WOMEN’S PRO SURFING FACES BRIGHT NEW LEADERSHIP AT VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING
Honolulu - (October 17, 2007) - When the women’s ASP professional surfing tour touches down in Hawaii this November for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Series, it will be for the final stage of the battle of pro surfing’s leadership. For much of the past decade, Australian Layne Beachley, 35, has ruled supreme, securing seven world titles (1998-2003, 2006), two Vans Triple Crown Series titles (1997, 1998), and five Roxy Pro titles (1996, ‘97, ‘99, 2000, ‘04). Her penchant for Hawaii’s big waves has provided more than a few brilliant conclusions to the tour. But this year, Beachley’s reign has been battered by a crew of rapidly rising young rippers who aren’t afraid to take on a seasoned pro or solid surf.
Midway through the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) schedule at this time, Beachley is sitting at equal sixth on the on the WCT Top 17 rankings. Leading the field is 19-year-old ASP rookie Stephanie Gilmore (Australia - 4,308 ratings points), followed by Brazilian Silvana Lima (4,226 points). These two women share just three years of WCT experience betewen them. Former world champion Sofia Mulanovich (Peru - 3,811 points) is in third, and Samantha Cornish (Australia - 3,504 points) is fourth. Beachley has 2,882 points.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing for women will feature a critical 6-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) event: the Reef Hawaiian Pro, as well as the final two elite World Championship Tour (WCT) events of the year: the Roxy Pro, and the Billabong Pro Maui. Continue reading ‘Triple Crown Season is Coming’
