Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico
Stop No. 9 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Rip Curl Women’s Pro Search Puerto Rico
Stop No. 7 of 8 on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour
Somewhere, Puerto Rico
October 30 – November 10, 2010

Porta Del Sol/Puerto Rico (Monday, November 1, 2010) – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, has claimed her fourth, consecutive ASP Women’s World Title, making history at the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Search Puerto Rico.
 
With her Quarterfinal win over Melanie Bartels (HAW), 28, Gilmore amassed enough points to knock sole remaining contender, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 19, out of the running for the 2010 ASP Women’s World Title Race.

“I’m really at a loss for words right now,” Gilmore said. “Mel (Bartels) is one of the most dangerous surfers in the world and has had my number on several occasions. Even on that last wave there, I was certain she’d got the score. I was blown away when they called it out and I’m rapt right now.”
 
The historic occasion marks the first time an athlete has achieved a perfect record in the professional surfing world, with Gilmore claiming the coveted crown in her rookie season and every year since.
 
“I guess I haven’t really been thinking about that,” Gilmore said. “But to hold a record that Layne (Beachley) or even Kelly (Slater) never got is pretty special. I never thought I would even win two, consecutive titles so to win four is a massive achievement for me.”
 
In one of her strongest performances to date, Gilmore’s comprehensive and unabated assault on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour marks the first time the prodigious natural-footer has clinched the crown before Hawaii.
 
2010 ASP Women’s World Tour Results:
Roxy Pro Gold Coast: WIN
Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach: WIN
TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival New Zealand: Equal 9th
Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic: WIN
Movistar Peru Classic: Equal 3rd
Rip Curl Women’s Pro Portugal: Runner-Up
Rip Curl Women’s Pro Search Puerto Rico: TBD
Gidget Pro Sunset Beach: TBD
 
Today’s ASP Women’s World Title clinching is the latest in a long list of achievements for the young Australian, which include: ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie of the Year (2007), two-time Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Titles, 15 ASP Women’s World Tour event victories and four consecutive ASP Women’s World Titles.
 
“This Title means a lot to me,” Gilmore said. “The girls on tour this year have been the best they’ve ever been and I’ve been pushed in every one of my heats. The younger girls especially have a whole new approach and they’re gaining in confidence in every surf. The future for the sport is going to be exciting and I can’t wait for it. But for now, I’m going to celebrate my win. Thanks to everyone for all the support.”
 
The Rip Curl Women’s Pro Search Puerto Rico is being webcast LIVE via http://live.ripcurl.com
 
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
 
Ends

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) MEDIA
ASP International Media Manager
Dave Prodan                                                                           
email: dave@aspworldtour.com
USAmobile: +1 949 678 0987
AUS mobile: +61 (0) 400 455 228
 
TV NEWS FEEDS
Many McKinnon
email: mandy.mckinnon@bigpond.com
 
Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department – please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com
 

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact:            Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel:                   021 534 5738
Email:               colin@aspafrica.com

Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Supertubos, Peniche/Portugal (Thursday, October 14, 2010) – South Africa’s Jordy Smith finished runner up to former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 38, in a matchup between the current ASP World Nos. 1 and 2 in the Rip Curl Pro Portugal today.

Slater led throughout the 35 minute final held in 1 – 1.5 metre waves at Supertubos in Peniche, locking in two mid-range scores early and then posting a 7.0 out of 10. Despite fighting back with the heat’s highest ride of 7.10, Smith could not find the waves he needed to perform his high scoring aerial manoeuvres and Slater wrapped up his 44th ASP World Tour victory with a 6.33 with 4 minutes remaining.

“It was actually a pretty slow final with neither of us getting any waves of consequence,” Slater said on the podium. “I was trying to stay busy but neither of us could get a solid wave. I actually nearly ended up reaching my wave maximum (15 rides) out there so I kind of had to slow down and try to wait for waves that mattered. Jordy (Smith) has all the talent in the world and he’s capable of getting a score at any time. It wasn’t over until the horn blew.”

Smith fought valiantly throughout the final, posting the highest single-wave score for a backhand Superman air, but was unable to find a worthy backup score.

“I guess I felt a little out of rhythm in the final,” Smith said. “I was able to notch up one good one, but couldn’t find a backup. That’s the way it goes sometimes. I’m still happy with the result and the way my year has gone so I’m just staying positive and we’ll see how we end up.”

The victory moves Slater one step closer to clinching an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title and the iconic Floridian now has a strong possibility of doing so in the next event.

“It’s obviously a very big deal for me,” Slater said. “If it happens, it will be a major accomplishment for me in my life. Today’s win puts me another step closer and we’ll see what happens in Puerto Rico.”

While Smith is now the only surfer on the ASP World Tour who can prevent Slater from achieving this historical milestone, the 22 year-old Durbanite needs a minimum of a semifinal finish at the next event to extend the ASP World Title Race to the final event in Hawaii in December. And if Slater reaches the semifinals or better in Puerto Rico he will clinch the crown no matter where Smith finishes.

“I was stoked to be in the Final with Kelly (Slater) and I’m stoked to be in the race still with him,” Smith said philosophically about the remainder of the season. “He’s someone I’ve looked up to my whole life and it’s an honour to be up there in the rankings next to him. I’m looking forward to the next event and hope we get some more fun wedges.”

Smith had a stellar run on his way to his third final this season, winning his opening encounter, defeating Dean Morrison (AUS) in Round 3 and winning his Round 4 duel over Owen Wright (AUS) and Jadson Andre (BRA) with the highest scores of yesterday’s action.

Today he ousted Patrick Gudauskas (USA) in the quarters and then outpointed Jeremy Flores (FRA) in their semi clash. He pocketed US $30 000 for his runner-up finish, taking his season prize-money haul to $156 000. Smith also earned 8 000 points which leaves him 9 250 behind Slater and 8 500 ahead of third ranked Mick Fanning (AUS), the reigning ASP World Champion.

Fellow South African Travis Logie finished 9th in Portugal, matching his best result of the year and providing the two biggest upsets of the event by ousting Fanning in Round 3 and Dane Reynolds (USA) in Round 2.

The result moves Logie up from No. 34 to No. 29 on the ASP World Title Race Rankings, boosting his chances of finishing the year amongst the top 22 on the rankings and requalifying for the 2011 ASP World Tour.

Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Portugal will be available via http://live.ripcurl.com

The next stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour will be the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico from October 30 through November 10, 2010.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL MEN’S FINAL RESULTS:

1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 13.33
2 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.43

RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL MEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF 1:Kelly Slater (USA) 16.03 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.20
SF 2:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.00 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.57

RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL MEN’S QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1:Chris Davidson (AUS) 9.50 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.50
QF 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 15.24 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.56
QF 3:Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.17 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 13.67
QF 4:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.70 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.50

RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL MEN’S ROUND 5 RESULTS:

Heat 1:Chris Davidson (AUS) 11.84 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.94
Heat 2:Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.10 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.83
Heat 3:Owen Wright (AUS) 13.40 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.73
Heat 4:Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 15.00 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.16

ASP WORLD TITLE RACE TOP 5 (After Rip Curl Pro Portugal):
1.Kelly Slater (USA) 58,000 pts
2.Jordy Smith (ZAF) 48,750 pts
3.Mick Fanning (AUS) 41,250 pts
4.Taj Burrow (AUS) 34,000 pts
5.Adrian Buchan (AUS) 33,750 pts

Ends 

Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact: Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel: 021 534 5738
Email: colin@aspafrica.com

Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax: +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.

The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

BELGAS, Peniche/Portugal – Utilising his trademark high-flying aerial repertoire, South Africa’s Jordy Smith literally flew into the quarterfinals of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, posting the highest single ride score, a near perfect 9.93 out of 10, and the top two-wave heat tally of 17.16 out of 20 on Wednesday.

Competing in Round 4, the so called ‘exhibition round’ in the new ASP World Tour format where the 12 surfers remaining in the event contest non-elimination three-man heats, Smith boosted himself well above the lip of both the left and right breaking waves, successfully completing a wide range of manoeuvres in the air including a gravity defying 450 degree rotation that earned his top score.

“That score didn’t change my approach much actually,” Smith said after the heat victory. “Jadson (Andre) and Owen (Wright) can pull big scores out at any moment. I knew I couldn’t ease up and needed a solid backup score.”

Wright, the 19 year-old Australian prodigy and current ASP World No. 8, who posted the only perfect 10 point ride of the event, and only the fourth recorded on the ASP World Tour this year, for a similarly spectacular aerial on Tuesday, was left needing to improve on both his scores at the end of the heat.

Andre (BRA), 20, who delivered two aerials on one wave in the last minute to snatch victory in Round 3, required a massive 9.67 to overtake Smith.

Meanwhile Travis Logie remained in contention for his best result of the year despite finishing second to Jeremy Flores (FRA) in his Round 4 duel. The Durbanite will meet Wright in Round 5 with the winner joining the Round 4 winners in the quarters and the loser eliminated in equal 9th place overall.

The 31 year-old Durbanite was rated a lowly No. 34 (out of 35) in the ASP World Title Race Rankings coming into Portugal, but caused the biggest upset of the event by eliminating current ASP World No. 3 Mick Fanning (AUS) in Round 3, effectively ending the two-time and reigning ASP World Champion’s chances of retaining his crown.

And that victory came after Logie had ousted current ASP World No. 5 Dane Reynolds (USA), acknowledged as one of the world’s leading exponents of progressive new-school surfing, in hollow tubes at the main site of Supertubos in Round 2.

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, past nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, dominated his Round 4 heat at the backup venue of Belgas, taking advantage of the non-elimination format.

“This round definitely allows you to relax and loosen up a bit for sure,” Slater said. “Of course, winning takes the pressure off a little bit and let’s you bypass a round on the last day.”

By reaching the quarterfinals Slater is well positioned to capture an unprecedented 10th ASP World Tour Title this year. While Fanning and fellow Aussie and early season rankings leader Taj Burrow are still mathematically capable of snatching the crown, second-placed Smith is the only one with a realistic chance of preventing Slater’s historic achievement.

However, sticking to the mantra of “I’m just going out and having fun” that has seen Smith post his best results in his third season at the highest level, including his first event victory and leading the rankings through the middle of the year, the South African remains nonchalant when discussing his plans for the end of the year.

“It would be nice to win but there’s more to life than just the title,” Smith said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for me at my age and I’m just looking forward to the end of the year. I’m enjoying myself.”

Magicseaweed, official forecasters for the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, are calling for the swell to fill in for a potential finish today at Supertubos.

All the action from the Rip Curl Pro Portugal can be followed live at http://live.ripcurl.com which also features highlights from every heat in the event in the “Heats on Demand’ section of the Videos.

RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL MEN’S ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 1:Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.77, Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.03, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 5.50
Heat 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 13.60, Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.83, Chris Davidson (AUS) 6.08
Heat 3:Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.07, Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.73, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.17
Heat 4:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.16, Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.57, Owen Wright (AUS) 12.07

RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL MEN’S ROUND 5 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1:Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 2:Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 3:Travis Logie (ZAF) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 4:Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

Ends

Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact: Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel: 021 534 5738
Email: colin@aspafrica.com

Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax: +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.

The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Billabong team rider Dale Staples put himself firmly into contention for the 2010 ASP World Junior title with a sensational runner-up finish in the Oakley ASP Pro Junior in Bali, the first of two events that will culminate in the crowning of undisputed world’s best junior surfer in Sydney, Australia in January.

The 19 year-old from St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape had a stunning run through the 48 man field of the world’s best 20-and-under surfers before ending up just short in the final against today’s winner, Australian Jack Freestone.

Coming into the event seeded No.30, Staples opened slowly with a second place finish behind No. 3 seed Granger Larsen (HAW), but got his game plan spot on thereafter with victories over Enrique Ariitu (PYF) and compatriot Chad du Toit (Durban) before exacting revenge on Larsen in their Round 4 duel.

Staples got his charge to the final underway with a comprehensive quarterfinal victory over No. 14 seed Evan Thompson (USA) this morning, sealing his semifinal berth with a near-perfect 9.73 out of 10 ride that left the American comb’ed with five minutes remaining.

The South African then had to come back from a combo situation himself in the semi clash against No. 8 seed Mitch Crews (AUS). Needing to improve both his counting scores with 15 minutes left on the clock, Staples produced a 7.50 and then followed that up with another phenomenal ride of 9.33 that left the Aussie looking for 8.34 points when the siren sounded.

As the swell dropped off and the tide went out, Freestone posted a 9,57 on the first ride of the final and despite Staples having the opportunity to clinch the win on a set wave late in the heat, he was clipped as he exited the barrel and the Aussie claimed victory.

“I was just really stoked to be out there and get a good result,” said Staples. “I’m happy to beat some of the best junior surfers in the world – anyone could have been in that final.”

Staples admitted that he was anxious heading into the later stages of the finale.

“I was really nervous,” he said. “I was waiting for a set wave all final. But it didn’t come until the end. I was hoping the last one would open up but it didn’t.”

Staples pocketed US $5 000 (approx. R35 000) and a priceless 8 000 ranking points for his runner-up finish and goes into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships at North Narrabeen in Sydney in January full of confidence.

With victories in the Billabong Pro Junior on the KZN Dolphin Coast in April and the VonZipper Wild Card Shoot Out at Jeffreys Bay in July, followed by his stellar wildcard performances in outstanding overhead surf at Supertubes against the world’s top professional surfers in the Billabong Pro, Staples will be looking to emulate current ASP World No. 2 Jordy Smith (Durban) and become the second South African to clinch the ASP World Junior title in Australia in three months time.

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR FINAL RESULT:

Jack Freestone (AUS) 13.84 def. Dale Staples (ZAF) 8.44

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF1: Jack Freestone (AUS) 12.84 def. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 11.83

SF2: Dale Staples (ZAF) 16.83 def. Mitch Crews (AUS) 15.33

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1: Jack Freestone (AUS) 14.10 def. Nat Young (USA) 13.57

QF 2: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 13.83 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 11.76

QF 3: Mitch Crews (AUS) 18.23 def. Kiron Jabour (HAW) 17.86

QF 4: Dale Staples (ZAF) 18.06 def. Evan Thompson (USA)

Ends

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Contact: Brendon Kegel
Telephone: +27 (0) 42 200 2747
Email: brendon.kegel@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax: +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

South Africa’s Dale Staples has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Oakley ASP World Pro Junior in Bali, defeating the No. 3 seed Granger Larsen from Hawaii in their Round 4 heat held in epic two metre barreling waves at Keramas in Bali earlier today.

Staples, 19, from St Francis Bay continued his momentum from yesterday when he posted the highest single ride (9.80 out of 10) and combined two wave heat tally (16.63 out of 20) of the day while dispatching compatriot Chad du Toit (Berea, Durban) in their Round 3 match up.

In today’s outstanding conditions Staples posted a heat tally of 16.07 to oust Larsen and become the last of the seven ASP Africa members still in contention in the event after Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay) was eliminated in his Round 4 clash by Caio Ibelli (BRA).

The event is the first of two on the inaugural ASP World Pro Junior Tour which will crown the ASP World Junior Champion in Sydney, Australia in January.

All the action can be followed LIVE at http://oakleyprojunior.com starting at approximately 2am South African time daily.

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR ROUND 4 RESULTS (MEN’S):

Heat 1:Nat Young (USA) 18.96 def. Tyler Newton (HAW) 15.50
Heat 2: Jack Freestone (AUS) 18.47 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.24
Heat 3: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.40 def. Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 9.17
Heat 4: Conner Coffin (USA) 18.26 def. Krystian Kymerson (BRA) 2.83
Heat 5: Mitch Crews (AUS) 11.66 def. Charles Martin (GLP) 6.97
Heat 6: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 18.16 def. Alex Smith (HAW) 16.70
Heat 7: Dale Staples (ZAF) 16.07 def. Granger Larsen (HAW) 15.46
Heat 8: Evan Thompson (USA) 13.50 def. Davey Cathels (AUS) 10.47

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS (MEN’S):

QF 1: Nat Young (USA) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
QF 2: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Conner Coffin (USA)
QF 3: Mitch Crews (AUS) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW)
QF 4: Dale Staples (ZAF) vs. Evan Thompson (USA)

Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact: Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel: 021 534 5738
Email: colin@aspafrica.com

Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax: +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.

The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

CULS NUS BEACH, Hossegor/France (Saturday, October 2, 2010) – Jordy Smith placed fifth in the Quiksilver Pro France, stop No. 7 of 10 on the ASP World Tour, which was won by the reigning ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, for the second consecutive year on Saturday.

Smith was defeated by Fanning in their quarterfinal clash held in pumping six-to-eight foot (2.5 metre) barrels at Les Culs Nus Beach. The Durbanite retained his ASP World No. 2 ranking although he slipped to 7 250 points behind past nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, Kelly Slater (USA), 38, who finished runner-up to Fanning.

“There’re not many good ones out there,” Smith said after failing to find his rhythm in the quarters. “It’s kind of a diamond-in-the-rough situation. That’s the way it goes though – you win some, you lose some. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t get any waves out there for that heat, but that’s okay. I think everyone on tour is trying their hardest to prevent Kelly (Slater) from getting No. 10, but what can you do?”

Smith convincingly won his opening three-man encounter at the event before defeating Gabe Kling (USA) in Round 3. He then finished third in his three-man Round 4 match-up but rebounded with a strong performance to overcome Tom Whitaker (AUS) in Round 5 to advance to the quarters where he was ousted by Fanning.

The Quiksilver Pro France culminated in dramatic fashion with a bevy of high-scoring rides amidst the treacherous conditions that left some of the world’s best competitors with heat-tallies of less than 10 points out of 20.

“That was difficult,” Fanning said of the final. “There was just a lot of water moving and it was super challenging. You were either in the spot or you weren’t, and I was fortunate enough to be there for a couple.”

“This one feels pretty good,” Fanning said of successfully defending the title. “Last year, the waves weren’t really pumping. This year, it almost didn’t feel like a surf contest, but rather a bunch of guys getting barrelled off their heads for a few days.”

Slater was in phenomenal form from the outset today, consistently racking up impressive scores and feeding off the energy of the ocean.

“This is what we live for,” Slater said after his quarterfinal duel. “This is insane. There are the craziest waves out there. You don’t want to get 6s, you want to get 10s.”

The iconic natural-footer did just that in his semifinal bout, free-falling and recovering with supernatural ability on a solid forehand barrel, being spat out to the eruption of applause from the millions watching around the world. That ride wave marks only the second perfect 10 of the ASP season, and the first for Slater.

However, in quickly-changing conditions in the Final, Slater found himself uncharacteristically out of rhythm and only able to amass a 6.74 heat total.

“Ouch,” Slater said. “It was really difficult out there and I didn’t get much aside from a few poundings. Congrats to Mick (Fanning) for finding a couple of scores out there.”

The win saw Fanning leapfrog from No. 5 to No. 3 in the ASP World Title Race Rankings while his runner-up finish sees Slater cement his position as ASP World No. 1 heading into the remainder of the season.

South Africa’s Travis Logie (Durban) was eliminated in Round 2 to earn his second 25th place result since making the cut for the last five events of the 2010 ASP World Tour season.

Highlights from Quiksilver Pro France are available via http://quiksilverlive.com/profrance2010/

The next stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour will be the Rip Curl Pro Portugal from October 7 through 18, 2010.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE FINAL RESULTS:

1 – Mick Fanning (AUS)16.90

2 – Kelly Slater (USA) 6.74

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.13 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 3.00

SF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.67 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.40

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1:Brett Simpson (USA) 14.67 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 10.77

QF 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 17.43 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.33

QF 3:Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.93 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 4.27

QF 4:Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.00 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.76

CURRENT ASP WORLD TITLE RACE TOP 5 (After Quiksilver Pro France):

1.Kelly Slater (USA) 48,000 pts

2.Jordy Smith (ZAF) 40,750 pts

3.Mick Fanning (AUS) 39,500 pts

4.Taj Burrow (AUS) 32,250 pts

5.Dane Reynolds (USA) 32,000 pts

South Africans

34. Travis Logie (ZAF) 9 250 pts

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Brandon Jackson places fifth in Super Surf Int’l in Brazil

Brandon Jackson from Durban North posted his best result of 2010 when he finished fifth in the 6-Star rated Super Surf International in Florianopolis, Brazil on Saturday.

Jackson, who has struggled to emulate his world-beating feats of last year when he finished No. 24 on the yearend ASP World Qualifying Series rankings, was the highest placing non-Brazilian in the event after advancing through four rounds of competition.

The 23 year-old was eventually ousted in the man-on-man quarterfinals by 16 year-old Brazilian phenomenon Gabriel Medina who has posted the highest scores of the event with an amazing repertoire of tube riding and high-flying aerial manoeuvres.

Jackson collected US $2 950 plus 1 266 points on the ASP World Tour Rankings for his fifth place finish while Antonio Bortoletto, the only other South African in the event, advanced to the Round of 96 where he placed third for a 49th place finish, pocketing $600 and 300 points.

The semifinals and final of the event are scheduled to be completed later today (Sunday).

++++++++++++++++++++++

Four out of seven South Africans into Round 3 at Oakley ASP World Pro Junior

Four of the seven South Africans who received coveted invitations to compete in the Oakley ASP World Pro Junior in Bali have progressed to Round 3 after the first two days of completion held in small but well shaped waves at Canggu.

Saturday saw the Round 1 of the women take to the surf with both SA girls, Bianca Buitendag (George) and Chantelle Rautenbach (Melkbosstrand), placing third in their respective heats and having to contest cutthroat Round 2 elimination heats to remain in contention.

Today’s men’s Round 1 saw Brendon Gibbens (Kommetjie) win the opening heat to progress directly to Round 3 where he was joined later in the day by Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga).

Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay), at No. 9 the highest ranked Saffa in the event, placed third in his opening encounter. But the newly crowned ASP Pro Junior men’s champion made amends with a powerful Round 2 performance where he netted 17.03 out 20, the third highest heat total of the day, to advance to Round 3.

In similar fashion, Chad du Toit (Berea, Durban) placed second in his opener but rebounded with a solid Round 2 victory while Dale Staples (St Francis Bay) will be up against Enrique Ariitu (PYF) in Round 2 when competition resumes after finishing runner-up in his Round 1 clash.

The event is the first of two on the inaugural ASP World Pro Junior Tour which will crown the ASP World Junior Champion in Sydney, Australia in January.

All the action can be followed LIVE at http://oakleyprojunior.com starting at approximately 2am South African time daily.

++++++++++++++++++

Ends

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About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.

The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

CULS NUS BEACH, Hossegor/France (Sunday, September 26, 2010) –Day 1 of the Quiksilver Pro France experienced the full range of conditions that French beachbreaks are renowned for, completing the twelve heats of Round 1 in everything from slabbing barrels to high-performance peaks.

Stop No. 7 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro France continued the race for the 2010 ASP World Title as well as the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers in spectacular fashion today, with dramatic tuberiding and horrific wipeouts taking center stage.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion and defending Quiksilver Pro France Champion, was a standout this morning, netting the highest single-wave score of the day, an 8.33 out of a possible 10, with an excellent forehand barrel.

“I thought I was a little too deep but got my edge in early and was able to set my line,” Fanning said. “It’s pretty wild out there this morning. There’re a lot of closeouts, but a few gems too. I was lucky to slip into that one.”

Currently ranked No. 5 on the 2010 ASP World Title Race rankings, the calculating Australian will look to repeat his form from 2009 in order to mount an ASP World Title defense.

“I just need to win events,” Fanning said. “It’s a simple as that. I feel like I’m surfing well, but I’ve made a few tactical mistakes this year that have cost me. I love the rest of the events on tour so hopefully I can catch on a roll.”

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 21, current ASP World No. 2, surfed a solid Round 1 heat this morning, dispatching of Luke Stedman (AUS), 34, and Julian Wilson (AUS), 21, with a flurry of barrel rides.

“It actually looks bigger than it is out there,” Smith said. “I probably could have been riding a smaller board, but I thought some of the earlier heats had some pretty solid surf. The waves were actually really fun in our heat. There were lots of fun little barrels that came through.”

Well in the hunt for the 2010 ASP World Title, even temporarily holding the ratings’ lead following the fifth event in Africa, Smith is cautious when discussing his aspirations for the remainder of the year.

“I’m just surfing and not worrying about anything,” Smith said. “It’s fantastic to be in the running and Europe is a place where I feel confident in my surfing, but at the end of the day, I’m just going out and having fun.”

Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 24, 2010 ASP World Tour rookie and current ASP World No. 23, caused a major upset this morning, relegating former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, Kelly Slater (USA), 38, to the elimination Round 2 following their opening round bout. The young Californian began his campaign in spectacular fashion, threading a deep forehand barrel before executed a lofty double-grab aerial.

“I was really fortunate to get that one and it definitely won me the heat,” Gudauskas said. “I was battling for position with Kelly (Slater) and he took the first one which was smaller and I got the second one. I actually misjudged the wave and barely made the takeoff and when I pulled under the lip I could see the barrel just breathing and, when it let me out, there was a ramp section so it was just automatic to go for the air.”

Following a disappointing 25th place finish at home in California last week, Gudauskas was elated to put that behind him and begin his European leg campaign in fine fashion.

“It was disappointing to lose early at home in Trestles but I did my best to shake it off,” Gudauskas said. “I rationalized it by telling myself that everyone was surfing so amazing that it was just the way it went. I love Europe though. I want to move to France. I got my best result in Tahiti (Equal 5th) and my mindset is just to build on that through the next events. The goal is to be inside the Top 22 by the end of the year.”

Owen Wright (AUS), 20, 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie and current ASP World No. 8, continued to his excellent run through his rookie year on tour, posting the day’s highest heat total, a 14.13 out of a possible 20, for a commanding performance on the lefthanders.

“I’d seen Ace (Adrian Buchan) sneak off down there to the left earlier,” Wright said. “I figured that it’s a left, I’m a goofy-footer and it could work out. It’s hard work out there. I didn’t really feel like I got amazing barrels, but given the conditions, I guess it worked out okay.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 22, current ASP World No. 21, rebounded sensationally in the opening heat of the day, recovering from a challenging start to take the win in the final moments. The young Frenchman was unable to penetrate the powerful shorebreak on his first attempt, but after collecting himself on the sand, made a second charge successfully and tenacious scored the winning wave in the final minute of the heat.

“It’s really challenging out there,” Flores said. “I got smashed trying to get out and I barely made it out at the beginning. And I couldn’t really find anything out there until the very end. I made my way up the beach and got some small ones then got that nice one at the end. So it was an exciting finish.”

The lone Frenchman amongst the ASP Top 34, Flores holds the weight of expectations for an entire nation on his shoulders and appreciates the opportunity to represent his country.

“I’ve never done very well at this event so to get through the first round is a great feeling,” Flores said. “I want to do well in front of all my family and friends. It’s pumping today. There are some bombs coming through and I’m very happy to get through after a shaky start.”

When competition resumes, up first will be Kelly Slater (USA), 38, up against Maxime Huscenot (FRA), 18, in the opening heat of Round 2.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 8am to assess conditions for a possible 8:15am start.

Highlights from the Quiksilver Pro France will be available via http://quiksilverlive.com/profrance2010/

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

High-res image available for complimentary download at: (Copy/Paste URL)

http://64.78.18.131/photos/QUIKEU10/fanning_m1611quikeu10cestari_n.jpg

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 1 RESULTS:

Heat 1:Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.36, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 8.50, Daniel Ross (AUS) 3.06

Heat 2:Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.70, Luke Munro (AUS) 9.83, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 6.84

Heat 3:Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.93, Travis Logie (ZAF) 5.43, Adam Melling (AUS) 5.36

Heat 4:Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.00, Taylor Knox (USA) 2.24, Gabe Kling (USA) 1.96

Heat 5:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.00, Luke Stedman (AUS) 8.27, Julian Wilson (AUS) 8.03

Heat 6:Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.10, Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 5.40, Kelly Slater (USA) 4.00

Heat 7:Brett Simpson (USA) 10.94, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 9.60, Chris Davidson (AUS) 6.87

Heat 8:C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.60, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 7.73, Michel Bourez (PYF) 5.43
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.03, Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.97, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.90

Heat 10:Owen Wright (AUS) 14.83, Tiago Pires (PRT) 7.77, Roy Powers (HAW) 2.03

Heat 11:Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.13, Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.10, Dusty Payne (HAW) 7.87

Heat 12:Andy Irons (HAW), Bobby Martinez (USA), Kai Otton (AUS)

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1:Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Maxime Huscenot (FRA)

Heat 2:Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)

Heat 3:Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)

Heat 4:Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)

Heat 5:Andy Irons (HAW) vs. Luke Munro (AUS)

Heat 6:Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Daniel Ross (AUS)

Heat 7:Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)

Heat 8:Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)

Heat 9:Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)

Heat 10:Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)

Heat 11:Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)

Heat 12:Adam Melling (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
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About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Association of Surfing Professionals
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KERAMAS, Bali/Indonesia (Wednesday, September 29, 2010) -The Oakley ASP World Pro Junior, the opening stop on the 2010 ASP World Junior Tour (WJT), will commence its waiting period this weekend in Bali, ushering in the greatest assemblage of junior surfing talent from around the globe.

Surfing young guns Conner Coffin (USA) and Keala Naihe (Haw) will challenge the world’s best junior surfers in arguably one of the world’s best high-performance waves after being awarded wildcards into the high stakes event, which will run at Keramas from October 2-13 and offer a prize pool of US $95,000.

With a surfing attack built on power and topped with an increasingly progressive repertoire, Coffin, 17, is looking to add to his trophy case with a big result in the tournament.

Coffin, who has an amazingly smooth, clean, and powerful pointbreak style, was raised in Santa Barbara’s legendary point breaks, and should ultimately put him in good stead at the right-hand waves of Keramas.

In Round 1, Coffin will come up against Kiron Jabour (HAW) and Chris Salisbury (AUS).

Naihe is also positioned well for an impressive showing at the prestigious tournament and will face Marc Lacomare (FRA) and Charles Martin (GLP) in Round 1 of competition.

Ronny Nelson, Oakley Sports Marketing Manager, is excited to see Conner and Naihe lineup in the event.

“Choosing wildcards is always a hard thing to do, there are so many options out there but at the end of the day you need to look at who will do well or even win the event,” he said.

“In my eyes, I feel that Conner and Keala will best represent Oakley and have a great chance to win. Conner’s explosive surfing in punchy waves will be his advantage while the smooth finesse surfing and knowledge of reef breaks will suit Keala in Bali. Oakley is really happy that Conner and Keala are competing in the first event of two to help crown a legitimate ASP World Junior champion.

Similar to years past, athletes compete on their respective regional ASP Pro Junior Series throughout the season to qualify for the ASP World Junior Tour. Qualification for the ASP WJT is based on regional results from January 1 through August 31, 2010.

The inaugural ASP World Junior Tour will see six representatives from ASP Australasia, ASP South America, ASP North America and ASP Europe, five representatives from ASP Africa, ASP Hawaii and ASP Japan, and additional wildcards to make up the 48-man field.

The ASP World Junior Tour events will also feature an 18-woman field, which will crown the undisputed ASP Women’s World Junior Champion.

The undisputed ASP World Junior Champions will be the No. 1 ranked male and female surfer after the completion of the ASP World Junior Tour.

The Oakley ASP World Pro Junior will be webcast LIVE via www.oakleyprojunior.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR MATCH-UPS (MEN’S):
Heat 1: Brendon Gibbens (ZAF), Alex Smith (HAW), Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 2: Shaun Joubert (ZAF), Peterson Crisanto (BRA), Keanu Asing (HAW)
Heat 3: Caio Ibelli (BRA), Tyler Newton (USA), Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 4: Kiron Jabour (HAW), Chris Salisbury (AUS), Conner Coffin (USA)
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (FRA), Guillermo Satt (CHL), Enrique Ariitu (PYF)
Heat 6: Nat Young (USA), Dean Bowen (AUS), Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)
Heat 7: Miguel Pupo (BRA), Jesse Mendes (BRA), Takumi Nakamura (JPN)
Heat 8: Alejo Muniz (BRA), Krystian Kymerson (BRA), TBC
Heat 9: Marc Lacomare (FRA), Charles Martin (GLP), Keala Naihe (HAW)
Heat 10: Granger Larsen (HAW), Dale Staples (ZAF), Tom Cloarec (FRA)
Heat 11: Davey Cathels (AUS), Luke Davis (USA), Kaimana Jaquias (HAW)
Heat 12: Beyrick De Vries (ZAF), Felipe Jervis (PRT), Hiroto Arai (JPN)
Heat 13: Kolohe Andino (USA), Albee Layer (HAW), Andrew Doheny (USA)
Heat 14: Chad Du Toit (ZAF), Kaito Ohashi (JPN), Evan Thompson (USA)
Heat 15: Nic Von Rupp (DEU), Ryan Callinan (AUS), Kento Takahashi (JPN)
Heat 16: Evan Geiselman (USA), Ty Watson (AUS), Arashi Kato (JPN)

OAKLEY ASP WORLD PRO JUNIOR MATCH-UPS (WOMEN’S):
Heat 1:Pauline Ado (FRA), Alizee Arnaud (FRA), Nao Omura (JPN)
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA), Chantelle Rautenback (ZAF), Alessa Quizon (HAW)
Heat 3: Laura Enever (AUS), Lakey Peterson (USA), Minato Takahashi (JPN)
Heat 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA), Airini Mason (NZL), Camila Cassia (BRA)
Heat 5: Tyler Wright (AUS), Leila Hurst (HAW), Diana Cristina (BRA)
Heat 6: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Malia Manuel (HAW)

ASP WORLD JUNIOR TOUR SCHEDULE:
- Oakley ASP World Pro Junior, Bali/Indonesia – October 2 – 13, 2010
- Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, Australia – January 8 – 16, 2011

PAST ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONS:
2009:Maxime Huscenot (REU), Laura Enever (AUS)
2008: Kai Barger (HAW), Pauline Ado (FRA)
2007: Pablo Paulino (BRA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
2006: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Nicola Atherton (AUS)
2005: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
2004: Pablo Paulino (BRA)
2003: Adriano de Souza (BRA)
2002: N/A
2001: Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2000: Pedro Henrique (BRA)
1999: Joel Parkinson (AUS)
1998: Andy Irons (HAW)

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Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International

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About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Association of Surfing Professionals
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LOWER TRESTLES, California/USA (Saturday, September 18, 2010) – Kelly Slater (USA), 38, past nine-time ASP World Champion, has taken out the 2010 Hurley Pro at Trestles in flawless six-foot (2 metre) waves over lethal Australian Bede Durbidge (AUS), 27.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Hurley Pro at Trestles culminated in stunning fashion today with the iconic Floridian collecting an unprecedented 43rd elite tour victory.

“What can I say? What a week,” Slater said. “We looked at the swell forecast and Pat (O’Connell) and I were talking, going ‘look what we’re going to get this week.’ I’ve got to thank Bob Hurley and the whole Hurley crew. I think they just brainstormed and put a lot of good ideas together for us. The experience was just awesome.”

Today’s win, his fourth elite tour win at Lower Trestles (2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010), vaults Slater into the ratings’ lead in his hunt for an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title.

“Looking back at my career, I never would have fathomed a ninth title, let alone a 10th,” Slater said. “I don’t know what to say. It’s still a long road ahead. We still have four events and I’m just trying to soak in this win and not even think about everything right now.”

Slater, who was relegated to Round 5 by Australian Owen Wright (AUS), 20, in Round 4, capitalized on the newly-implemented double-elimination round and sprung back with a vengeance after earning a free pass to the Quarterfinals after his opponent, Davidson, was too ill to compete.

“I think the new format is good for the fans,” Slater said. “They get to see us surf a little more and it was definitely a different mindset for me paddling out yesterday. I was kind of just having fun. I was out there to have a good time and I sort of realized at the halfway mark that I was in a heat. I feel like I sort of blew that heat, but it’s a bonus. If you win you get a round off and if you lose you get to surf again. I think it’s good overall. It does make us surf once more than we would normally, but I don’t mind out here.”

For today’s efforts, Slater was awarded the biggest prize purse in surfing history, US$105,000, as well as the ASP World Title Race ratings’ lead.

Bede Durbidge (AUS), 27, who defeated Slater at this event in 2006, was unable to repeat the magic this year, but was ultimately thankful for his Runner-Up finish.

“I’ve got a baby on the way, so it was really good to get a result here,” Durbidge said. “I can’t compete in Portugal. This was an important comp for me. Congrats go to Kelly (Slater). He’s the man out here and his record is second to none and he’s so dangerous. It was good to make the Final. I’m stoked.”

Durbidge’s charge to the Final was no easy task however, as the current ASP World No. 8 ousted current ASP World No. 2 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, in their Quarterfinals matchup and Dane Reynolds (USA), 25, in the Semifinals before falling to Slater in the Final.

“Trestles is just a really fun wave and everyone rips out here,” Durbidge said. “I think putting a bit of pressure on everyone early can make them crumble. That was my plan, but it didn’t work for Kelly. I just did what it took to get through the heats. I had a tough draw there and Dane (Reynolds) and Jordy (Smith) didn’t have the best heats against me, so that was a bonus and I’m happy I made the Final.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion and defending event winner, was near flawless throughout the Hurley Pro at Trestles, consistently netting high scores with unrivalled speed and power. However, the Australian’s form fell short in his Semifinal against eventual winner Slater, as he finished Equal 3rd and moved up to No. 5 on the ASP World Title Race rankings.

“I don’t know – when Kelly (Slater) tried to pull those silly tricks, it made my brain explode and it sort of took me too long to get my head back together,” Fanning said. “It’s all good. It’s a good start to the leg and hopefully I can keep getting through heats. I’m just going to keep having fun and hopefully keep improving my surfing and hopefully keep pushing.”

Dane Reynolds, current ASP World No. 4, continued to exhibit his brand of mind-blowing, progressive surfing at Lower Trestles. A consistent high-scorer throughout the event, Reynolds failed to surpass Durbidge in their Semifinal bout, but remained grateful at the opportunity to surf waves of such quality.

“I was tired but that didn’t come in to play,” Reynolds said. “Sometimes, if I can’t picture how I’m going to surf a wave, I just get baffled. That happened in that Taj (Burrow) heat too in South Africa. I just lose the picture. It was a ton of fun to surf Trestles like this. As soon as the heat was over it was super fun again. I felt like I could surf again.”

Jordy Smith, into his third season on the elite ASP World Tour, was one of the form surfers of the event this year. However, after suffering two broken boards yesterday, the young South African was unable to overcome Durbidge in the Quarterfinals. With his Equal 5th place finish, Smith retains the ASP World No. 2 spot heading into the European leg.

“It was a tough one,” Smith said. “I broke two of my best boards ever yesterday and paddled out on a plug and it didn’t go so well. You have heats like that. You can’t win everyone. I think this year I’ve relaxed a lot more. I don’t put as much pressure out on myself. In years prior, I was a little arrogant and got ahead of myself and would surf brand new boards in heats. This year is different for me, and now I’m just focused on Europe.”

For high and low-res images, video highlights and video news releases go to http://www.thehurleypro.com/downloads

Highlights from the Hurley Pro at Trestles will be available via http://www.hurley.com/hurleypro/

The next stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour will be the Quiksilver Pro France from September 25 through October 5th, 2010.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

High-res image available for complimentary download at: (Copy/Paste URL)

http://64.78.18.131/photos/TRESTLES10/slater_k8702trestles10rowland_n.jpg 

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES FINAL RESULTS:

1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 18.13

2 – Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.13

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF 1:Kelly Slater (USA) 15.87 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 10.43

SF 2:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.67 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 9.63

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1:Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.60 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.20

QF 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 17.03 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 15.97

QF 3:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.27 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.87

QF 4:Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.80 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.90

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 5 RESULTS:

Heat 1:Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.76 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.50

Heat 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 17.10 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) N/S

Heat 3:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.40 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.47

Heat 4:Dane Reynolds (USA) 12.04 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.73

ASP WORLD TITLE RACE TOP 5 (After Hurley Pro at Trestles)

1. Kelly Slater (USA) 40,000 pts

2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 35,500 pts

3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 30,500 pts

4. Dane Reynolds (USA) 30,250 pts

5. Mick Fanning (AUS) 29,500 pts

——————————————————————————–

Visit the Press Room on www.aspworldtour.com for news, images, transcribed athlete interviews and more.

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Media
Dave Prodan
email: dave@aspworldtour.com
USA mobile: +1 949 678 0987

AUS mobile: +61 (0) 400 455 228

Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department – please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com

For Immediate Release

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International

——————————————————————————–

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Association of Surfing Professionals
72-80 Marine Parade | Coolangatta, QLD 4225

LOWER TRESTLES, California/USA (Sunday, September 12, 2010) –Day 1 of the Hurley Pro at Trestles went off with clean three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) waves rolling through one of the world’s most rippable waves in Lower Trestles and the newly-minted ASP Top 34 took elevated the performance level yet again.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Hurley Pro Trestles completed Round 1 and the opening 5 heats of Round 2 today, with the world’s best surfers taking to the Trestles canvas with reckless abandon.

Dane Reynolds (USA), 25, current ASP World No. 4, stumbled in the opening heat of the morning, losing to an in-form Chris Davidson (AUS), 33. Despite his relegation to the elimination Round 2, Reynolds put in a sensational afternoon performance, blending backhand fin-free maneuvers with a brutal forehand assault to collect the highest heat total of the event, a 17.70 out of a possible 20, to dispatch lethal, local wildcard Kolohe Andino (USA), 16.

“I was nervous going up against him (Andino),” Reynolds said. “I hate surfing against younger kids. If I surf against someone like Davo (Chris Davidson) I know what to expect, I know how he’s going to surf. Kolohe (Andino) can do huge moves and that’s usually my deal that I can pull out against other guys, so I was a little nervous going out there, but I got my bearings straight and got a couple of sets. I felt like every time a set came I was on the second one and it had a nice wall.”

Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie and current ASP World No. 11, took out his first elite career win earlier this year in Brazil, and continued to exhibit the form that has made him one of the most exciting surfers in the world. The fleet-footed South American executed a number of high-risk aerials on his forehand to net a 17.03 out of a possible 20, taking top honors for Round 1.

“This wave is amazing for me,” Andre said. “I think Trestles is one of the best waves and it fits my surfing. I’m hoping to get a good result here because that left is just amazing. The right is amazing too. The current, the wind, everything felt perfect.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 9, survived a hard-fought Round 1 heat this morning, scoring an excellent 8.67 in the last 10 minutes before backing it up and taking the win.

“Halfway through, I was thinking that it was going to be one of those heats where I get nothing and the other boys get everything but that one wave came and turned the heat,” Fanning said. “I just tried to get the score I required and got a bit lucky. Some people say that they don’t really care about winning in the first round, but it’s sort of a good mental edge to win that first round. No one really likes being in that second round. It’s good just to move on.”

Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, current ASP World No. 3, took out a convincing Round 1 victory over local Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 24, and newly instated ASP Top 34 member Gabe Kling (USA), 30, with some impressive surfing on his backhand.

“I normally don’t look to go left, but I noticed they had some really good walls and there’s always a ramp on them,” Burrow said. “I’ve been free surfing out here a bit and had a couple of airs in my free surfs on the left, so I figured why not throw it out there in a heat. You’ve got to look for both waves, but I was definitely thinking lefts more than rights for that heat. Everyone is lethal out there, especially Pat (Gudauskas) being a local guy. It’s just about picking those good ones and doing your thing because there are a lot of good guys in this event.”

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, current ASP World No. 1, posted a confident Round 1 win this morning, manhandling the performance-oriented Lowers lefts and rights to advance directly to Round 3.

“It’s always good to get an opening round win, but I think the best thing about having the number one on my back is you get a pretty good car park spot up at the top,” Smith said. “I think it’s the best part because you don’t have to walk too far. The waves are pretty fun down here, there is some good surfing going down and I’m sure it’s only going to get better throughout the day.”

Currently the frontrunner in the race for an inaugural ASP World Title, Smith maintains his focus on the present.

“Every contest is important to get a result,” Smith said. “I’m just having fun and enjoying this event and enjoying this year and trying not to take it too serious.”

South Africa’s Travis Logie was a first day elimination, along with wildcards Kolohe Andino and veteran Rob Machado, current ASP No. 8 Bobby Martinez (all Californians) and ASP No. 12 Fred Patacchia (HAW) as the streamlined format enabled the organisers to run five heats of Round 2.

Logie placed third behind Fanning and Taylor Knox (USA) in Round 1 and was then ousted from the event by former ASP World Champion CJ Hobgood (USA) in Round 2.

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, past nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 2, scored a confident win in his Round 1 bout this morning. Currently in the process of hunting an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title, Slater has also been a big supporter of the recent changes made at the ASP World Tour level.

“I’ve been a real proponent of a new format for years, allowing guys to surf a number of times and still be in the event,” Slater said. “You’ve got a guy like Dane (Reynolds) who went out in his heat and probably caught 10 waves and fell on eight of them and he didn’t really put on a great performance for him. That’s going to happen with a lot of guys who want to go for it and with a couple of rounds you’re allowed to get into the fourth round and completely mess around and try a different board and take off on waves deeper than you usually would or throw the tail more. I think making it into the fourth round and you don’t lose, it’s probably better because I think the surfing level is pretty good in that round.”

Surfline, official forecasters for the Hurley Pro Trestles, are calling for the swell to dip over the next couple of days before a stronger swell system moves in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Event organizers will reconvene at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Owen Wright (AUS), 20, up against Luke Munro (AUS), 27, in Heat 6 of Round 2.

For high and low-res images, video highlights and video news releases go to http://www.thehurleypro.com/downloads

Highlights from the Hurley Pro at Trestles will be available via http://www.hurley.com/hurleypro/

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.33, Dane Reynolds (USA) 12.94, Luke Munro (AUS) 10.33
Heat 2:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.50, Adam Melling (AUS) 14.46, Brett Simpson (USA) 13.83
Heat 3:Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.40, Taylor Knox (USA) 13.30, Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.04
Heat 4:Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.10, Gabe Kling (USA) 12.67, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.70
Heat 5:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.16, Rob Machado (USA) 11.47, Kai Otton (AUS) 9.67
Heat 6:Kelly Slater (USA) 13.27, Luke Stedman (AUS) 10.10, Kolohe Andino (USA) 8.43
Heat 7:Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.50, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.26, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.93
Heat 8:Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.24, Daniel Ross (AUS) 15.23, Bobby Martinez (USA) 13.33
Heat 9:Jadson Andre (BRA) 17.03, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.46, Dusty Payne (HAW) 8.10
Heat 10:Andy Irons (HAW) 15.04, Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.57, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 5.23
Heat 11:Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.47, Owen Wright (AUS) 13.66, Roy Powers (HAW) 8.50
Heat 12:Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.93, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 12.67, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 11.26

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Dane Reynolds (USA) 17.70 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.10
Heat 2:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.33 def. Rob Machado (USA) 10.77
Heat 3:Gabe Kling (USA) 12.17 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 11.44
Heat 4:C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.16 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.93
Heat 5:Brett Simpson (USA) 10.93 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.77

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES REMAINING ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 6:Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Luke Munro
Heat 7:Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 8:Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 9:Adam Melling (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)
Heat 10:Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 11:Patrick Gudauskas (USA) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 12:Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)

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About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.