip Curl Malibu Pro World Championship Surfing Contest

Hawaii’s Megan Abubo convincingly beat Brazilian Maria Tita&Mac226; Tavares in today’s final of the inaugural Rip Curl Pro women’s professional World Championship Tour (WCT) surfing competition at California’s legendary Malibu Beach. Abubo, a 2 6-year-old seeded 15th in this event, dominated the final woman-on-woman match to claim the US$10,000 first prize on offer in the first stand-alone women’s World Championship competition on the US mainland.

Scores in the final reflected the tricky conditions, with Abubo posting a total of 11.50 points (out of a possible 20) for her best two rides, and the best single ride of the day, an 8.50 out of a possible 10 on her last ride. Tavares led Abubo after a six point ride early in the 30-minute decider, but the South American did not find another wave. Today’s triumph marked Abubo’s best WCT event result in two years, and in the process she jumped from 15th before this event to 9th on the latest world rankings. It was her eighth WCT victory in 10 years as a professional. "I’m so excited and happy that things went my way today. It was really hard out there because everyone here surfs really good, and it came down to being able to catch the best waves. The final was really tough because I hit a batch of seaweed on my first wave and went flying. It messed with me for a second, but I’ve been doing a lot of work with my mental state and I got past that," Abubo said.

Later at the presentation, she added "I want to dedicate this win to my mum up in heaven, I’m so happy right now. I also want to thank Rip Curl for investing in women’s surfing and bringing us to a wonderful wave like Malibu. We weren’t blessed with wonderful surf, but that can happen anywhere in the world and we were lucky to get what we got."

For Tavares, a 28-year-old seeded 8th here, today’s runner-up placing was her best result in WCT competition in 11 years on tour and earned her US$6,000. She also leapt up four places (from 8th) to now hold 4th on the latest world ratings, and has put herself in contention for this year’s world title. Tavares, whose English is very limited, said "I am very happy to make the final, and I’m happy for Megan to win. Thank you Rip Curl and Malibu."

Inconsistent one to two foot (half metre) surf provided extremely challenging conditions for the final 8 competitors today, but with absolutely no swell forecast for the rest of the event’s 10-day waiting period, organisers simply had to take what was on offer at the beach that was home to the original surfer girl, Gidget.

Tavares beat top seed, 21-year-old Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich, in this morning’s quarter-finals, and then toppled 14th seeded Australian veteran Pauline Menczer in the semi-finals, while Abubo beat good friends and fellow Hawaiians Keala Kennelly (7th seed) and Rochelle Ballard (2nd seed) in the quarters and semi respectively to reach the final.

Today’s other losing quarter-finalists were Australians Chelsea Georgeson, the 5th seed beaten by Menczer, and Laurina McGrath, the 6th seed eliminated by Ballard.

Ballard’s semi-final berth helped narrow the ratings points gap between herself and Mulanovich, but the South American is still the firm favourite for the 2004 world title after a sensational year.

Mulanovich had the chance at Malibu to become the first woman surfer in 26 years of professional surfing to claim four successive WCT event wins, but while that wasn’t to be, her victories in the previous three WCT events this year mean she has joined an elite group populated only by former world champions Margo Oberg, Freida Zamba, Wendy Botha, Pauline Menczer and Layne Beachley.

Australia’s six-time world champion Layne Beachley remains a mathematical chance to win a record 7th world title, though her loss in yesterday’s third round at Malibu makes another world crown extremely difficult to achieve. Simply, Beachley would have to win the final two WCT events of the year in Hawaii in November and December, and the five surfers ahead of her on the world ratings would all have to suffer early round losses in both the final events.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro is the fifth of seven Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world championship competitions in 2004, with each surfer’s best six results to determine the final 2004 rankings.)

An entertaining sideshow after the women’s final at Malibu today was the Celebrity Surfbout. A fun surfing competition pitting a team of actors against a lineup of high-profile musicians, it was won by the actors, who were led by Dean Cain, a former TV "Superman", and Australian Simon Baker, star of the hit TV series "The Guardian" and the soon to be released movie „The Ring 2‰. Run to highlight the ongoing efforts of local anti-ocean pollution group „Heal The Bay‰, the Celebrity Surfbout also saw the woman who inspired the original "Gidget" movies, Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, make a special appearance. Official patron of the Rip Curl Malibu Pro, Zuckerman’s surfing exploits at Malibu in the 1950s inspired a series of Hollywood movies that helped popularise surfing worldwide.

A Hollywood nightclub, "1650", also hosted the Rip Curl Sand’n'Glam party on Saturday night to raise funds for "Heal the Bay", the group largely responsible for restoring the Santa Monica Bay (which is home to Malibu) from the world’s most polluted surf spot in 1969, to an area with beautiful clear waters and home to an enormous range of wildlife today.

2004 Rip Curl Malibu Pro
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
Women&Mac226;s World Championship Tour (WCT)

For Immediate Release

Saturday, 2 October, 2004 (Malibu, CA, USA)

Two of World&Mac226;s Top Five Eliminated in Sensational Day at Rip Curl Malibu Pro WCT

Australia’s six-time world professional surfing champion Layne Beachley and Brazil’s current world number three Jacqueline Silva today bowed out of the inaugural Rip Curl Pro WCT at California’s legendary Malibu Beach in surprise Round Three results.

The narrow losses of Beachley and Silva in tricky conditions severely dented their chances for the 2004 world title, with four other contenders all advancing to tomorrow’s quarter finals of the first stand-alone women’s World Championship competition on the US mainland.

In inconsistent one to two foot surf, 32-year-old Beachley, currently ranked number four, was eliminated by Hawaiian Megan Abubo, a 26-year-old seeded 15th in this event, while 25-year-old Silva was knocked out by Australia’s 1993 world champion Pauline Menczer, the 14th seed, and at 34, the oldest competitor on tour.

In both upset heats, less than one point separated the winners from the losers; Menczer scoring a total of 9.5 points (out of a possible 20) to Silva’s 8.75, and Abubo scoring 11.75 points versus Beachley’s 11.00.

Current world number one, Peru’s Sofia Mulanovich, was lucky to survive her third round clash today with 16-year-old American sensation and wildcard Karina Petroni. On the total points from their best two rides the pair were tied, but the 21-year-old South American’s best single ride of 7.5 points (out of a possible 10) gave her a half point countback victory over the Florida-based Petroni, one of the surfing world’s outstanding up-and-comers.

"I’m really happy to get through today and I can only thank God," said Mulanovich, who will meet 8th seeded Maria Tita Tavares, of Brazil, in tomorrow’s quarter finals, after Tavares eliminated Australian 9th seed Trudy Todd.

Australian 21-year-old Chelsea Georgeson, seeded 5th at Malibu, was today’s standout performer, posting the day’s highest heat score of 16.25 (out of a possible 20) and best single ride score of 9.5 in her th ird round victory over Hawaiian 22-year-old Melanie Bartels, Bartels score of 13 points matching her seeding position.

Georgeson said of her top scoring ride "I was stoked to get that wave because if Mel had caught it, I would have been 2nd (and eliminated)." In a classic youth-versus-experience clash, Georgeson meets fellow Australian Menczer in the quarters.

Hawaii’s 33-year-old Rochelle Ballard, seeded 2nd here, kept her hopes for a maiden world title alive with the day’s second-best heat score (14.25) in her win over Australian Prue Jeffries. Ballard said after her heat win "I felt nervous about this heat, but I’m really happy to have caught some high scoring rides and get through."

She now meets Australian rookie Laurina McGrath in the quarters, after McGrath beat fellow Australian Sam Cornish today.

On a day when luck played almost as big a part in the results as the surfing, the fourth succesful world title contender today, Keala Kennelly, also Hawaiian, set up a quarter-final clash with fellow islander Abubo by beating 10th seeded Australian Melanie Redman-Carr.

If Mulanovich reaches tomorrow’s woman-on-woman final of the Rip Curl Malibu Pro, it will end Beachley’s six-year reign as world champion. Although there are two more World Championship competitions after Malibu, the diminutive Peruvian holds such a commanding lead on the ratings that if she wins at Malibu, only Ballard could stop her from claiming South America’s first world professional crown. And Ballard would have to win both remaining events in Hawaii to do so.

The inaugural Rip Curl Malibu Pro WCT has a total prize pool of US$62,500, with the winner to walk away with US$10,000. Although conditions are again expected to be less than ideal tomorrow, organisers have been forced to run the event in the first two days of its 10-day waiting period by a bleak surf forecast of mill-pond conditions from Monday on.

An entertaining sideshow to tomorrow’s action will be the Celebrity Surfbout, a fun team surfing competition pitting some of Hollywood’s leading actors against a lineup of high-profile musicians. Among those already confirmed to compete in the Celebrity Surfbout are:
- American Jorja Fox, one of the stars of the highly popular TV series CSI;
- Australian Simon Baker, star of the recent hit TV series The Guardian and the soon to be released movie The Ring 2;
- American self-confessed "idiot" Chris Pontius, best known for his crazy antics on MTV’s Jackass and Wild Boyz programs;
- Australian Dominic Purcell, a rising Hollywood star with a lead role in the soon to be released movie Blade Trinity;
- American Mark Ruffalo, star of current hit movie 13 Going On 30.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro is the fifth of seven Association of Surfing
Professionals (ASP) world championship competitions in 2004, with each
surfer’s best six results to determine the final 2004 rankings. The final two events will run in Hawaii in November and December.

Rip Curl Malibu Pro (October 2 - 10)
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2004 Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)

US Teenager Narrowly Wins Wildcard Berth to Compete in Rip Curl Malibu Pro WCT

Friday, October 1, 2004 (Malibu, California, USA)

American teenager Karina Petroni, one of the surfing world’s outstanding young talents, today narrowly overcame a top-class 16-woman field to win the lone wildcard berth into the first Rip Curl Pro World Championship Tour (WCT) competition at California’s legendary Malibu Beach, due to begin tomorrow.

In clean but inconsistent two to three foot (one metre) waves at Leo Carillo Beach, north of Malibu, Florida’s Petroni beat Californian Julia Christian and Hawaiian teenager Leilani Gryde to earn her first opportunity to surf against the world’s top 17 female professionals.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro is the first stand-alone women’s professional world championship surfing competition on the USA mainland, and is the fifth of seven Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT) competitions in 2004, with each surfer’s best six results to determine the final 2004 rankings.

Petroni, a 16-year-old natural foot (left foot forward) surfer, showed plenty of her prodigious talent and style to claim victory in today’s 30-minute Trials decider, with less than one point separating the three finalists at the final hooter after a see-sawing tussle that had seen each of the trio hold the top spot.

The Floridian scored a total of 11.4 points (out of a possible 20) for her best two rides, with 22-year-old natural foot Christian posting 11.15 points and 17-year-old goody-foot Gryde 10.8 points.

Gryde and Christian had last minute chances to win after Petroni snatched the lead in the final five minutes, but each of the Hawaiian and Californian’s final waves just failed to provide enough open face for high scoring manoeuvres.

The Rip Curl Wetskin Trials featured 15 of America’s best young surfers and Australia’s reigning world junior champion Jessi Miley-Dyer clashing in a round robin series of 12 four-women heats, with Petroni, Christian and Gryde all winning each of their three preliminary heats to cement their places in the final. 18-year-old Miley-Dyer finished equal fourth overall in the Trials, but was far from disgraced and she looks set to join the world’s top 20 women within the next year.

Elated at winning her first World Championship Tournament berth, Petroni now faces a daunting first round challenge in the US$62,500 Rip Curl Malibu Pro, meeting current world number one, 21-year-old Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich and 29-year-old Australian Melanie Redman-Carr, currently ranked 10th.

"I’m so stoked, I can’t believe it," an excited and happy Petroni said as she emerged from the water. She continued "I just want to thank Rip Curl so much for putting on this event and letting me compete in it. I have surfed against Melanie, but not Sofia, and I’m really looking forward to the weekend now."

Contrasting Petroni’s happiness was Julia Christian’s severe disappointment at just falling short of reaching the main event. "It was just so close and I seem to have had a whole year with results like this," the Rip Curl team rider and 2003 member of the world’s top 20 said. Christian is currently ranked 26th on the ASP World Qualifying Series and remains a chance to qualify for the 2005 WCT.

Meanwhile, this historic Malibu competition could well determine the fate of Australian Layne Beachley’s bid for a record-setting seventh consecutive world championship.

Beachley, the 32-year-old who is already the most successful pro surfer of all-time male or female, is currently fourth on this year’s world ratings after her least successful campaign in more than a decade. She must reach the final of the Rip Curl Malibu Pro and hope her rivals have early round losses to keep alive hopes of a seventh successive world title.

Mulanovich, heralded as a future world title contender since her early teens, is also on the verge of creating her own piece of history. If the diminutive South American wins at Malibu, she will become the first female surfer to win four consecutive contests in 26 years of women’s pro surfing.

Hawaiian 33-year-old Rochelle Ballard and Brazilian 25-year-old Jacqueline Silva, currently ranked second and third respectively, are theoretically the stro ngest challengers to Beachley and Mulanovich at Malibu. For either Ballard or Silva to remain in contention for a maiden world title, each must place higher than the other, as well as finishing ahead of Beachley and Mulanovich.

Surf conditions for the weekend are forecast to remain similar to today, with the Rip Curl Malibu Pro expected to be completed on Sunday.

An entertaining highlight of this weekend’s action should be the Celebrity Surfbout, a fun team surfing competition pitting some of Hollywood’s leading actors against a lineup of high-profile musicians. Among those already confirmed to compete in the Celebrity Surfbout are:

- American Jorja Fox, one of the stars of the highly popular TV series CSI;
- Australian Simon Baker, star of the recent hit TV series The Guardian and the soon to be released movie The Ring 2;
- American self-confessed "idiot" Chris Pontius, best known for his crazy antics on MTV’s Jackass and Wild Boyz programs;
- Australian Dominic Purcell, a rising Hollywood star with a lead role in the soon to be released movie Blade Trinity;
- American Mark Ruffalo, star of current hit movie 13 Going On 30.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro will be webcast live on www.aspworldtour.com

Rip Curl Malibu Pro (October 2 - 10)
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2004 Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)

Hollywood Stars Join World’s Leading Women Surfers to Preview Rip Curl Malibu Pro

Thursday, September 30, 2004 (Malibu, California, USA)

The Rip Curl Pro at California’s legendary Malibu Beach - the first stand-alone women’s professional world championship surfing competition on the USA mainland - is all set to re-start the battle for the 2004 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world title this weekend.

The world’s current top four female professionals were joined at a Malibu restaurant today by five popular Hollywood actors and two other special guests to preview the historic competition that could well determine the fate of Australian Layne Beachley’s bid for a record 7th consecutive world championship.

Beachley, the 32-year-old who is already the most successful pro surfer of all-time male or female, is currently fourth on this year’s Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world ratings after her least successful campaign in more than a decade. She must reach the final of the Rip Curl Malibu Pro and hope her rivals have early round losses to keep alive hopes of a 7th successive world title.

Commenting on her season so far, Beachley said "My motivation and focus has been lower than in past years because I don’t feel like I have anything more to prove. But I’m still as competitive as ever and if I wasn’t here to win, I wouldn’t be here at all."

The great champion happily acknowledged this new event on the women’s tour, saying "I am impressed with Rip Curl putting an event on in mainland America, and it&Mac226;s fantastic that they&Mac226;ve put us on a wave that is real quality. It&Mac226;s encouraging to see the (surf) industry backing the sport because I think the girls deserve the respect and recognition and backing we&Mac226;re receiving. But of course it can always improve. We&Mac226;ve come a long way in the 15 years that I&Mac226;ve been on the tour, and there is plenty more to come - and at least I know the future of the sport is in very safe hands."

Current world number one, Peru’s 21-year-old Sofia Mulanovich, is also on the verge of creating her own piece of history. If the diminutive South American wins at Malibu, she will become the first female surfer to win four consecutive events in 26 years of pro surfing.

"I’m not thinking about the world title or the records at all," Mulanovich said, before adding that her success this year has been because "I am enjoying surfing so much, taking every heat and surfing every wave as if I was free surfing."

Hawaiian 33-year-old Rochelle Ballard and Brazilian 25-year-old Jacqueline Silva, currently ranked second and third respectively, are theoretically the strongest challengers to Beachley and Mulanovich at Malibu. For either Ballard or Silva to remain in contention for a maiden world title, each must place higher than the other, as well as finishing ahead of Beachley and Mulanovich.

Veteran Ballard is having her best year in her 13th season on tour. Like Mulanovich, the Hawaiian partly attributes her success this year to a more relaxed approach to competition. "I love surfing every different type of wave there is, no matter where I’m at," Ballard said.

"I love it (surfing) and I feel like a grommet &Mac246; it&Mac226;s just a love for the ocean and the waves. And that&Mac226;s the reason why I continue to be so
motivated. The more years of experience on the tour, the more I enjoy it and feel comfortable with it. I feel really inspired and it&Mac226;s an exciting thing. Part of me just really gets relaxed with it and I enjoy myself. I think sometimes when you get so excited about something you can put in too much effort, instead of recognising it as something you love and letting it come naturally."

Silva, runner-up to Beachley for the 2002 world title, slipped to 10th at the end of 2003. Contending for the world title again in her sixth season among the top 20, she expressed a quiet confidence today about her chances this weekend, saying "I’m feeling really good and I’m here to win, I think I can."

Today’s celebrity guests were all invited because of their personal passion for surfing, to help raise the profile of the competition and highlight the efforts of the Heal The Bay Foundation, a local environmental group campaigning against the pollution of the Santa Monica Bay, home to Malibu.

Those on hand were:
- Simon Baker, star of the recent hit TV series The Guardian and the soon to be released movie The Ring 2;
- Self-confessed "idiot" Chris Pontius, best known for his crazy antics on MTV’s Jackass and Wild Boyz programs;
- Mark Ruffalo, star of hit movie 13 Going On 30;
- Jorja Fox, one of the stars of the highly popular TV series CSI;
- Dominic Purcell, star of another soon to be released movie Blade Trinity.

All spoke admiringly of the skill of the female professional surfers, and being given the opportunity to support the Heal The Bay group, though they’re not so sure about the quality of entertainment they will provide in a fun "Celebrity Surf Bout" on Sunday, October 3rd, against a team of music stars who surf.

Chris Pontius probably summed it up best when he said "It’s great to be a part of this, but I think my surfing in the celebrity surf event is going to be an embarrassment to the sport."

Also attending today’s preview to be named patron of the Rip Curl Malibu Pro was the original surfer girl Gidget, Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman. Her real-life surfing exploits at Malibu in the 1950s inspired the 1959 hit movie Gidget, which helped popularize surfing worldwide.

Probably the most in-demand person at today’s function was 14-year-old Bethany Hamilton, the promising Rip Curl team surfer who lost her left arm in a shark attack less than a year ago in Hawaii. Hamilton is at Malibu to compete in the Rip Curl Wetskin Trials on Friday, October 1st, a 16-woman preliminary event to the Pro, with the winner to earn a chance to take on the world’s top 17 women surfers.

Bethany also presented a sneak preview of her biographical book Soul Surfer, to be officially released worldwide by Simon & Schuster in New York October 5th.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro is the fifth of seven Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world championship competitions in 2004, with each surfer’s best six results to determine the final 2004 rankings.

Rip Curl Proudly Announces The Inaugural Rip Curl Malibu Pro

Rip Curl Proudly Announces The Inaugural Rip Curl Malibu Pro - The First Ever Stand Alone Womens World Championship Tour Surf Event On Mainland Usa Soil

Malibu, California - International action sports brand Rip Curl is proud to announce the inaugural Rip Curl Malibu Pro to the women’s professional surfing tour taking place October 2-10, 2004 in Malibu, California.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro stands alone as the first ever women’s stand alone World Championship Tour event on American mainland soil and promises to showcase an awesome spectacle of women’s professional surfing at one of the world’s most quality point breaks.

Enshrined in American folklore, Malibu is a place that offers miles of magical, south facing coastline, a history rich in Hollywood film making, and a footprint that boasts the birthrights to what America calls it’s true surfing culture today. From Gidget to Micky Dora, Malibu has been home to some of America’s most influential surfers.

“Fall is a beautiful time of year in Southern California, the south swells combining with crisp offshore morning conditions, tailor made for the world’s best to strut their stuff,” said ASP International’s (Association of Surfing Professionals) President Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew. “Everything about Malibu is classic, congratulations to Rip Curl for bringing Women’s surfing back to the heartland.”

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro will use Malibu as headquarters and the main event base, but will also remain mobile with access to the hidden right point of Leo Carillo some 15 minutes north, and further north again into Ventura County to the infamous right hand lines of C-Street.

The Rip Curl Malibu Pro draws 18 of the top ranked women professional surfers to compete for a prize purse worth $62,500 USD. Rip Curl Team Riders Jacqueline Silva (Brazil), Bethany Hamilton (Hawaii), and Marie Pierre Abgrall (France) will be pursuing the opportunity to capture the crown of the inaugural Malibu Pro. Six times defending World Champion Layne Beachley must win this historic event to have any chance of a 7th Title, and with a characteristic home stretch surge on the cards, Malibu presents the perfect arena to stake her claim. Hawaiian world #2 Rochelle Ballard is also having a strong year, 2004 offering the best chance for the tour veteran to clinch a maiden World Title. Riding hard on the heels of tour leader Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) will be Chelsea Georgeson (Australia), Jacqueline Silva and Lauren McGrath (Australia), three of the tour’s young achievers all seeking future fame.

The Rip Curl Wetskin Trials will also be staged as a one day prelude to the main event on Friday October 1, with sixteen invitees competiting in a round robin format to select one lucky wildcard who will gain automatic entry into the main event. Bethany Hamilton will be among the contestants in the Trials, side by side with Rip Curl team riders and Surfing America WQS selectees.

Intertwined with the Women’s WCT will be the Rip Curl Celebrity Surf Bout that will take place on Sunday, October 3rd at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach. The stage is set for celebrity actors and musicians to take on international rock stars in a tag team surf event that will proclaim end-all bragging rights of who’s toughest. More than 5,000 spectators are expected to witness their favorite celebrities battle it out in Malibu’s infamous right-hand point break. The Rip Curl Celebrity Surf Bout will be open to the public and all proceeds will benefit the Heal the Bay Foundation.

“We welcome the world’s best female surfers to Malibu in early October for this year’s inaugural event, and all the magic that the surrounding Hollywood area has to offer. We can’t wait for the event to begin” added Rip Curl VP of Sales & Marketing Adam Sharp.“

Sofia Mulanovich Wins the Roxy Pro France, her third consecutive WCT win!

Roxy Pro France (May 22 – 30) www.roxy.com

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2004 Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)

Saturday, May 29, 2004 (Anglet, France): Twenty year-old Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich has defeated world #2 Keala Kennelly of Hawaii to win the Roxy Pro France in six-to-eight foot (2-2.5m) surf at La Madrague beach. Mulanovich’s win is her third straight World Championship Tour victory and marks her as the undisputed favorite for this year’s Association of Surfing Professionals women’s world title.

Mulanovich battled thunderous seas to defeat the big-name Hawaiian, riding only two scoring waves in 30 minutes. Giant sets washed both surfers from their positions at the beginning of the final and then prevented them from returning to the lineup until the half way mark. Mulanovich eventually secured her first ride, a washed-out lefthander that enabled her to perform a series of cutbacks, with just 11 minutes remaining.

Her second score was locked in with barely 90 seconds remaining and her combined two-wave heat total was enough to outpoint Kennelly 7.60 to 3.80. Mulanovich’s victory follows recent wins in the Roxy Pro Fiji and Billabong Pro Tahiti and rockets the diminutive natural-footer to the top of the WCT ratings.

“I am so happy, this is like a dream right now,” explained Mulanovich. “I just can’t believe it. In my quarters and semis I had good surfs and really enjoyed myself but then in the final, I was looking at all these waves going, (she holds her hands up exasperated) ‘Okay, just try and kill me one more time!’ I got so many sets on the head it was ridiculous. Keala too, there was nothing we could do.”

The WCT hat trick sees the 2003 world #7 join an illustrious group of former world champions. Defending ASP world champion Layne Beachley (Aus) last achieved the feat in 1998 when she won the Sunsmart Classic Bells Beach, the Diet Coke Classic Manly and the Tokushima Pro Japan to set up the first of her six consecutive world titles.

Australians Pauline Menczer (1994), Wendy Botha (1987/89) and Hawaiian Margo Oberg (1977) also achieved the feat during their world title years. Yet despite her awesome form of late, Mulanovich isn’t prepared to look too far ahead.

“I’m pretty stoked, I have some solid results,” she laughed. “But I’m not going to say anything. Not until the end. I’m going to surf every contest coming up like it’s still my first.”

For 25 year-old Kennelly her finals appearance today is her best result from four events thus far in 2004. Her scores in the decider, however, were in complete contrast to a day of remarkable surfing that commenced with the quarterfinals this morning.

Mulanovich, Kennelly, six-time world champion Beachley and 21 year-old defending Roxy Pro France champion Chelsea Georgeson were all standouts. Each locked in excellent scores in their respective heats, riding long overhead lefthanders in the testing beach break conditions.

“We were so amped to take it to the next level in the final,” explained Kennelly. “But the ocean suddenly had other ideas. I felt like I was Eddie Aikau (a famous Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard) lost at sea. We were a pushing so hard all day, but I think in the end Sofia and I both had bad luck. There’s no tactics in that situation, you just gotta push on and that’s what I tried to do.”

Beachley looked strong early on with the world #1 posting the event’s highest individual wave score of 9.65 on her opening quarterfinal wave this morning. In her semifinal versus Mulanovich she again posted an excellent opening ride before succumbing to a pattern that plagued each of her heats, the inability to find a second strong score. Ultimately it was her undoing.

With her most recent final being the Billabong Pro Maui last December where she finished second and her last WCT victory at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast in March 2003, it has now been a long time “between drinks” for the 32 year-old.

“Knowing I had a really good opportunity to make my first final in over six months is bitterly disappointing,” explained Beachley. “It’s been even longer since I won a contest. I was feeling really confident in all my heats here. I was getting eights and nines every time, and the fact is I didn’t back them up. There was a chance to gain some ground on the ratings too, but oh well. Third is still not a bad result.”

Defending Roxy Pro France champion Chelsea Georgeson was on target for a second WCT title until meeting Kennelly in the semis. Looking extremely comfortable in the testing conditions, Georgeson consistently made late drops and drew committed turns. The world #4 fell on a critical close-out floater, however, requiring a score of 7.66. Her eventual score came up just over half a point short. Disappointed, the 21 year old made no excuses for her performance.

“You don’t get through heats or win contests by falling off,” Georgeson said.

Jacqueline Silva (Florianopolis, Bra), Trudy Todd (Coolangatta, Aus), Heather Clark (Port Shepstone, ZAF) and local wildcard Caroline Sarran finished equal 5th today.

For Silva, winner of the first event of the 2004 WCT (Roxy Pro Gold Coast) her equal 5th placing in the Roxy Pro France matches her best effort from four attempts.

Sarran meanwhile distinguished herself on day two of competition by eliminating world ratings leader Rochelle Ballard of Hawaii.

The next women’s WCT event is scheduled for Florianopolis, Brazil in September.

Evian’s shortboard Expression Session was held prior to the final. Melanie Bartels (Haw) placed 1st ahead of Melanie Redman-Carr (Dunsborough, Aus) and Beachley respectively.

The Roxy Pro France has been just one highlight of the Roxy Jam Presented by Samsung, incorporating eight days of non-stop action in Anglet. Nightly concerts, DJ sets, fashion parades, Evian’s expression sessions, Roxy’s ‘Learn to Surf Now coaching clinics and the presence of Roxy’s elite international team has made for an awesome week of festivities.

Modart’s on-site “Keep a Breast” art exhibition also helped raise money and awareness for the fight against women’s breast cancer. WCT competitors and Roxy’s models were given the opportunity to loan their busts for the creation of individual plaster cast moldings that were then painted by a recognized artist and auctioned.

The cast of former four-time world champion Lisa Andersen painted by Lucy McLaughlan set a new Modart record – obtaining a final bid of EUR$4,000 (approx. USD$4,900). The stunning mother of two said she was so nervous during the bidding war she felt the need to sit down.

“I was blushing so much may face turned bright red,” explained Andersen. “But it feels good to know they raised so much money.”

Model Veronica Kay (Cal, USA) and world #6 WCT competitor Trudy Todd also sat for the charity campaign and their casts were painted by artists “Emma” and Herve’ Le Houx. A grand total of EUR$25,000 was raised.

Modart brings together artists from the surf/skate/snow and urban art communities. More than USD$100,000 has been raised over the past four years via similar exhibits. The single highest price paid for a bust prior to The Roxy Jam was USD$1,200.

– Jesse Faen

Roxy Pro France Final
1st Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 7.60 – 1,200 pts, USD$10,000
2nd Keala Kennelly (Haw) 3.80 – 972 pts USD$6,000

Results Roxy Pro France Semi finals (1st>final, 2nd=3rd) 756 pts, USD$4,000
SF1: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 14.90 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 14.25
SF2: Sofia Mulanovich (Per) 15.65 def. Layne Beachley (Aus) 10.75

Results Roxy Pro France Quarter finals (1st>semis, 2nd=5th) 552 pts, USD$3,000
QF1: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 15.75 def. Jacqueline Silva (Bra) 9.00
QF2: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 13.75 def. Caroline Sarran (Fra) 10.60
QF3: Sofia Mulanovich (Per) 18.85 def. Trudy Todd (Aus) 11.75
QF4: Layne Beachley (Aus) 11.65 def. Heather Clark (ZAF) 8.40
1. Sofia Mulanovich (Per) 3960
2. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 3276
3. Jacqueline Silva (Bra) 2856
4. Layne Beachley (Aus) 2616
4. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 2616
6. Laurina McGrath (Aus) 2424
7. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 2244
8. Maria Tita Tavares (Bra) 2220
9. Trudy Todd (Aus) 1824
10. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 1656

Roxy Pro France (May 22 – 30) www.roxy.com

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2004 Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)

Festival Atmosphere Set to Rock Roxy Pro, France

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 (ASP International, Australia): The Roxy Pro France enters its official waiting period next week (May 22 – 30). The beautiful beaches of Anglet in Southern France will host the fourth event on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) women’s World Championship Tour (WCT) with a festive atmosphere scheduled to complement the prestigious stand-alone event.

The Roxy Pro France features the world’s top 17 rated female surfers plus one local wildcard and will be the highlight of The Roxy Jam – a huge week of festivities incorporating live concerts, DJ sets, art exhibitions, surfing expression sessions and learn-to-surf programs headed by Roxy’s elite international team riders.

The Roxy Pro main event site will be at “La Madrague” beach. The tournament also boasts a mobile element with the capacity to travel to the best waves each day between the beach breaks of Seignosse, and further south to the big swell location Lafitenia in St Jean De Luz.

An exciting and comprehensive eight-day program will be kick started by the “Teenie Wahinee” surf competition for next-generation surfer girls aged between 8 and 16. The Roxy Pro then enters its official waiting period - requiring just two full days to run. Organizers will monitor conditions and utilize the best surf available.

Joining six-time world champion Layne Beachley (Manly, Aus) and world #2 Keala Kennelly (Kauai, Haw) on the beach will be the stars of Roxy’s international team. Surfer/model Veronica Kay (USA), Canary Islands based windsurfing champions Daida and Iballa Moreno, and Californian longboard stylist Kassia Meador will act as glamorous guides and instructors throughout the Roxy Jam. While four-time world champion Lisa Andersen (FL, USA) will act as WCT contest director.

An additional special element of the festival is Modart’s “Keep a Breast” art exhibit. The girl surfers and other volunteers have the opportunity to allow their busts to be used to make moulds that will be painted and illustrated by artists from all over the world. These unique creations will then be auctioned off to raise money and awareness for the associations that fight against breast cancer.

Hawaii’s Rochelle Ballard heads into the Roxy Pro as current WCT ratings leader. Having amassed three consecutive runner-up finishes from as many events in 2004, the 33-year-old is excited about returning to France and her prospects in the tournament.

“I love France,” explains Ballard. “The food, people and waves. I always have a good time and lots of fun, plus I seem to get results there, so it’s even better! It’s a great opportunity for us to have another stand-alone event, and score better waves. What a great way to kick off the summer!”

Sofia Mulanovich is hot on her heels. The 20 year-old Peruvian recently won her maiden WCT title at the Roxy Pro Fiji, and then last week again defeated Ballard to win the final at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. She is now a close second on the ASP ratings.

“I’m looking forward to the contest because its a stand-alone Roxy event, which is great because we know we can get the best waves during the whole waiting period,” says Mulanovich. “I’m pretty amped. I’m just going to have fun and see what happens!”

European Junior Champion Caroline Sarran has obtained the only wild card to compete in the Roxy Pro. Although she began surfing at neighboring Les Cavaliers, her familiarity with La Madrague beach should give her added confidence against the world’s best. Having recently won the Roxy Pro Trials in Fiji, she is no stranger to the WCT format.

Hossegor’s fantastic beach breaks hosted the inaugural 2002 Roxy Pro showdown, with Australian Layne Beachley securing her only season victory over then wildcard Mulanovich. In 2003 Beachley again made the final, but was beaten by rising star and fellow Australian Chelsea Georgeson in testing conditions at La Graviere.

Daily releases and updates will be available on www.roxy.com

-Jesse Faen

SOFIA MULANOVICH WINS BILLABONG PRO TEAHUPOO

Tuesday, May 11, 2004 (Teahupoo, Tahiti) Peru’s Sofia Mulanovich today secured consecutive victories by winning the Billabong Pro Teahupoo over Rochelle Ballard (HAW). Competition resumed with round three heats this morning, and organizers of the World Championship Tournament (WCT) opted to continue the women’s division, which climaxed in good conditions this afternoon.

Clean 3ft (1m) waves were on offer at Teahupoo throughout the day, though unfortunately remained inconsistent. A slight increase from the southwest direction did occur, with hollow 4ft (1.3m) sets prevailing.

Mulanovich has proved unstoppable of late. The 20-year-old began her incredible run by winning the ISA world title in Ecuador last month, and then backed this up with her first WCT victory in Fiji two weeks ago. She entered the Billabong Pro third on the ratings, but following five more heat wins - highlighted by trademark backhand re-entries, is now situated just behind the lead in runner-up position.

Against Ballard for the second consecutive final in as many weeks, Mulanovich trailed for the first half before locking in a huge 9.23 score - the second best of the entire tournament. Combined with her earlier 5.0 she took control, if only marginally, but managed to keep it for the remaining 10-minutes. With it came another US$10,000 prizemoney and 1,200 valuable ratings points.

“I don’t believe it,” began Mulanovich, after doing a lap of honor through the lineup on a jet ski. “I’m feeling too good, like it’s not real. I feel way more confident about everything now. It’s been a great week and was a great final to win. I’m so stoked I made it; I’m overwhelmed (laughs).

“I knew ‘Roachie’ was winning, but then a wave came from nowhere,” she explained. “I didn’t do safe maneuvers, but just went for it. Today was pretty small out there, so it wasn’t really scary and I think that’s why I won (laughs). I love lefts like this, so thank God conditions were favorable to me.

“I feel more relaxed in every heat now and that’s what is helping me,” she continued. “I’ve always wanted to be world champion since I was a kid, and yeah, it’s a good chance now. I’m just going to try my best and am have fun everyday on tour.”

For Ballard, the result amazingly marks three consecutive runner-up finishes this season. Having already reached two finals at Teahupoo previously (2001 & ’03), many believed she was destined for her first victory at both the venue and for the year today. A confident 7.83 ride proved her best however, and the 33-year-old was searching for another worth 6.41 during the latter part of the decider. Nonetheless, she retains pole position on the ratings heading into the next WCT in France.

“I’m actually really stoked to have three finals in a row,” began an emotional Ballard. “I’m just a little disappointed in not winning. I know I have a great chance of winning (the world title). This is my year and I’m really excited about it.

“The waves just weren’t there today,” she added. “I’m really happy for Sofia. I’m stoked on this contest and am going to win it one year. Forget the three times a charm - four times a charm (laughs). It was a good event and hopefully it will be a lot better next year.”

Equal third today were six-times world champion Layne Beachley (Manly, AUS) and WCT newcomer Laurina McGrath (Byron Bay, AUS).

Beachley, the 2001 Billabong Pro winner, posted the highest combined scores of the event during her quarterfinal for 17.5-points, showing her determination to amend below average results this season. The 31-year-old was also named the prestigious Laureus Alternative Sportsperson recipient yesterday, but none of these elements helped against Ballard, who created a strong lead and left the Australian searching for another 7.6 score.

“It just went flat, and I guess the one wave I could have gotten a score on I fell,” recalled Beachley. “I waited for sets which unfortunately never came. She surfed a much better heat than I did. I’m bitterly disappointed, that’s for sure, but at least this result will probably prevent me from having to do the WQS tour to re-qualify (laughs). I was considering retirement at the end of last year, but I’ve come back and basically put myself in the line of fire. I’ve got to step up to it. The girls are very confident and hungry, and I’m not doing very well in defending my world title right now. Hopefully I can place better in the next five events.”

McGrath has proved a major surprise in 2004, gaining admission to WCT via winning a surf-off between three other injury wildcard applicants at the start of the year. Since then she hasn’t looked back however, with a quarterfinal finish on Australia’s Gold Coast, and now her second consecutive semifinals berth. The 21-year-old put in a valiant effort against Mulanovich, collecting an 8.17 to move well within range, but again on her last wave as the seconds ticked down, her score proved slightly less than desired.

“It wasn’t quite enough, so I tried again on the last wave, even though I knew it probably wouldn’t do it,” explained McGrath, who rode both waves onto the exposed reef. “I got a little graze on my back for the last turn, but I knew I had nothing to lose. I’m really happy with semis again and am absolutely loving the WCT. The waves are that much better and I really like the format. I’m happy with the way I’ve gone so far.”

Finishing equal fifth in the Billabong Pro Teahupoo were Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), defending Billabong Pro champion Keala Kennelly (Kauai, HAW), and Brazilians Jacqueline Silva and Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares.

Kennelly, a three-time event winner at Teahupoo, was unable to add another title to her amazing track record at the treacherous break. The Kauaian losing a re-match of last year’s final to Ballard, in what was a slow quarterfinal - yet drama packed towards the end. Both locked in good set rides halfway through the clash, but the goofy footer still required a 5.18 score at completion.

Silva won the opening WCT on Australia’s Gold Coast this year, but was eliminated by McGrath in today’s quarterfinals. The Brazilian improved on previous results at Teahupoo to gain some consolation, and is now rated third.

“All the other years I’ve placed ninth here, so I’m happy with a fifth,” said Silva.

The Billabong Pro Teahupoo is staged with the support of The Tahitian Surfing Federation, Air New Zealand, Von Zipper, Bose and The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).

Live during competition hours on www.billabongpro.com and round one of the men’s division is expected to commence tomorrow morning.

Billabong Pro Teahupoo Women’s Division
1st Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 14.23 –US$10,000
2nd Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 13.5 – US$6,000

Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd receive US$4,000)
SF1: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 12.6 def. Layne Beachley (AUS) 9.17
SF2: Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 14.17 def. Laurina McGrath (AUS) 13.84

Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th receives US$3,000)
QF1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 17.5 def. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 11.5
QF2: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 11.17 def. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 9.57
QF3: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 11.5 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 6.83
QF4: Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 16.6 def. Maria Tavares (BRA) 10.26

Round Three (1st>Quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$2,750)
H1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 14.07 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 7.17
H2: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 11.17 def. Heather Clark (ZAF) 7.5
H3: Keala Kennelly (HAW) 16.67 def. Melanie RedmanCarr (AUS) 8.17
H4: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 12.5 def. Prue Jeffries (AUS) 7.0
H5: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 7.74 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 6.83
H6: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 13.07 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 12.5
H7: Maria Tavares (BRA) 14.73 def. Trudy Todd (AUS) 10.5
H8: Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 12.33 def. Pauline Menczer (AUS) 11.57

Official ASP Ratings after event #3
1. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 2,916-points
2. Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 2,760
3. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 2,304
4. Laurina McGrath (AUS) 2,064
=5. Layne Beachley (AUS); Chelsea Georgeson (AUS); Maria Tavares (BRA) 1,860
8. Melanie RedmanCarr (AUS) 1,476
=9. Keala Kennelly (HAW); Samantha Cornish (AUS); Trudy Todd (AUS) 1,272

BILLABONG PRO TEAHUPOO ENTERS WAITING PERIOD

Wednesday, May 5, 2004 (Teahupoo, Tahiti) The Billabong Pro Teahupoo enters its official waiting period tomorrow, with both men and women’s divisions on standby for a possible start. Plenty of action has already been dished up during the Air Tahiti Nui/Von Zipper Trials, which climaxed yesterday, but anticipation is brewing for the world’s top rated surfers to put their reputations on the line at the notorious Tahitian reef break.

A special and unique two-hour expression session took place today at Teahupoo, allowing WCT contestants the rare opportunity to practice with relatively few others in the lineup. Perfect 4-5 ft (1.5m) waves were on offer, with the surfing world’s media watching on from the nearby channel.

Among the crowd was current world #2 Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, AUS). Despite the impending birth of his and fiancée’s Monica’s first child, Parkinson was given the green light from Doctors to fly to Tahiti and compete, but will remain on high alert and possibly leave early if need be.

"Monica and I went to the doctor and he has given me the all clear to leave town for the contest,” explained Parkinson. “But I’ll be talking to Monica daily and if there is any sign of bub coming I’ll be heading back on the next flight."

Also in the lineup was Tahitian surfing champion Hira Teriinatoofa, who Billabong is pleased to announce just signed on as part of their international team. The 24-year-old recently followed in the footsteps of legendary waterman Vetea “Poto” David by becoming the second Tahitian surfer to win a world ISA title.

Teriinatoofa won the 2004 premier men’s ISA title in Ecuador from a world ranked field of surfers. David claimed his world junior ISA title in 1986. Terinatoofa has been granted a wildcard from the Tahitian Surfing Federation into the Billabong Pro at Teahupoo this week.

“I’m just super stoked that Billabong have signed Hira, he is a good friend to me,” said reigning two-times world champion Andy Irons. “I congratulate him on his ISA win and I am looking forward to him joining the ranks in the main event at Teahupoo.”

Joining Teriinatoofa and the world’s top rated men in the Billabong Pro main event are Tahiti’s Heimata Carroll and Australia’s Shaun Cansdell (Mullaway, NSW). The pair claimed wildcards through the Air Tahiti Nui/Von Zipper Trials yesterday, finishing first and second respectively.

Both the Billabong Pro Teahupoo men’s and women’s WCT’s will be held in the best conditions between May 6th and 18th. The Billabong Pro Teahupoo is staged with the support of The Tahitian Surfing Federation, Air New Zealand, Von Zipper, Bose and The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).

Updates will be posted daily, and you can watch it live on www.billabongpro.com

Roxy Pro Fiji (April 18-24) www.roxy.com
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2004 Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)

SOFIA MULANOVICH WINS THE ROXY PRO!

Friday, April 23, 2004 (Tavarua & Namotu Islands, Fiji) Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich today won the fourth annual Roxy Pro in perfect conditions. The richest ever (US$73,300) women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) resumed with quarterfinals this morning and ran through until the 2004 champion was crowned.

Perfect 4-5 ft (1.5m) waves were on offer for the final day at Cloudbreak. The new swell, which was generated from a storm 10-days ago some 9,000kms away, arrived on cue for an ideal event climax.

The 35-minute final against Hawaiian Rochelle Ballard proved the best heat of the entire tournament, as both contestants posted huge scores with incredible surfing. Mulanovich’s opening ride secured her piece of history though, as the diminutive natural footer waited for one of the larger set waves and unleashed an inspired backhand attack for the Roxy Pro’s only perfect 10-point score.

Riding the success of her recent ISA world title in Ecuador just two weeks ago, the 20-year-old then locked in another 7.75 to create a commanding lead. Having previously finished runner-up in the 2002 Roxy Pro France - as an event wildcard, today’s result marks her first WCT win and moved her into third position on the current ASP ratings.

“I’m in the clouds right now,” began Mulanovich, after being congratulated by fellow competitors and friends in the lineup. “Everything here is so beautiful and perfect, and I can’t imagine being happier.

“It was great surfing against ‘Roachie’,” she added, of her roommate on Tavarua. “We’ve been talking about how it would be if we both made the final, and it happened. I knew my first wave was a good one, but I had to do everything I could to win the final. It felt really good when they said it was a 10-point ride, but I was still really nervous, as I knew she could get one also. I just had to take advantage of the situation, and thank God another wave came for me.

“I was stoked to make a final in France as wildcard, but I really wanted to win,” she continued, of the result in France. “Then after watching most of my friends like Chelsea (Georgeson) and Sam (Cornish) get wins, I was so determined. Finally I got it and it feels insane.”

Ballard, who posted a near-perfect 9.75 backhand tube ride this morning, as well as the highest combined tally of the tournament for 18.5-points, was clearly in form. The 33-year-old commenced her final campaign strongly and emerged from another deep barrel for an 8.75, yet still required another worth 9.01-points at completion. By reaching her second consecutive final of the year though, she had already amassed enough points to take the ratings lead.

“I’m really excited,” said Ballard, of the ratings. “It feels weird to be in the first two finals in a row and not win, but it’s actually just making me hungrier. Every competitor on the WCT this year is really insane, and I look up to all of the girls, so it’s never a walk in the park.

“I’m really stoked for her,” she added, in praise of Mulanovich. “That first win is so insane. Actually, next time I win is going to be like the first time since it’s been so long (laughs). Roxy put on a great event and I’m just proud to be on tour still, going strong.”

Equal third were Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares (BRA) and Laurina McGrath (Byron Bay, AUS). Tavares, who made a comeback to the WCT ranks in 2004, posted a great win over fellow Brazilian and ratings leader Jacqueline Silva this morning, but was unable to match the scores of Mulanovich. Nonetheless, the result marks her best ever on the WCT.

“I’m so happy to make the semifinals,” said Tavares. “This is my first time, and I love the waves at Cloudbreak so much. Sofia surfed very well. I’m looking forward to all the events this year.”

McGrath - who received an ASP wildcard position for the year, following an injury late last season that hindered her qualifying chances - again proved her place is among the elite. The 21-year-old reached the quarterfinals of the opening Roxy Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast this past March, and today went one better. Following a massive win over six-time world champion Layne Beachley in the quarters, she surfed a confident semi against Ballard, but ultimately required another wave worth 7.51-points. Her combined results have already pushed her into fourth position on the current ratings.

“I’m happy with the way I went, even though I didn’t quite make the final,” said McGrath. “To get past Layne in the quarters… I was really happy. I’m just taking this year one heat at a time. All the girls are surfing so well, so every heat I make is a bonus and I’m really happy with the way I’ve started.”

Finishing equal fifth in the Roxy Pro were Australians Chelsea Georgeson (Gold Coast), Layne Beachley (Manly) and Trudy Todd (Gold Coast), together with Brazilian Jacqueline Silva (Florianopolis).

Silva, winner of the opening Roxy Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast earlier this year, lost a close battle with Tavares, while Beachley had her quest for a Roxy Pro title stopped by rising star McGrath’s final 9-point ride. The Australian has an amazing track record all over the globe, but is yet to advance past the quarterfinals here in Fiji.

Two Roxy expression sessions were also held today, one prior to and then another following the final. Chelsea Georgeson collected the best ride in the opening session, while Keala Kennelly was awarded the best maneuver. Then in the second, Laurina McGrath and Heather Clark (ZAF) did likewise.

With competition responsibilities now out of the way, the world’s best women are partying like there’s no tomorrow on Tavarua Island. DJ KK (world #2 Keala Kennelly) has the dance floor packed and festivities are sure to continue long after another majestic sunset has highlighted the day’s end here in paradise.

Official Roxy Pro Results
1st Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 17.75 – US$10,600
2nd Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 15.5 – US$6,600

Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd receives US$4,600)
SF1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 17.25 def. Maria Tavares (BRA) 7.75
SF2: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 14.75 def. Laurina McGrath (AUS) 14.25

Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th receives US$)
QF1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.4 def. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 9.6
QF2: Maria Tavares (BRA) 12.9 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 12.75
QF3: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 15.0 def. Layne Beachley (AUS) 12.0
QF4: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 18.25 def. Trudy Todd (AUS) 13.5

Official ASP women’s Top 10 ratings after WCT#2
1. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 1,944-points
2. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 1,752
3. Sofia Mulanovich (PERU) 1,560
=4. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), Maria Tavares (BRA), Laurina McGrath (AUS)
7. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
8. Layne Beachley (AUS) 1,104
=9. Samantha Cornish (AUS), Tru dy Todd (AUS) 912

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 (Tavarua & Namotu Islands, Fiji) Six-time world champion Layne Beachley (Manly, AUS) made her intentions clear today in the fourth annual Roxy Pro. Round two and three of the richest ever (US$73,300) women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) were completed in clean conditions, with only quarterfinals onwards now remaining.

Good 3-4 ft (1-1.3m) waves were again on offer this morning at Cloudbreak, with a more ideal south swell direction creating longer rides. Although inconsistent at times, conditions were a marked improvement on yesterday.

Beachley had her work cut out against 2001 event winner Megan Abubo (HAW). The Hawaiian created a solid lead following two seven plus rides, but patience and a healthy dose of confidence paid off for the Australian, who used priority to post a brilliant 9.0 – the best single score of the tournament. Still requiring another 5.75 to advance, she then caught a couple of smaller insiders, managing a 6.25 on her last wave, which ended on the dry reef. Having never placed higher than fifth in the Roxy Pro at Cloudbreak, the 31-year-old is completely focused on bettering this statistic.

“I thought Megan had me, as I looked at my watch at the halfway mark and realized I really hadn’t even started yet,” recalled Beachley. “She had two sevens, but I know I have the ability to catch nines, so I told myself to be patient and not waste priority. All the girls know I don’t give up and that’s what makes a world champion – the ability to thrive under pressure. I was able to do that, but Megan is a tough competitor and it was a really hard fought heat.

“I hit the reef on my last wave, but I wanted to prove I was determined to win the heat,” she added. “I wanted the judges to reward me for my effort, even if it meant walking on the reef. If I lost a fin, or lost some skin, it didn’t matter as I want to win this contest.”

Current ASP ratings leader Jacqueline Silva (BRA) put yesterday’s first round loss behind her, posting a great win this morning, before gaining revenge on French wildcard Caroline Sarran in round three. Both surfers sat further outside the break, subsequently missing many of the good waves on offer, but when the action heated up it was Silva who secured the higher points. She’ll now face fellow Brazilian Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares in the quarters, after the natural footer dominated her clash with two-times Roxy Pro runner-up Heather Clark (ZAF).

“I’m happy to make it through,” began Silva. “You had to be patient out there, but the waves were good. It’s great to beat Caroline, as she’s a very good competitor. Now I have ‘Tita’, who surfed really well in her last heat.”

“I want to keep this position, as it’s very important for me and my sponsors,” she continued, of the ratings. “I want to get a good result here to keep first place.”

Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich continued her great form, again posting the day’s highest overall total to beat 2002 event winner Melanie Redman-Carr (West AUS). Despite securing her second wave further inside than the usual takeoff zone, the 20-year-old proceeded to belt the lip on her backhand and locked in an 8.5 and comfortable lead. She’ll now challenge good friend and world #4 Chelsea Georgeson (Gold Coast), who accounted for fellow Australian Lynette MacKenzie this morning.

“I had a bit of luck, as I was losing the first half of the heat and felt pretty nervous, but a really good wave came,” said Mulanovich. “To me, Chelsea’s the best surfer on tour right now. She’s one of my best friends, so I’m just going to have fun and we’ll see what happens.”

Defending Roxy Pro champion Keala Kennelly (Kauai, HAW) was the day’s biggest upset, being eliminated in round three by Australian Trudy Todd (Gold Coast). The Kauaian trailed throughout, and despite only requiring an easily attainable 7-point ride, the ocean never co-operated with a hollow wave she desired.

“Going against KK I was just praying there were no barrels, and there wasn’t,” said a relieved Todd. “If it was, I’m sure she would have dominated out there. I was lucky to get a couple of little ones, nothing special, but enough.”

She’ll next face Rochelle Ballard in tomorrow’s fourth quarterfinal, after she convincingly defeated fellow Hawaiian and WCT newcomer Melanie Bartels (HAW) in the day’s final match.

Competition is expected to resume tomorrow morning at 8am (local time), with the event set to climax around midday if conditions permit.

Roxy Pro Round Three (1st>Quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$3,350)
H1: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 11.5 def. Lynette MacKenzie (AUS) 5.6
H2: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 16.5 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 12.75
H3: Maria Tavares (BRA) 14.25 def. Heather Clark (ZAF) 11.25
H4: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.5 def. Caroline Sarran (FRA) 9.75
H5: Layne Beachley (AUS) 15.25 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 14.75
H6: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 12.75 (7.5) def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 12.75 (6.5)
H7: Trudy Todd (AUS) 11.75 def. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 7.65
H8: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 14.85 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.0

Round Two (1st, 2nd>Rnd3; 3rd=17th receives US$2,850)
H1: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 14.5; Lynette MacKenzie (AUS) 13.85; Prue Jeffries (AUS) 10.75
H2: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 14.0; Maria Tavares (BRA) 11.25; Pauline Menczer (AUS) 9.75

Sarran Wins Trials; Round One Completed

Monday, April 19, 2004 (Tavarua & Namotu Islands, Fiji) French surfer Caroline Sarran today won her second consecutive Trials event to gain a wildcard into the fourth annual Roxy Pro. Round one of the richest ever (US$73,300) women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) was then completed, before conditions deteriorated and forced the postponement of competition this afternoon.

Good 3-4 ft (1-1.3m) waves were on offer this morning at Cloudbreak, with the odd barrel racing along the shallow reef break. As the midday low tide drained out and side-shore winds increased however, the event went on hold.

France’s rising star Caroline Sarran created big news this morning, holding off a strong challenge from Australia’s Carly Smith (Byron Bay) to again win the Roxy Trials final. The 19-year-old impressed all with her equal fifth placing in 2003, and has already advanced into round three of this year’s event. The stylish natural footer finished runner-up in her opening main event heat, beating current ASP ratings leader Jacqueline Silva (BRA) to avoid the dreaded ‘losers’ second round.

“I’m stoked to win the Trials, as it was pretty hard and close with Carly until the last minute,” acknowledged Sarran. “Then I had two of the best surfers in the world my next heat. I’m really happy make round three without having to surf in the second.”

Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich d ominated their heat, collecting the highest combined scores of the day for 15.75-points. The 20-year-old used an optimistic approach to below-average Cloudbreak conditions, which proved wise.

“The waves are inconsistent, so you have to be really alert when they come,” said Mulanovich. “You just have to go out and have fun, and do as many turns as you can. This is the fourth time I’m come here and conditions have always been similar.”

Silva, who won the opening Roxy Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast in March, was relegated to the second elimination round. Nonetheless, the Brazilian was quick to point out she suffered the same fate in Australia, with nothing but success following.

“I lost my first heat, but the same thing happene