Billabong Pro
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)
Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
December 8th – 20th 2003
Beachley Claims Unprecedented Sixth Consecutive World Title
Samantha Cornish Wins Billabong Pro Maui
photo ASPWorldtour/Karen
Friday, December 12, 2003 (Honolua Bay, Maui) Australian Layne Beachley today set an unprecedented record by winning her sixth consecutive ASP world title. Samantha Cornish (Aus) then defeated her to win the Billabong Pro Maui final. The US$60,000 Women´s World Championship Tournament (WCT) commenced with round three this morning and then ran all the way through for an epic finale this afternoon.
Perfect 4-5 ft (1.5m) waves were again on offer at Honolua, with clean barrels racing along the picturesque righthand point break. Another beautiful sunny day provided the ideal backdrop as the world´s best female surfers performed.
The pressurized day was full of drama as each round unfolded with world title scenarios on the line and the all-important ratings race nearing its conclusion. As the quarterfinals wound up virtually all contenders still remained, yet it was during the semifinals history was created.
Beachley secured her finals berth and then nervously watched from the shoreline as ratings leader Keala Kennelly (Kauai, Haw) did battle in the second semi. The Kauaian needed to advance to keep the dream alive, and was forced to play catch-up throughout following opponent Cornish´s initial 7.5 score. A determined Kennelly never gave up however, and the 25-year-old came within the closest of margins. Requiring a 7.46 toward the end, she posted a 7.4 with some great backhand re-entries. Having narrowed the gap, she then needed another 6.61, but on her final ride only earned a 4.75 and the race was over.
For 31-year-old Beachley, the moment signified becoming surfing´s only six-time consecutive world champion – a feat even Kelly Slater (FL, USA) didn´t achieve. The record-breaking year commenced with a win on Australia´s Gold Coast in March, and then she secured a runner-up placing in France last WCT, before glory poured upon her this afternoon.
"Oh my god," began Beachley, with tears in her eyes as friends and media gathered. "I can´t believe this. It´s been quite an emotional year. I started so strong and then took a dive in the middle of the season, but I´ve come back at the end. I guess that´s what it takes to be a world champion, you just never give up and I haven´t. I´m really fired up to come back next year and try and win seven.
photo ASPWorldtour/Karen
"This is my sixth consecutive world title and it creates history cause no other surfer in the history of ASP has done this," she continued. "Even though Kelly won six, he didn´t win them consecutively, so this is a new one for the record books. It´s such an amazing achievement and something I´m still in complete disbelief over. I´m really happy and so thankful for all the support of my friends and family, especially throughout the last few days. And of course thanks to Sam for winning that last heat (laughs)."
When the 35-minute final got underway soon after, it was all back to business though. Beachley created a commanding lead and appeared set to finally win a Billabong Pro Maui title. Cornish changed everything however, earning a near-perfect 9.5 and ultimately another 5.8 score last wave to seal her maiden WCT victory.
Having also equaled the highest total of the event for 17.75-points this morning, 23-year-old Cornish announced her intentions early and locked in the #5 position on the ratings with the fantastic result.
photo ASPWorldtour/Karen
"It´s unbelievable," began Cornish. "Layne winning the world title today and for me to come out on top in the final… Today was one of the best days of my life. I got so many perfect barrels and had such a great time here. I didn´t even feel like I was surfing in a contest.
"When she created a bit of a lead I was thinking maybe it wouldn´t happen, but then I got that 9.5 and it spurred me on to dig deep," she continued. "It came through at the end, so I´m really happy. I guess I´ve paid my dues the last two years on the WCT and gained experience. Hopefully next year I´ll have enough to get off to a good start and go for a world title."
For Beachley, this was a runner-up finish she could take smiling. Having posted her first perfect 10 on the opening ride of this year´s Billabong Pro Maui and then sealing the ratings race, she graciously accepted one title slipping from grasp.
photo ASPWorldtour/Karen
"I was really keen to win the event and top off such an amazing day," admitted Beachley. "I was surprised Sam scored a 9.5, but she was surfing extremely well and we both put on a strong performance. Maybe I was a little too relaxed in the final? The waves were really good and it went right down to the wire. At the end of the day I´ve won six world titles and she´s won her first event."
Equal third today were Kennelly and Heather Clark (SAfr). For the Kauaian – who posted two wins this year in Fiji and then the following Billabong Pro Teahupoo event in Tahiti, for a commanding lead – today´s result was a bitter blow after months of anticipation. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old surfed valiantly in the deciding match and proved a true champion in defeat.
"It all came down to this day and was pretty amazing," began Kennelly. "Everybody in contention made the quarters onwards and there was unreal surfing, so it was exciting stuff. If you were going to win the world title you definitely had to earn it today. That heat with Sam was close. She got an early lead and I came back strong at the end, but just didn´t seem to get the scores. There´s always next year and good on her (Layne). She earned it today.
photo ASPWorldtour/Karen
"The Triple Crown was the last of my thoughts," she acknowledged, when told she´d won the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing award for her combined efforts over the past three Hawaiian events. "It was all about the world title today, but at least I won something (laughs). About time a Hawai ian won the Hawaiian Triple Crown."
South African Clark regained third position on the ratings with her fourth semifinal finish at Honolua. Against Beachley she trailed a commanding lead after the champs´ early 8.5 ride, but did manage to fight back and only required a 7.5 score towards the end. Unfortunately nothing broke during the last 3-minutes.
"I´m glad we had waves," said Clark. "I knew it wasn´t going to be easy coming up against Layne out here, especially after seeing that barrel yesterday. She got a 10 but I thought it was more like a 12 (laughs). This is my fourth year I´ve got a third here, so I´m consistent and pretty happy with that. Obviously I wanted to make the final and maybe win a ´CT, but I´ll be back next year. My goal coming here, if I couldn´t win a title, was to finish third on the ratings, so I´m stoked."
photo ASPWorldtour/Karen
Finishing equal fifth in the Billabong Pro Maui were 1993 world champ and last year´s event runner-up Pauline Menczer (Byron Bay, Aus), 1999 event winner Trudy Todd (Gold Coast, Aus), Melanie Redman-Carr (West Aus) and Chelsea Georgeson (Aus).
Todd posted the highest combined heat score of the event against an equally in-form Rochelle Ballard (Haw) for 17.75-points this morning, but then lost a nail-biting match with Beachley in the quarterfinals.
Georgeson was a dark horse for the world title leading into the Billabong Pro Maui rated third, having won the previous WCT in France. Super dangerous on her backhand, the 2002 ASP ´Rookie of the Year´ was ultimately stopped by a rampaging Cornish, needing an additional score worth 7.85-points. The goofy footer unfortunately fell on one good wave near the end and there lost her chance.
"It´s a bit of a shame I blew my chance at the title, but there´s always next year," said Georgeson. "I´m stoked with how things worked out this year. I won my first WCT, so everything from then was a bonus."
Defending Billabong Pro Maui champion Jacqueline Silva (Brz) was eliminated in round three this morning by Menczer, while then ratings #5 Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) also lost to Cornish and also placed 9th overall.
Billabong Pro Maui Final Results
1st Samantha Cornish (Aus) 15.3 – US$10,000
2nd Layne Beachley (Aus) 15.0 – US$6,000
Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd receives US$4,000)
SF1: Layne Beachley (Aus) 15.0 def. Heather Clark (SAfr) 14.6
SF2: Samantha Cornish (Aus) 14.0 def. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 13.95
Quarterfinals
(1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th receives US$3,000)
QF1: Heather Clark (SAfr) 16.5 def. Pauline Menczer (Aus) 11.25
QF2: Layne Beachley (Aus) 14.1 def. Trudy Todd (Aus) 12.65
QF3: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 15.0 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 6.9
QF4: Samantha Cornish (Aus) 16.6 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 12.75
Round Three
(1st>Quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$2,500)
H1: Heather Clark (SAfr) 14.25 def. Marie Pierre Abgrall (Fra) 7.5
H2: Pauline Menczer (Aus) 11.65 def. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 11.15
H3: Trudy Todd (Aus) 17.75 def. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 16.15
H4: Layne Beachley (Aus) 14.75 def. Julia Christian (USA) 6.75
H5: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 9.25 def. Kate Skarratt (Aus) 8.75
H6: Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 14.75 def. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 8.4
H7: Samantha Cornish (Aus) 17.75 def. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 8.35
H8: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 16.15 def. Megan Abubo (Haw) 15.25
2003 ASP Ratings After Billabong Pro Maui, WCT #5/5
1. Layne Beachley (Aus) 3,696-points
2. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 3,516
3. Heather Clark (SAfr) 3,240
4. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 3,060
5. Samantha Cornish (Aus) 2,664
6. Trudy Todd (Aus) 2,436
7. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 2,424
8. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 2,220
9. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 2,052
10. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 2,028
Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Tahiti (May 6-18)World Championship Tour (WCT)
Kennelly Defeats Ballard In All-Kauaian Final
May 10, 2003 (Teahupoo, Tahiti) Hawaiian Keala Kennelly today defeated fellow Kauaian Rochelle Ballard to win the 2003 Billabong Pro Teahupoo. The women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) resumed in great conditions thismorning, running through quarterfinals and semis, before climaxing with the crowning of this year’s champion.
Clean 4-5 ft (1.5m) surf was on offer at Teahupoo this morning. Unfavorablesouth winds did increase during the fourth quarterfinal, so competition was placed on hold for one hour. As the wind subsided and the sun emerged from the clouds, boatloads of spectators filled the channel to cheer on thefinalists.
Kennelly, the undisputed Queen of Teahupoo, today clinched an amazing fourth event title at the life-threatening venue. Having won the first World Qualifying Series (WQS) tournament staged at the shallow reef break in 1998, the 24-year-old has continued to dominate each year, and now holds a stunning record of four victories from six starts. Significant, too, is the fact she finally claimed consecutive crowns, after all previous three had occurred on alternating years.
Against close friend Ballard in the 35-minute decider, Kennelly remained the clear favorite. Unfortunately the ocean failed to produce the goods, and both barrel riding maestros sat for the majority waiting for bigger set waves that never came. After a couple of low scores the goofy footer held aslender lead, then towards the end locked in the final’s best single score
of 6.0 with a small tube and committed re-entry over the exposed inside reef. Having earlier posted nine plus scores in each heat, as well as this year’s only perfect 10-point ride in third round, she wanted more of the same but achieved the goal nonetheless – pocketing US$10,000 and creating a strong ratings lead after her second consecutive win in as many weeks.
"What a shame it was an anti-climatic final," began Kennelly afterward. "It just stopped (breaking) and was a real nail-biter. We were waiting for the bombs and the ocean didn’t co-operate. Going up against Rochelle – she’s one of my heroes and inspires me. I wish it could have been more of a barrel contest, but she surfed insane all the way through the entire event, so I
was stoked to come up against her in the final.
"I got a little barrel and then did a big re-entry right on the dry coral," she continued, of her best wave. "I was just trying to get any points ’cause we spent 20-minutes just waiting for the bombs that never came. I don’t know what happened out there? She’s a really good friend and when she loses I feel bad, but this is the contest I want to win the most all year long. I’d die trying to win it, you know?
"It’s good to have won in Fiji," she added, of the previous event. "I’ll just try and do my best through Europe next and see what happens in those pineapple fields (on Maui for the last WCT of the season). The world title gets decided there and it’d be stupid to get excited now. Layne’s had a good run and is holding the record, so I’m going to try my best to win a world
title. It’s always been my goal, but I’m sure she’ll be right there at the end trying to make it six like Kelly (Slater). Good on her."
‘Barrels Ballard’, as the 32-year-old is respectively known, was unlucky not to have had a better opportunity in the final. After landing on the inside reef and cutting up her back during the quarterfinals, she displayed plenty of determination just by reaching the tournament’s pinnacle. Towards the end she was well within striking distance, but ultimately lacked any high scoring rides and like the 2001 final, was forced to settle with runner-up position.
"Every since we started coming here we’ve wanted to have each other in the final," explained Ballard afterward. "I respect her so much and I’ve actually watched her grow up more than I’ve grown up with her. She’s an amazing surfer and has so much potential and a big heart. Every time she’s out there she’s practically getting 10’s, so I figured I had to try and get at least two 9’s in the final in order to beat her. I think that’s where I went wrong. We both had really high expectations and were letting the little ones go by on the inside. Towards the end it was a scramble, and even when I only needed a small score, I figured I
better wait for a big one.
"Disappointing for both of us since we were really excited about matching up barrel for barrel," she continued. "I’m just really stoked I made the final. I respect her tremendously and regardless of the outcome or the waves at the end, she deserves it. If there was anyone to beat me, it was Keala."
Equal third today were West Australian Melanie RedmanCarr and South African Heather Clark. Both lost in the semifinals after strong performances in the 2003 tournament. RedmanCarr was stopped by Ballard, after the diminutive surfer found some clean tubes and posted a convincing win. The West Australian suffered an incident when the Jet Ski towing her back out became stuck on dry reef for a number of minutes, but she later stated a wave hitting her in the head proved more problematic.
"I think it all started to go badly when that lip hit me in the head," laughed RedmanCarr. "I just stood up straight, not thinking the wave was still pitching, but it landed on the side of my head and gave me a bit of shock. That wave had a bit of potential, but I fell off. I’m just glad I made it this far. Rochelle was a deserving winner. It’s a pity I didn’t make the final, but maybe next year."
Clark, meanwhile, lost a very one-sided semifinal to Kennelly. The Kauaian opened her account with the day’s best single score of 9.6, and then backed it up with another 8.4 to collect the highest combined tally of the day. In what proved a repeat of their final showdown in Fiji, the South African again failed to gain the upper hand. Still, her consistent high placings have her third on the current ratings.
"I’m really, really bummed," admitted Clark afterwards. "There were such good waves out there and Keala got them right from the beginning. She’s been surfing unreal since the start of the event and really deserves to win this contest. Definitely deserved to win the semi (laughs). I just couldn’t get any, and when I paddled I’d lose priority and then Keala would get another good wave. I’m just going to have to try harder in the rest of the contests this year."
Finishing equal fifth in the Billabong Pro Teahupoo women’s WCT were France’s newcomer Marie Pierre Abgrall, five-time world champion Layne Beachley, 2002 ASP ‘Rookie of the Year’ Chelsea Georgeson and fellow Australian and 1999 event winner Kate Skarratt.
Beachley won this event in 2001 and placed runner-up to Kennelly last year, but was stopped by RedmanCarr in the quarterfinals this morning. The 30-year-old posted the best single score of 8.13-points during the clash, yet required another worth 7.47 during the final 10-minutes following the West Australians series of backhand re-entries. Having won the first event
on this year’s season, Beachley is still in second position on the current ratings as she strives to achieve an unprecedented six-consecutive surfing world title.
"Bad rhythm, bad luck and bad wave selection," reasoned Beachley afterward. "Even though Mel took off on a couple on the inside and posted some good scores, I was waiting for a big set and of course nothing came. The one wave I did have an opportunity to get a score, I never really got deep enough in the barrel, so it’s a very disappointing result. I was feeling really
confident. I have the ability to make the final and win this event, but if you don’t get the waves there’s nothing you can do and Mel was in rhythm
with priority and the ocean.
"The idea’s just to stay in contention," she added of the title race. "I’m disappointed with my last two results – a 9th and 5th – as I feel I’ve been out of rhythm and out of luck the past couple of events. Hopefully the long break now will regenerate my luck and I’ll come back stronger in Portugal in September."
Georgeson, who distinguished herself as a major contender at Teahupoo following her performances, faced the ultimate challenge against Kennelly. Despite holding the lead after a great 9-point ride this morning, her Kauaian opponent answered back with a long tube and 9.5 score to ultimately progress. Nonetheless, the 19-year-old gained plenty of confidence at the
notorious break.
"It was always going to be a hard," reasoned Georgeson. "KK rips out there and is always getting barreled, but it was a fun heat. Last year I didn’t really know what I was doing out here and this year it’s been great to get used to the wave and actually get some barrels. It definitely doesn’t scare me as much anymore, but it’s still a gnarly wave (laughs). I probably had some of the best waves of my life, and I didn’t get too cut up either, so I’m happy with that."
Official Billabong Pro Teahupoo Women’s Final
1st Keala Kennelly (Haw) 9.83 – US$10,000
2nd Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 7.84 – US$6,000
Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd, receives US$4,000)
SF1: Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 12.73 def. Melanie RedmanCarr (Aus) 6.83
SF2: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 18.0 def. Heather Clark (SAfr) 5.66
Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th, receives US$3,000)
QF1: Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 10.26 def. Marie Pierre Abgrall (Fra) 5.23
QF2: Melanie RedmanCarr (Aus) 15.6 def. Layne Beachley (Aus) 14.3
QF3: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 17.67 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 14.83
QF: Heather Clark (SAfr) 11.5 def. Kate Skarratt (Aus) 8.57
Current Ratings after Billabong Pro Teahupoo WCT#3
1. Keala Kennelly (Haw) 2,760
2. Layne Beachley (Aus) 2,112
3. Heather Clark (SAfr) 2,088
4. Trudy Todd (Aus) 1,884
5. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 1,872
6. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 1,860
7. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 1,692
8. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 1,668
9. Melanie RedmanCarr (Aus) 1,476
10. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 1,464
Further Information:
Jesse Faen
International Media Manager
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
mailto:jesse@aspworldtour.com
Roxy Pro (April 27-May 3) www.roxy.com
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2003 Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT)
Kennelly Defeats Clark To Win Final
April 28, 2003 (Tavarua & Namotu Islands, Fiji) Hawaiian Keala Kennelly today won the 2003 Roxy Pro. Boasting the richest prize purse in the history of women’s surfing – US$70,800, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT) ran all the way from round three through the quarterfinals, semis and then climaxed with the grand finale this afternoon.Good 4-5 ft (1.5m) surf was on offer, though strong offshore winds persisted throughout the day. Pods of dolphins and even a deadly sea snake greeted the lineup as competition unfolded, with both Tavarua and Namotu Island staff out to watch the world’s best women in action.
Kennelly, 24, lived up to her reputation as a fearless competitor in powerful reef breaks. Against South Africa’s Heather Clark, the world #4 entered her first final since winning in Tahiti last year and displayed the same determination.
Despite a somewhat anti-climatic 30-minute decider, since both contestants were out of position for many of the good waves, Kennelly made the most of what she found to create a lasting lead. Although her trademark barrel rides didn’t feature, forehand snaps and a couple of floaters proved enough. By claiming victory the Kauaian moved into equal first position on the current ratings and received US$10,600 prizemoney.
“I’m so stoked,” began Kennelly. “It’s unfortunate the conditions got worse as soon as the final started, as when you win an event you hope it turns on and is an awesome final. Heather’s an incredible surfer and she’s been ripping all day. I can’t believe it (laughs).
“I was stoked it was an all goofy footer final,” she added, since the two previous winners have been regular footers. “I’m in a way better position than I was in this time last year. After being on tour for six years, I’m definitely thinking about the world title now.”
Clark, who also finished runner-up last year in the Roxy Pro, earned the highest combined total of the day during her quarterfinal match with 16.5-points. Against Kennelly in the final, however, the South African struggled to find any good scores. The 31-year-old only required a ride worth 7.06-points, but as time elapsed, she ultimately sat waiting in vain.
“I was glad to be in a final with Keala,” began Clark. “Especially in a good left. It wasn’t great then, but I’m really stoked to have finished second. Last year I did the same, so you never want to do worse than the previous year. I’m really happy and stoked for Keala too.
“Next week we’re in Tahiti and I just hope I don’t get her in the early rounds, as she loves the barrel,” she continued. “I was trying to get one then, but was too deep and it just didn’t happen. I’m still happy with the result.”
Equal third was WCT newcomer Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) and 2002 ASP ‘Rookie of the Year’ Chelsea Georgeson (Aus). Both 19-year-olds were standouts during the Roxy Pro, but had their runs stopped during the semifinals.
Mulanovich, 19, lost a close battle with Kennelly. The Peruvian, who placed fifth in the Roxy Pro last year as a wildcard, surfed brilliantly on her backhand at Cloudbreak, landing late drops and executing major re-entries and carving cutbacks. Despite holding the lead a number of times during the semi, she ultimately lost priority toward the end needing a 6.16 and never found another good ride. Nonetheless, she secured her second consecutive semifinal finish and is now fourth on the current ratings.
“I didn’t surf smart that heat,” reasoned a disappointed Mulanovich. “That’s how things go, so you just have learn from it. I’m still stoked with a couple of semifinal finishes this year, as I know I’m getting points and still have a chance. The waves have been fun and all my friends are here. Just being on Tavarua is great as it’s such a nice place.”
Georgeson, who equaled her best ever WCT result by reaching the semis, trailed the majority of her clash with Clark. The South African actually ended her run last year in the third round of the Roxy Pro, and once again she overcame the rising star with a commanding performance.
“I took the first wave in both sets and I think the second were better,” said Georgeson. “I felt a little bit wobbly on a couple and just didn’t get the right ones. Heather is surfing really well. I’m stoked though. I got fifth on the Gold Coast (first Roxy Pro this year in Australia) and wanted to better that, so I guess that happened and it’s all good.”
Finishing equal fifth today in the Roxy Pro were Lynette MacKenzie (Aus), Roxy Trials winner Caroline Sarran (Fra), world #2 Jacqueline Silva (Brz) and Trudy Todd (Aus).
Todd, who was beaten by Clark in the fourth quarterfinal, posted the best single score of the tournament for a near-perfect 9.6-barrel ride against Marie Pierre Abgrall the heat prior.
Sarran, who yesterday won the Roxy Trials to earn her wildcard spot in the main event, continued her dream run this morning by eliminating five-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus). The 18-year-old displayed incredible confidence and has now gained valuable experience as she strives to qualify for the World Championship Tour.
“I was really happy when I heard I was going to be in the Trials,” began Sarran, of her experience in the Roxy Pro. “I won the Trials, which was fun. I was happy to be in the main event. The third round was the best part, surfing against Layne Beachley. It was a good experience and I beat her, so I think it’s good for my surfing and my career to make the quarterfinals in my first WCT.”
Beachley was the day’s biggest upset, losing in round three to place equal 9th. Despite beating Sarran in the non-elimination first round, her French opponent gained revenge when it counted, with superior wave selection and great backhand surfing. The world champ showed her fighting spirit during the final minutes needing an 8.0 though, and even rode a wave onto dry reef, but achieved more cuts and abrasions to her feet than points from the judges.
“I had a hell of a lot of bad luck out there today,” reasoned Beachley. “Caroline had great wave selection and surfed the waves really strongly. She deserved to win the heat.
“On my last wave my back foot slipped off and I ended up on dry reef,” she explained, of the blood all over her feet. “My leash got stuck around a coral head while I was still attached and I couldn’t get up, so I kept being dragged along dry reef. Some days you win and some days you lose, but I’m not going to beat myself up over it. It’s just a bad day. I had a good start to the year and I think I can maintain that.”
For more information and “behind the scene” information, check out Rox y’s website: www.roxy.com
Official Results of the Roxy Pro Fiji
1st Keala Kennelly (Haw) 11.83 – US$10,600
2nd Heather Clark (SAfr) 6.1 – US$6,600
Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd finishes=3rd, receives US$4,600)
SF1: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 14.33 def. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 14.0
SF2: Heather Clark (SAfr) 15.84 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 13.47
Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd finishes=5th, receives US$3,600)
QF1: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 16.2 def. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 7.5
QF2: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 13.5 def. Caroline Sarran (Fra) 12.0
QF3: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 16.0 def. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 13.2
QF4: Heather Clark (SAfr) 16.5 def. Trudy Todd (Aus) 12.43
Round Three (1st>1/4; 2nd finishes=9th, receives US$3,100)
H1: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 14.34 def. Megan Abubo (Haw) 10.5
H2: Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 16.33 def. Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 13.9
H3: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 13.17 def. Samantha Cornish (Aus) 9.9
H4: Caroline Sarran (Fra) 16.0 def. Layne Beachley (Aus) 12.5
H5: Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 14.43 def. Prue Jeffries (Aus) 11.1
H6: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 13.83 def. Pauline Menczer (Aus) 13.1
H7: Heather Clark (Aus) 13.43 def. Melanie RedmanCarr (Aus) 12.06
H8: Trudy Todd (Aus) 15.1 def. Marie Pierre Abgrall (Fra) 10.73
Current Top 10 Ratings after Roxy Pro
=1. Layne Beachley (Aus); Keala Kennelly (Haw) – 1,560-points
3. Trudy Todd (Aus) – 1,524
4. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) – 1,512
=5. Jacqueline Silva (Brz); Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) – 1,308
7. Heather Clark (SAfr) – 1,116
8. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) – 1,104
=9. Samantha Cornish (Aus); Pauline Menczer (Aus) – 912
Roxy Pro (April 27-May 3) www.roxy.comAssociation of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2003 World Championship Tour (WCT)
Third Annual Roxy Pro Fiji Only Days Away
April 25, 2003 (Tavarua Island, Fiji) The Third Annual Roxy Pro Fiji is only days away from commencing, and now celebrated the richest prize purse in the history of women’s surfing – US$70,800. An Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT) event, the Roxy Pro will showcase the best that the sport and lifestyle of surfing has to offer from April 27 to May 3.
The second of six stops on the 2003 ASP WCT tour, the Roxy Pro Fiji will also feature a special trials event that will offer four aspiring surfers the chance of a lifetime. The Trials winner receives a wildcard into the main event and a share of the record prize purse. Trialists include New Zealand’s Lisa Hurunui, California’s Veronica Kay, Caroline Sarran of
France, and the fourth will be the winner of the MTV Surf Girls reality series premiering in the US mid May. The identity of the MTV finalist will be revealed upon the conclusion of the series.
Set on the pristine Fijian islands of Tavarua and Namotu, the Roxy Pro will feature 17 of the world’s top-ranked female surfers and the trials wildcard. Additionally, the event will also feature Roxy’s newest season surf fashion, as captured during photo and catalog shoots on location. All will take place against the magnificent tropical ocean backdrop of the Fijian islands.
Renowned for hosting the most complete surfing and ocean-lifestyle events in the world, Quiksilver/Roxy set a new standard when it introduced the Roxy Pro in Fiji in 2001. It was such a success that it remains an annual event. From dawn to dusk the ocean activities are non-stop – surfing, canoe surfing, longboarding, diving, wake boarding, tow-in surfing, and photo shoots.
The skirting reefs of Tavarua and Namotu islands offer a variety of world-class waves. From Tavarua’s barreling ‘Cloudbreak’, and rapid-fire ‘Restaurants’ – two 5-star left-handers, to Namotu’s high-performance Namotu Lefts, there are more great waves on offer for this event than could ever be ridden in competition.
While the Roxy Pro needs three full days of competition to run to completion, the six-day window of the event is fully utilized outside of the actual contest heats. Leading Roxy models will also be on hand for extensive photo shoots with new season Roxy clothing, swimwear and accessory lines.
The Roxy Pro, one of six WCT events that determine the 2003 women’s world surfing champion, will take place on the days when waves are best. The preferred venue is ‘Cloudbreak’ – a mid-ocean reef break two kilometers south of Tavarua Island. Cloudbreak is a world-class left-breaking wave that barrels off across a shallow submerged reef. Competitors ride from a steep take-off, through a tubing section and complete their rides on an open-faced shoulder that marks the end of the wave: a total distance of approximately 100 meters. All of this takes place a stone’s throw away from a panel of world-class judges who are situated on a tower mounted upon the shallowest part of the reef. But as was the case in 2002, the event can relocate to the best waves available between Tavarua and Namotu.
Roxy continues to lead the way in women’s professional surfing this year, sponsoring three of ASP’s six World Championship Tour events. The first opened up the 2003 women’s world title battle on Australia’s Gold Coast – the Roxy Pro in Queensland, which was held from March 4-16. Next will be the Roxy Pro in Fiji, and the third is the Roxy Pro in France, to be held in the south-west of France from September 30 to October 11. Roxy will also present one of the largest World Qualifying Series events during the Hawaiian winter surf season with the annual Roxy Pro at Haleiwa, Oahu, from November 12-22.
Five-time world champion and current ratings leader Layne Beachley (Aus), who won the opening Roxy Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast, offered thefollowing comments during the lead up to Fiji:
"The fact that Roxy sponsors three of our six events on our tour calendar clearly illustrates their commitment to the development of women’s surfing. Now they have furthered their supportive stance by creating the largestprize purse in the history of women’s surfing.
"Tavarua and its surrounding islands and reef breaks create a perfect environment for a stand alone women’s event and it is a location that we alllook forward to visiting," she added. "The standard of surfing is always heightened in the perfect reeling lefthanders Fiji offers. I am looking forward to the challenges that I will be confronted with, especially by the goofy-footers who seem to have the advantage. Tropical paradise, here we come!"
WCT veteran Neridah Falconer (Aus) recently announced her retirement from competition, opening the door for former WCT member Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares to rejoin the tour. Unfortunately, however, the Brazilian has been diagnosed with Dengue Fever and is currently in hospital, therefore unable to attend the Roxy Pro Fiji, or the following WCT in Tahiti. Filling the spot now will be Australia’s Prue Jeffries, who was next in line to replace Tavares.
A unique and traditional Fijian opening ceremony will kick off the event on Saturday April 26 as Chief Druku of Tavarua offers a special Fijian blessing for all attending athletes and guests. A traditional Kava ceremony serves to welcome all participants to the island. Moment s such as these will not only be captured and recorded by a select group of attending journalists, photographers and television production crews, but will also be presented to the public via daily uploads and "behind the scene" information posted on Roxy’s website: www.roxy.com. Daily television feeds will also be sent worldwide via satellite uplinks.
Upcoming Roxy Pro Fiji Round One Heats (1st,2nd>Rnd3; 3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Lynette Mackenzie (Aus); Samantha Cornish (Aus); Julia Christian (USA)
H2: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru); Keala Kennelly (Haw); Marie Pierre Abgrall (Fra)
H3: Layne Beachley (Aus); Rochelle Ballard (Haw); 0
H4: Jacqueline Silva (Brz); Heather Clark (SAfr); Prue Jeffries (Aus)
H5: Trudy Todd (Aus); Pauline Menczer (Aus); Kate Skarratt (Aus)
H6: Melanie RedmanCarr (Aus); Chelsea Georgeson (Aus); Megan Abubo (Haw)
Quiksilver & Roxy Pro
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2003 World Championship Tour (WCT)
Beachley Proves Unstoppable
March 8, 2003 (Snapper Rocks, QLD, Australia) Reigning five-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus) today added another victory to her massive collection, winning the Roxy Pro ahead of local favorite Trudy Todd. Being the first event on the 2003 World Championship Tour (WCT), she already leads the current ratings en-route to her sixth world title. Meanwhile, remaining round three heats of the Quiksilver Pro are currently in the water.
Great 4ft (1.3m) waves were on offer at Snapper Rocks. A capacity crowd of ten thousand plus spectators lined the beach to soak up all the action. Beachley, who posted the best single score of the Roxy Pro this morning with a near-perfect 9.8 airdrop floater, carried the momentum all the way through. The 30-year-old created a comfortable lead over Todd with an 8.0 and fantastic 9.23 ride early on, and then ruled out any challenge with another 8.77 and 8.3 scores. Despite claiming a lack of preparation in the lead-up to this season, her surfing remained exceptional to earn a 26th WCT event title.
"The emotion is complete elation and much relief," said Beachley afterwards. "It’s been a fabulous day and the girls have put on such an outstanding performance this week. Any heat was going to be tough, but coming up against Trudy, a local… I knew she would use
a lot of tactics to beat me, but I didn’t fall for it. I just got out there and found the best wave and scored
the highest points. That’s what wins finals.
"I guess I’ve got to stick with this lazy preparation of having months off and enjoying myself," she continued. "I’m actually the most relaxed I’ve been in the water for the last five years. All the girls are surfing great, so I’m sure it’s going to be a really rough year. One down, five to go and we’ll see how I do. I’m looking forward to the next Roxy Pro in Fiji and just building some momentum through the season."
Todd, who dropped off the WCT ranks in 2001 with a back injury, re-qualified through the World Qualifying Series (WQS) last year with vengeance. Then with the Roxy Pro virtually in her backyard at Snapper, she was always a favorite. In the final she executed plenty of trademark forehand snaps, but ultimately lacked the more explosive turns and wave selection of Beachley, needing a combination of scores worth 11-points.
"She’s surfing unreal and I was so nervous the first day of the Roxy Pro when I saw her," admitted Todd, of being back in the WCT against the likes of Beachley. "The level is just extremely high at the moment and Layne has stepped it up again this year. She’s going to be hard to beat. I need to go home and re-look at my surfing and work out how to get those nine’s she’s
scoring.
"I was very nervous cause it’s my home break," she added. "In ’98 when I won here I was a lot more confident. Coming back from injury you don’t really know what to expect. First contest back… I’m stoked to get second. Layne’s won five world titles, so I don’t care about being beaten by her (laughs)."
Equal third in the Roxy Pro were WCT Rookie Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) and last year’s event and tour runner-up Jacqueline Silva (Brz). Mulanovich, who dominated her opening match this morning over defending Roxy Pro champ Lynette MacKenzie (Aus), also collected the ‘Torquay Time-Tunnel’ bonus of AUD$5,000 for her barrel during the fairly one-sided affair.
Against Beachley in their semifinal however, the Peruvian newcomer was unable to better her first score of 7.17, while the champ gained momentum.
"I’m pretty stoked to place third, but I didn’t surf well then," admitted Mulanovich afterward. "I was so nervous. It was great to be here and have a chance against Layne, so maybe next time? I’m so stoked to win the ‘Torquay Time-Tunnel’ award," she added. "I want to thank them for their support."
Silva, who won her maiden WCT victory at Honolua Bay (Maui, Haw) at the end of last season, looked on track to do likewise during the Roxy Pro. The Brazilian posted a 9.43 first wave during her semifinal with Todd, but unfortunately couldn’t back it up with another score.
"My first wave was good and I waited for another one, but it didn’t come," explained Silva. "The tide filled in and the waves got fatter, but to start the year with a third place is really good and I’m happy."
Finishing equal fifth this morning were MacKenzie, 2002 Rookie of the Year Chelsea Georgeson, Samantha Cornish and 2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS) winner Pauline Menczer (all Australian).
Official Results of the Roxy Pro
1st Layne Beachley (Aus) 18.0 – US$10,000
2nd Trudy Todd (Aus) 13.0 – US$6,000
Semifinals (defeated=3rd, receive US$4,000)
SF1: Layne Beachley (Aus) 16.66 def. Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 11.77
SF2: Trudy Todd (Aus) 16.33 def. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 15.76
Quarterfinals (defeated=5th, receive US$3,000)
QF1: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 17.93 def. Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 13.6
QF2: Layne Beachley (Aus) 17.57 def. Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 15.27
QF3: Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 17.4 def. Samantha Cornish (Aus) 14.67
QF4: Trudy Todd (Aus) 13.67 def. Pauline Menczer (Aus) 12.5
Roxy Pro
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2003 World Championship Tour (WCT)
Youth Versus Experience In Quarterfinal Showdowns
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Chelsea Georgeson
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March 6, 2003 (Snapper Rocks, QLD, Australia) Youth versus experience marks the upcoming Roxy Pro quarterfinals. Round three of the World Championship Tournament (WCT) took place this morning, with results creating epic showdowns between many of the world’s top rated women and the new breed of rising stars. Meanwhile, round one of the Quiksilver Pro is currently in the water.
Good 3-4 ft (1.3m) waves were on offer at Snapper Rocks, with light rain doing little to affect the glass-like conditions. Five-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus) was exceptional this morning against WCT newcomer Marie-Pierre Abgrall (Fra). The Australian posted an 8.5 for an early lead, and then a near-perfect 9.67 to easily advance. Her powerful and precise turns left Abgrall searching for a combination of scores. Beachley now faces 2002 Rookie of the Year Chelsea Georgeson (Aus), who accounted for Megan Abubo (Haw) today.
"The conditions were good," began Beachley. "I know Marie’s a tenacious competitor and earned her stripes through the WQS. Being against the world champ in your first year on the WCT isn’t an easy heat, but I still had to stay on top of my game and toward the end of the heat gained more confidence as I went and got that 9.67 to seal it.
"Coming up against Chelsea now, that’s the one girl who always makes me nervous," she continued. "She’s a brilliant surfer and has gained a lot of experience over the last year being on the ‘CT. She’ll be a tough one to beat."
Defending Roxy Pro champion Lynette MacKenzie put on another stellar performance, eliminating fellow Australian Neridah Falconer this morning. The 28-year-old picked off superior waves and let loose a barrage of critical backhand re-entries and searing cutbacks. She’ll now meet Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) again, after having beaten her in their non-elimination round one heat.
"I was just having fun then getting the waves," said MacKenzie. "Neridah was asking me ‘how come I can’t get any of them?’ I guess I know where the waves break out there, and you just have to watch the lineup and choose the right ones.
"It’ll be good to have Sofia," she added. "I had her in the first heat, so hopefully I’ll beat her again."
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Sofia Mulanovich
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Mulanovich, 19, created an upset by eliminating world #4 Keala Kennelly (Haw) in the day’s first heat. The Peruvian, who reach round three as a wildcard in last year’s Roxy Pro, displayed great form posting an 8.5 early on with a series of forehand snaps.
"I’m so stoked to finally be on tour," said Mulanovich enthusiastically. "It’s great not to be wildcard anymore. I just love being here with a chance to go for the world title."
Last year’s tour and Roxy Pro runner-up Jacqueline Silva (Brz) proved too strong for WCT newcomer Julia Christian (USA). The Brazilian gained an early lead and was able to hold off a late charge from her Californian counterpart.
"I want to better my second place result in this contest from last year," admitted Silva. "I had to stay calm out there then as it was difficult to pick the set waves. I hope to get better ones in the next heat."
She now faces an inform Samantha Cornish (Aus), who again posted the highest combined total of the Roxy Pro with 18.34 points (courtesy of two superb 9.17 rides) over Rochelle Ballard (Haw).
"I don’t feel any pressure coming up against Jacqueline now," stated Cornish. "I’m really keen to dig my teeth in and get some payback on her, as she beat me in the final event at Honolua Bay (Maui, Haw) last year."
2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS) winner Pauline Menczer (Aus) not only advanced past Heather Clark (SAfr) today, but also put herself in the running for the ‘Torquay Time-Tunnel’ bonus award. The 1993 world champion emerged from a clean tube to earn 7.33 and the heat.
"When I took off on the wave I saw it start to pitch," explained Menczer. "With so much money up for grabs though, it was worth taking the risk to go for it and it ended up being a fun barrel. I just hope no one else gets any (laughs)."
Local hero Trudy Todd came alive toward the end of her clash with West Australian Melanie RedmanCarr to post the highest single score of the Roxy Pro. Requiring a 9.1 to catch her opponent’s lead, Todd picked off a fantastic wave and executed a series of critical re-entries all the way down the line for a near-perfect 9.73. She will now face Menczer in the quarterfinals.
"I think all those years out at Snapper paid off," reasoned Todd. "I was really nervous on that wave, but I knew I wasn’t going to get through atthis level unless I went for it. Every heat is hard now as the girls are ripping, but I’m just happy to be back on tour and around such talent."
The Quiksilver & Roxy Pro will be based at Snapper Rocks from March 4th through to the 16th, and being mobile means they will utilize the best surf between North Stradbroke Is, Qld and Ballina in Northern NSW during the allotted waiting period.
Quiksilver & Roxy Pro
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2003 World Championship Tour (WCT)
Beachley Displays Sensational Form
March 5, 2003 (Snapper Rocks, QLD, Australia) Five-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus) showed sensational form today in the Roxy Pro. Round one and two of the women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) were completed, while the Quiksilver Pro men’s division was officially postponed for the day.
Clean 3ft (1m) waves were on offer at Snapper Rocks as a glorious Gold Coast day greeted those on hand to witness the world’s best in action. The swell increased slightly this afternoon, and organizers are hopeful another full day of competition will be surfed tomorrow.
Beachley, 30, controlled her all-star match with 2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS) winner Pauline Menczer (Aus) and wildcard Lisa Andersen (USA) from the outset. With 10 WCT world titles represented in the heat, four consecutively (1994-’97) to Andersen, as well as Menczers’ 1993 victory, the highly anticipated clash was always going to be a performance benchmark for the Roxy Pro. Layne’s confident forehand carves and snaps set her apart immediately, however, and were rewarded three eight plus scores by the international panel of ASP judges. Her top two ensuring a commanding win.
"Not a bad way to start," admitted Beachley afterward. "There were 10 world titles between the three of us out in the water so I knew it was going to be tough and that I’d have to be on my game. I just went out there feeling really relaxed and confident and I think I surfed that way.
"Everyone is going to be surprised with how much better all the girls are surfing now," she added. "I’m feeling really good, but not as confident as I have in the past five years, mainly due to my lack of preparation for this event. I want to gain momentum throughout the tournament, instead of putting that pressure on myself right from the outset."
Andersen, who was relegated to the ‘losers’ second round, unfortunately placed third once more this afternoon, bowing out of the 2003 Roxy Pro equal 17th.
Defending Roxy Pro champion Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) picked up where she left off last year, surfing a brilliant first round heat against WCT newcomer Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) and 2002 Rookie of the Year Chelsea Georgeson (Aus). The former Gold Coast resident displayed a commanding backhand attack, while Mulanovich’s impressive forehand snaps also swung the lead a couple of times. At heat end though, the Peruvian required a near-perfect 9.16 to catch Mackenzie’s total.
"It’s good to have Chelsea and Sofia straight up cause they’re the young guns on the tour this year and the future of women’s surfing," reasoned MacKenzie. "I had confidence coming into this, but this has given me a bigger lift.
"My boards are going the best they ever have and I like to start up here on the Gold Coast," she continued. "I lived up here for so many years and it just feels natural to get out there and surf the point breaks."
World #4 Keala Kennelly fought back to overtake fellow Hawaiian Megan Abubo’s strong lead on her last ride. The goofy footer posted the heat’s best single score of 8.33 with a series of backhand re-entries, leaving Abubo and local hero Trudy Todd (Aus) to fill the minor places. Todd later winning her round two heat to stay in contention.
"I’m just really happy to beat two regular footers in small right-handers," said Kennelly. "I couldn’t find a wave with scoring potential to save my life, but right at the end a little insider stood up and I just did what I could."
France’s first and only representative on the WCT, Marie-Pierre Abgrall, did her nation proud today. Against last year’s tour and Roxy Pro runner-up Jacqueline Silva (Brz) and Kate Skarratt (Aus), the 28-year-old, who actually grew up surfing the Congo, grabbed the lead with her final 8.1 ride to advance directly into round three.
"I was a little bit scared as I don’t have a lot of experience at this level," admitted Abgrall. "I was lucky to get two good waves and now I feel much better. I’m happy to be the first from France to make the WCT and hope to stay here a long time (laughs)."
Skarratt, still recovering from a knee injury that forced her to miss last year’s final WCT and fail to re-qualify, was granted a full-time wildcard by the ASP for the 2003 season. Despite surfing today, she was noticeably tentative and placed third in both rounds, finishing 17th overall.
World #10 Samantha Cornish (Aus) posted the most convincing victory today, collecting both the best single score of 9.43, as well as the highest combined two-wave total of 17.5-points. Opponents Melanie RedmanCarr (Aus) and newcomer Julia Christian (USA) trailed throughout, despite stronger finishes. The diminutive Cornish was clearly in her element out at Snapper Rocks.
"I saw that set and just had fun on it," explained Cornish of the best ride. "I tried not to put too much pressure on myself as it’s only the first event of the year, but I love Snapper Rocks. It’s like home and if there was any place I’d want to win it’s this place."
Christian later won the final heat of the day over Georgeson and Skarratt, advancing through to round three.
The Quiksilver & Roxy Pro will be based at Snapper Rocks from March 4th through to the 16th, and being mobile means they will utilize the best surf between North Stradbroke Is, Qld and Ballina in Northern NSW during the allotted waiting period. A decision will be made by 7am each morning as to the day’s schedule, with updates posted on www.aspworldtour.com
Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro (March 4-16) www.quiksilver.com & www.roxy.com
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com
2003 World Championship Tour (WCT)
Worlds Most In-Form Surfers Set To Descend On Worlds Most In-Form Waves
Commencing in two weeks – the 3rd of March 2003 and boasting a waiting period right through until the 16th of March – The Quiksilver and Roxy Pro will bring together the world’s best surfers to do battle on Australia’s Gold Coast. The top 45 men and 17 women on the ASP ratings will be present at the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro.
THE QUIKSILVER PRO
In every way the Quiksilver Pro, the first event of the 2003 ASP World Championship Tour, is ready to raise the bar of professional surfing to another level. The stage is set for an unbelievable show. March 4-16 will see the world’s best surfers converge on the real ‘Surfer’s Paradise’ for the 13-day waiting period. Fingers crossed a cyclone swell greets them and produces perfect waves famous of the region. With the now legendary sandbank stretching from Snapper Rocks all the way through Kirra, the main venue is primed for incredible action.
The 2002 Quiksilver Pro witnessed an amazing display of futuristic surfing. Joel Parkinson (Aus) put local knowledge to good use at Snapper Rocks, ultimately defeating Cory Lopez (USA) in the final to clinch US$30,000 as thousands cheered on.
In 2003 the Quiksilver Pro will host the elite top 45 WCT surfers, together with three wildcard entrants including Troy Brooks (Aus), Micky Picon (Fra) and the winner of the Quiksilver Pro Trials to be held March 3rd. With US$250,000 prizemoney on offer, as well as an early ratings lead for the eventual winner, all focus will be on the Gold Coast as the dream tour gets underway.
THE ROXY PRO
The 2003 women’s ASP World Championship Tour begins in style on Australia’s Gold Coast, March 4th-16th, with the 5th Annual Roxy Pro. The elite top 17 rated women in the world, plus wildcard entrant and four-time consecutive world champion Lisa Andersen (USA) will make up the prestigious field.
The 2002 Roxy Pro saw Lynette McKenzie (Aus) begin her year in fantastic form, taking out the first major WCT tournament of the season at Snapper Rocks. Jacqueline Silva (Brz) finished runner-up, and Roxy team riders Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) and Kate Skarratt (Aus) finished equal third.
With US$60,000 prize money on offer, as well as an early 2003 WCT ratings lead for the eventual winner, you can bet all competitors will be turning up the heat for the 2003 Roxy Pro.
THE CONTEST VENUES
The Quiksilver and Roxy Pro boast a mobile element, granting organizers access to some of the best surf breaks on the planet. The event will be based at Snapper Rocks; yet can travel from Stradbroke Island to Ballina in the south, across the New South Wales state border in search of optimum conditions. Venues such as Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Kirra and Burleigh will hold priority, with visions of long, right-hand barrels filling competitors’ minds in the lead up. All spots offer great viewing for spectators to soak up the phenomenal surfing assured to take place.
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