Monday 20 December 2010 – Jordy Smith has ended the 2010 ASP World tour Season ranked No. 2, the best result by a South African surfer since 1977 World Champion Shaun Tomson finished second in 1984.

Smith won his maiden event title at the Billabong Pro in Jeffreys Bay in July and also reached the final in two other events, finishing runner-up to Taj Burrow (AUS) in the season opening Quiksilver Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast and to newly crowned 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal in October.

The 22 year-old Durbanite started his break-through third year on the Dream Tour, the highest level of competition surfing, with an entirely new strategy. Realising that he performed at his best when relaxed and not under pressure to get results, his mantra became “I’m just going to go out there and have fun and let the results take care of themselves.”

And the new approach really worked as a more relaxed Smith employed his patented aerial attack and futuristic manoeuvres to defeat the cream of the world’s top competitive surfers on a regular basis, only failing to reach the last eight once in the 10 events – when he was bundled out in the Round of 32 by wildcard Manoa Drollet at Teahupoo in Tahiti.

His one victory, two seconds, six fifth place finishes and one 17th, plus a couple of good results in Prime and Star rated events, saw Smith amass US $235 150 (approximately R1.64 million) in prize-money in 2010, taking his career prize-money earnings to just over $526 000 and signing up a slew of new sponsorship deals along the way.

Slater, 38, undeniably the best competitive surfer of all time, reached the final in six of the 10 events, winning four titles, and accumulated $416 000 in 2010, including a bonus of $100 000 for winning the ASP World Title.

The other five event titles were won by Burrow, rookie Jadson Andre (a 20 year-old Brazilian whose father is two years younger than Slater!), the late former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), two-time and 2009 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and Jeremy Flores (FRA) who became the first European surfer to win an event in Hawaii by capturing the Billabong Pipeline Masters in memory of Andy Irons.

The 2011 ASP World Tour will get underway with the Quiksilver Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast at the end of February.

ASP World Title Race
2010 Final Rankings
1 Kelly Slater (USA)  69 000 points
2 Jordy Smith (ZAF)  52 250
3 Mick Fanning (AUS)  44 750
4 Taj Burrow (AUS)  42 000
4 Dane Reynolds (USA) 42 000
6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) 39 000
7 Adrian Buchan (AUS) 37 250
7 Owen Wright (AUS)  37 250
9 Jeremy Flores (FRA) 35 750
10 Adriano De Souza (BRA) 32 000

South Africans
29 Travis Logie (ZAF)  13 000 points

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

Smith the only South African on 2011 ASP World Tour

Jordy Smith will be the sole South African on the 2011 ASP World Tours after fellow Durbanite Travis Logie amongst the men and Rosanne Hodge and Nikita Robb (both East London) amongst the women all failed to finish inside the cut-off criteria for requalification.

Logie, 31, did well to survive the mid-year cut from 44 to 34 on the ASP World Tour and was on the cusp of requalifying for 2011 through both the ASP World Title Rankings, where the top 22 automatically requalify, and on the ASP World Rankings, where the top 10 who have not already qualified via the World Tour rankings join the Dream Tour.

However, following a Round 1 loss in the Pipe Masters, Logie ended the year ranked No. 29 on the World Title Race Rankings and even closer on the World Tour Rankings where his 36th place saw him end just 1 723 points (less than 1 750 earned for a 13th place finish) behind Dusty Payne (HAW) who grabbed the No. 32 and final qualifying spot.

Hodge was the model of consistency in 2010, her fourth consecutive year on the ASP Women’s World Tour, reaching Round 3 in the first six events but not managing to advance to the quarterfinals, before placing 17th in the final event. She ended the year ranked No.13, significantly adrift of Rebecca Woods (AUS) who grabbed the 10th and final spot.

Robb struggled to impress the judges in her rookie season at the highest level, only posting two heat tallies of over 10 out of 20 in 14 attempts, and bowed out with three 9ths, three 17ths and a 19th which gave her a yearend ranking of No. 15.

The pair also finished well off the pace in the ASP Women’s Star rated series where the top 6 qualify for the following year’s top tier. Robb was the highest placed SA woman at No. 14 while Hodge ended her season ranked No. 22.

Royden Bryson fared best of the South African campaigners in the Prime and Star rated events, ending the year ranked No. 76. The former East Londoner now living in Cape Town won the 6-Star rated O’Neill Cold Water Classic in Scotland and put himself into contention for the US $50 000 bonus for the five-event Col Water Classic Series title before missing the next two events in that series in Canada and Santa Cruz, California.

Brandon Jackson (Durban North), who came within a whisker on qualifying for the 2010 ASP World Tour, was the only other SA surfer in the top 100, finishing at No. 100. Rudy Palmboom (Bluff) came in at No. 106 in his third campaign and Shaun Joubert, 19, from Mossel Bay, ended his first season at No. 118, achieving his objective of placing amongst the top 120 who are virtually guaranteed a start in all of next year’s Prime rated events.

ASP World Tour Rankings
2010 Men
1 Slater,Kelly   USA 69000 points
2 Smith,Jordy  ZAF 52350
3 Burrow,Taj   AUS 45432
4 Fanning,Mick  AUS 44750
5 Durbidge,Bede  AUS 42463

South Africans (Top 200 of 1089)
36 Logie,Travis  ZAF 16327 points
76 Bryson,Royden  ZAF 9601
100 Jackson,Brandon  ZAF 7015
106 Palmboom,Rudy ZAF 6653
118 Joubert,Shaun  ZAF 5884
154 Fahrenfort,Damien  ZAF 4087
155 Strachan,Klee  ZAF 4072
160 Weare,David  ZAF 3799
170 De Vries,Beyrick  ZAF 3512
172 Gibbens,Brendon  ZAF 3443
173 Basnett,Ricky  ZAF 3432

ASP Women’s World Title Race
2010 Final Rankings
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
3 – Carissa Moore (HAW)
4 – Silvana Lima (BRA)
5 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER)

South Africans
13 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
15 – Nikita Robb (ZAF)

ASP World Tour Rankings
2010 Women
1 Fitzgibbons,Sally  AUS 12120 points
2 Enever,Laura  AUS 11520
3 Wright,Tyler   AUS 10920
3 Conlogue,Courtney  USA 10920
5 Ho,Coco   HAW 10380
6 Silva,Jacqueline  BRA 10320

South Africans (Top 50 of 130)
14 Robb,Nikita   ZAF 8520 points
19 Buitendag,Bianca  ZAF 8160
22 Hodge,Rosanne  ZAF 7680
26 Chudleigh,Tarryn  ZAF 7200
36 Baum,Sarah   ZAF 6000
48 Rautenbach,Chantelle  ZAF 4953

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

ENDS

Issued on behalf of:

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

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

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.

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.

SAN BARTOLO, Lima/Peru (Tuesday, June 8, 2010) – Silvana Lima (BRA), 25, has claimed the Movistar Peru Classic presented by IPD over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 19, in clean two-to-three foot righthanders in San Bartolo.

Event No. 5 on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Movistar Peru Classic culminated in dramatic fashion today with some major upsets and stunning performances.

Lima wasted little time in the Final bout, assaulting the glassy righthanders with a barrage of hi-fi fin throws and searing carves, amassing the highest heat total of the event, a 16.50 out of a possible 20, to best her young Australian opponent.

“I feel great!” Lima exclaimed after exiting the water. “I knew I needed to put up high scores early on because Sally (Fitzgibbons) has been surfing so well all event. I have some really good boards and I fell like I have been surfing well. I’m so stoked right now!”

The win marks Lima’s third elite victory of her career and vaults the South American from 7th to 3rd on the ASP Women’s World Tour ranking.

“It’s the biggest result I have had since last year,” Lima said. “It’s really good for me. I feel like I have been surfing well this year but haven’t been making heats. This is very good for my confidence and the rest of the season. I wish we didn’t have such a big break though.”

Fitzgibbons continued her sizzling level of performance in Peru, logging in excellent wave scores in virtually every round of competition. Today’s result marks her third, consecutive Runner-Up finish this season, firmly cementing her place at ASP Women’s World No. 2.

“Another bridesmaid,” Fitzgibbons said. “It’s a good result all the same and great for my rating, but I want to win one really bad. Silvana (Lima) was ripping though. I couldn’t really get into a good rhythm in that heat. I felt good all day, but she got the jump on me and I was never able to answer back. It’s all good though. We’ve had amazing support here in Peru and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 26, former ASP Women’s World Champion (2004) and 2009 Movistar Peru Classic winner, once again pulled out some late heat heroics to best Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 26, in the Quarterfinals but was unable to overcome a rampaging Fitzgibbons in the Semifinals.

“It’s disappointing for sure,” Mulanovich said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) was surfing really well and I could get the waves I needed. I started out with a strong heat, but got the best waves at the end. It’s another strong result, but I would have liked to make the Final.”

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning ASP Women’s World Champion and current ASP Women’s World No. 1, suffered a last-minute defeat at the hands of Lima in their Semifinal bout.

“It was an interesting event and we had challenging conditions throughout,” Gilmore said. “The past few days have been pretty fun on the lefts, but today it felt a bit between swells. It was too small for the left and still kind of big for the right. Equal 3rd is a good result but I felt like I have had a nervous energy about me all event. I hadn’t prepared enough on the righthander and that showed in my wave selection.”

Despite the somewhat uncharacteristic loss, Gilmore still retains a healthy lead in the hunt for her fourth consecutive ASP Women’s World Title, and will use the mid-season break to recharge before the end of the year.

“I’m going to go home and then on some surf trips to Indonesia,” Gilmore said. “I’m working on a film project with Ava Warbick and I’ll use the time to recharge before the US Open in July and then onto Portugal after that.”

The next stop on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour will be the Rip Curl Pro Portugal from October 7 through 11, 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/aspnewsphotos/ed10/slmpc10new.jpg

Pictured: Silvana Lima is the 2010 Movistar Peru Classic Champion! Credit: © ASP / MORRIS

MOVISTAR PERU CLASSIC FINAL RESULT: 

1 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 16.50
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.77

MOVISTAR PERU CLASSIC SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 11.77 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.00
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.60 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.56

MOVISTAR PERU CLASSIC QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.43 def. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 11.23
QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.86 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.50
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.27 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 13.70
QF 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.14 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 13.43

Current ASP Women’s World Tour Top 5 (After Peru):

1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 4716 pts
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 4224 pts
3 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 3612 pts
4 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 3588 pts
5 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 3180 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

——————————————————————————–

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

——————————————————————————–

SAN BARTOLO, Lima/Peru (Sunday, June 6, 2010) – The ASP Top 17 blitzed San Bartolo’s punchy three-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders today as Round 1 of the Movistar Peru Classic presented by IPD was completed.

Event No. 5 on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Movistar Peru Classic enjoyed its first day of competition, with the world’s best female surfers annihilating the South American lefthander of San Bartolo.

Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 26, former ASP Women’s World Champion (2005) and current ASP Women’s World No. 4, capped off the day’s festivities with the highest heat total of the day, a 16.43 out of a possible 20, for a rampaging forehand assault.

“I was considering the righthander before the heat started but I’m happy I surfed the left,” Hedges said. “Any chance to get to surf my forehand, I like to take advantage. The waves seemed to pulse for that heat there and Coco (Ho) is such a good surfer that it really pushed my surfing.”

With three Equal 3rds and an Equal 9th in her scorecard this season, the powerful goofy-footer is one of the few surfers who can make an assault on current ASP Women’s World No. 1 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22.

“I definitely feel like my surfing has been solid this season,” Hedges said. “I made a strategic mistake in the last event that cost me the dearly. Trying to rebound from that and just push my surfing with each heat.”

Gilmore advanced into Round 3 behind former ASP Women’s World Tour campaigner Julia de la Rosa Toro (PER).

Silvana Lima (BRA), 25, 2009 ASP Women’s World Runner-Up and current ASP Women’s World No. 7, brought the South American flair this morning, posting a solid 13.90 out of a possible 20 to best Paige Hareb (NZL), 20, and Sage Erickson (USA), 19, in Round 1 of competition.

“The waves aren’t too bad,” Lima said. “There are some fun waves coming through and it’s much better than everyone thought it was going to be. As the tide gets higher and the swell drops a little bit, I think it will only get better.”

While the young Brazilian has been a perennial threat at all venues since her elite inception, Lima has yet to make catch a fire in 2010, something she hopes to remedy in South America.

“I have had a consistent year but haven’t made a Final yet,” Lima said. “I feel like I am surfing well and I have good boards. Just have to stay focused and keep surfing.”

Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 26, enjoyed the backing of hundreds of spectators on the beach today as the former ASP Women’s World Champion (2004) blasted her way to a Round 1 victory over South Africa’s Rosanne Hodge (East London).

“It’s always an honor to surf at home in Peru,” Mulanovich said. “The support from my family and friends is always appreciated. The waves today were pretty fun. It’s not the best, but it’s clean and contestable. Hopefully the waves improve over the next few days.”

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 19, current ASP Women’s World No. 2, continued to perform strongly in Round 1 today, posting an impressive win over Amee Donohoe (AUS), 29, and Anali Gomez (PER).

“It always feels good to get through Round 1,” Fitzgibbons said. “I felt pretty good in the heat, but the waves were challenging. I’ve been in Peru for one or two weeks now and it’s been good preparation. I was working at the Red Bull camp and getting used to the waves and the water.”

Coming off two Runner-Up finishes in New Zealand and Sydney, the progressive natural-footer is keen to mount the winner’s dais and sees Peru as the ideal opportunity.

“Sitting in No. 2 on the rankings and in the ASP Women’s World Title hunt is a great place for me,” Fitzgibbons said. “It takes the pressure off and makes me hungry to better myself at the same time. I’ve had a few Runner-Ups and to walk away with a win in Peru would be amazing.”

Melanie Bartels (HAW), 28, current ASP Women’s World No. 4, opened the day’s affairs with an impressive display of backhand prowess amidst the morning’s challenging conditions.

“It’s really challenging out there,” Bartels said. “There’s a lot of water moving and it’s hit or miss with the waves. These aren’t the waves I’m used to – the water is cold and the lefts are lumpy – so I’m stoked to get through Round 1. I can relax a bit and focus on getting a good result in Peru.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 8am to assess conditions for a possible 9am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Bruna Schmitz (BRA), 20, Sage Erickson (AUS), 19, and Anali Gomez (PER) in the opening heat of Round 2. South Africa’s Nikita Robb (East London) then takes on Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) and Valeria Sole (PER) in the second heat of Round 2

Event updates will be available on the ASP Twitter and Facebook pages as well as live scores available at www.aspworldtour.com/2010/ziulscores.asp

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

MOVISTAR PERU CLASSIC ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.50, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.50, Nikita Robb (ZAF) 9.50
Heat 2: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.90, Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.97, Sage Erickson (USA) 9.60
Heat 3: Julia de la Rosa (PER) 9.00, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 8.80, Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 8.73
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 9.93, Anali Gomez (PER) 8.50
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 13.50, Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 10.04, Valeria Sole (PER) 9.56
Heat 6: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 16.43, Coco Ho (HAW) 13.10, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 12.77

MOVISTAR PERU CLASSIC ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bruna Schmitz (BRA), Sage Erickson (USA), Anali Gomez (PER)
Heat 2: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Nikita Robb (ZAF), Valeria Sole (PER)

________________________________________

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

________________________________________

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

SAN BARTOLO, Lima/Peru (Wednesday, June 2, 2010) – The world’s best female surfers will assault the South American continent this week for the fifth stop on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Movistar Peru Classic presented by IDP.

For the first time in the event’s storied four-year history, the Movistar Peru Classic will whisk the ASP Top 17 away from the lengthy, sandbar lefts of Lobitos and Mancora in exchange for the punchy reefbreaks of San Bartolo in Lima.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP Women’s World Champion and current ASP Women’s World No. 1, has been on a rampage in 2010, collecting three wins from four events and grabbing a stranglehold on the rankings’ lead.

“It has to be the most talented field ever and so this great string of results has surprised me as well,” Gilmore said. “I think the first few events have left everyone questioning the results of the rookies and younger girls, so the focus and expectation grows on them and then allows me to be comfortable and just do my thing.”

While Gilmore has a had a major roll in South America, collecting two wins and a Runner-Up finish in the past three seasons, the iconic Australian admits that this year’s new venue will level the playing field.

“This is my first time to San Bartolo and I don’t really know what to expect but I have been to Lima before and it was a pleasant experience,” Gilmore said. “I’m excited to get there for a new challenge. Peruvians are very passionate about sport and surfing especially because of Sofia (Mulanovich). It’s pretty cool to rock up to a new event venue and see what happens, so Sofia is always a threat especially on home turf, but the conditions are beachbreak stuff so any of the girls are dangerous.”

Gilmore faces Bruna Schmitz (BRA), 20, and one of the Peruvian wildcards in the opening Round of Movistar Peru Classic competition.

Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 26, defending Movistar Peru Winner and current ASP Women’s World No. 3, is one of the only surfers with experience at this year’s venue and with the full support of the South American country behind her, will be a major threat at this season’s event.

“The waves in San Bartolo are small but it can get really fun,” Mulanovich said. “It is a right if swell is small or medium and left is swell is big. I have surfed San Bartolo all my life and really enjoy surfing there.”

Despite her current ASP Women’s World No. 3 ranking, Mulanovich is currently rehabbing a neck injury sustained earlier this season.

“I am just trying to take it heat by heat this season, have fun and see what happens,” Mulanovich said. “I need to improve a bit on my fitness because I have been nursing a bad neck lately.”

Mulanovich will take on Rosanne Hodge (ZAF), 23, and one of the Peruvian wildcards in Round 1 of competition.

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 19, current ASP Women’s World No. 2, is into her second season amongst the elite and her dedicated preparation is already making the talented natural-footer renowned amongst her peers.

“This will be my first time surfing San Bartolo but I’ve heard good things about the waves in the area,” Fitzgibbons said. “I will be in San Bartolo for a Red Bull camp which will definitely help me with becoming familiar with area. I know a few of the girls have travelled and surfed the location before, but I’d say it’s a pretty even playing field.”

The young Australian has been on a tear this season, rocketing up to second on the ASP Women’s World Tour rankings leading the charge against the Gilmore juggernaut.

“It’s great to be in second on the ratings at this stage of the season – definitely closer to where I want to be,” Fitzgibbons said. “I’m not too focused on the ratings and placings and what not. I just want to carry on being consistent and improve my surfing in the back half of the year. No pressure at this stage, just happy to be fit and ready to surf.”

Fitzgibbons will battle Amee Donohoe (AUS), 29, and a Peruvian wildcard in her Round 1 heat.

Coco Ho (HAW), 19, current ASP Women’s World No. 8, has yet to repeat the results that saw her attain ASP Rookie of the Year Honors in 2009, but feels her surfing is still in top form and results are bound to drop.

“I’ve never been to San Bartolo,” Ho said. “It’s always fun surfing a new venue. Everyone is figuring it out and it always brings good surprises. I definitely hope to find myself in a Final this year. I don’t feel like I’m surfing badly. I’m just making simple mistakes with Mother Nature. My goal at the moment is to crack Top 5. I know I am capable, but I have to put all my focus into conditions and prepare with a game plan.”

Ho will face Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 26, and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), 27, in the opening round of the Movistar Peru Classic.

Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), 24, and Lee Ann Curren (FRA), 20, have both withdrawn due to injury and Carissa Moore (HAW), 17, is unable to attend due to High School graduation.

Event updates will be available on the ASP Twitter and Facebook pages.

High-res image available for complimentary download at: (Copy/Paste URL)
http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/LOBITOS09/mulanovich_s4647peru09rowland_n.jpg

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

MOVISTAR PERU CLASSIC ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Melanie Bartels (HAW), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Nikita Robb (ZAF)
Heat 2: Silvana Lima (BRA), Paige Hareb (NZL), Sage Erickson (USA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Bruna Schmitz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Amee Donohoe (AUS), TBA
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Rosanne Hodge (ZAF), TBA
Heat 6: Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Coco Ho (HAW), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

________________________________________

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

________________________________________

About ASP:
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

FITZROY BEACH, Taranaki/New Zealand (Thursday, April 8, 2010) – Hot off the heels of the second stop of the year at Bells Beach, the ASP Top 17 have traversed the Tasman Sea to the bountiful beaches of Taranaki for the TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival.

Event No. 3 on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival plays a crucial role in the requalification campaigns of the world’s best female surfers as well as the all important hunt for the prestigious ASP Women’s World Title.

Paige Hareb (NZL), 19, current ASP Women’s World 9, is into her second year on the ASP Dream Tour, the young goofy-footer will be looking turn around an uncharacteristic slow start to the season.

“I haven’t had the best start to my year,” Hareb said. “At this time last year, I had a third and a fifth. This year, I have two ninths so it’s definitely a different position to be in. I’m really looking for a result in New Zealand.”

A result could certainly be in the cards for Hareb. As the first female Kiwi to ever qualify for the prestigious ASP Women’s World Tour, Hareb also has the distinct honor of partaking in the first ASP Dream Tour event in New Zealand.

“It’s amazing that the tour is coming to New Zealand,” Hareb said. “We have so many great waves and I think the girls are really going to enjoy themselves. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Hareb will face Melanie Bartels (HAW), 27, and Lee Ann Curren (FRA), 20, in the opening round of competition.

South Africa’s Rosanne Hodge, currently ranked equal No. 9, and rookie Nikita Robb, equal No. 17, will be determined to improve their improve their positions on the ASP Women’s leaderboard.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP World Champion, has won the opening two events of the season and will be the form surfer to watch in New Zealand. Gilmore will battle heavily-touted ASP Women’s World Tour rookie Carissa Moore (HAW), 17, in Round 1 of competition.

The TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival will be webcast LIVE via www.nzsurffestival.co.nz

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

TSB BANK WOMEN’S SURF FESTIVAL ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Coco Ho (HAW), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Amee Donohoe (AUS)
Heat 2: Melanie Bartels (HAW), Paige Hareb (NZL), Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Carissa Moore (HAW), TBA
Heat 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Nikita Robb (ZAF)
Heat 5: Silvana Lima (BRA), Rosanne Hodge (ZAF), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 6: Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Bruna Schmitz (BRA)

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

http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/SEARCHW09/hareb2694search09kirstin_n.jpg

——————————————————————————–

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

——————————————————————————–

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

BELLS BEACH, Victoria/Australia (Wednesday April 7, 2010) – South Africa’s Jordy Smith continued his rampage through the ranks of world’s best surfers, reaching the quarterfinals and delivering the highest single ride score on the fourth day of action at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Snickers in Australia today.

Smith, rated ASP No. 2 after his runner-up finish in the opening event of the 2010 ASP World Tour last month, revelled in today’s clean one metre waves at Winkipop, convincingly overcoming the challenge of highly touted Australian rookie sensation Owen Wright in their Round 3 match-up.

The Durbanite then went on to outpoint Roy Powers (HAW) in Round 4 to move into the last 8, in the process posting a near perfect score of 9.80 points out of 10 when he lacerated a running right-hander by punting multiple aerials before executing a “Superman” air to finish.

“It was a fun heat,” Smith said. “It’s too bad that I had Roy (Powers) again. He’s a teammate of mine and we’re travelling together so it’s a little tough, but I’m just happy I made it through. There were actually some really good waves out there – a little smaller, but a lot more consistent than my first heat so I’m stoked.”

“I think I had two average waves, like two 7’s under of my belt, and Roy (Powers) didn’t want that wave,” Smith said of his high scoring ride. “It was a small one, so I took it and it ended up being a good one, walling up through the inside and it just allowed me to do some good turns.”

Smith will take on reigning two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, in the quarterfinals when the event recommences. Fanning advanced by defeating Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Medina, 16, who had earlier caused the upset of the event by eliminating former ASP World Champion CJ Hobgood (USA)

Current ASP No. 1, Taj Burrow (AUS) was another standout, dispatching Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and then former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW) with the highest heat tally of the day on his way to the quarters where he will take on Adriano de Souza (BRA).

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, former nine-time ASP World Champion, survived a closely-contested Round 3 heat against rookie phenom Dusty Payne (HAW), 21, to advance through to Round 4. Slater, who spent the day in hospital getting scans on his right foot (inflamed ligaments suspected), battled back after Payne secured an excellent 9.17 out of a possible 10.

Travis Logie, the only other South African in the Rip Curl Pro, recorded his second successive 33rd place finish of the season when he was ousted by American veteran Taylor Knox by the narrowest of margins. Just seven hundredths of a point separated the pair in a scoreline of 13.67 vs. 13.60.

Logie now has three more events in which to stake his claim for a place amongst the top 32 ranked surfers who will contest the last five events of the year when the field is cut from the present 45 contenders after Event No. 5 in Tahiti at the beginning of September.

The Rip Curl Women’s Pro presented by Ford Fiesta, which runs in conjunction with the men’s event, was won by three-time and reigning ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), who got to ring the famous bell trophy for the third time in four years by defeating Sofia Mulanovich (PER) in the final.

South Africa’s Rosanne Hodge and Nikita Robb (both from East London) finished equal 17th after being eliminated in Round 3 by Chelsea Hedges (AUS) and Silvana Lima (BRA) respectively.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am (Australian East Coast time) for a possible 7:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be defending Rip Curl Pro winner Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, up against compatriot Adrian Buchan (AUS), 27, in Heat 5 of Round 4.

Highlights from today’s Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by SNICKERS are available via www.live.ripcurl.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.67 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.16
Heat 2: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 13.37 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.70
Heat 3: Andy Irons (HAW) 10.67 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 6.70
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.04 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.33
Heat 5: Roy Powers (HAW) 13.50 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 12.34
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.67 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 8.47
Heat 7: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.14 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 12.17
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.20 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.84
Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.16 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 13.57
Heat 10: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.17 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.06
Heat 11: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.83 def. Drew Courtney (AUS) 10.34
Heat 12: Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.53 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 14.37
Heat 13: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.90 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 15.63
Heat 14: Luke Stedman (AUS) 14.34 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 14.17
Heat 15: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.10 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 13.84
Heat 16: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.24 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.00

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.90 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 11.90
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.77 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 11.93
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.30 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 13.77
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.60 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.90

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH REMAINING ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Jadson Andrew (BRA)
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)

Ends

Issued on behalf of:

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

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

About ASP:
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

BELLS BEACH, Victoria/Australia (Tuesday, March 30, 2010) – South Africans Rosanne Hodge and Nikita Robb advanced to Round 3 of the Rip Curl Women’s Pro presented by Ford Fiesta in punchy two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves breaking through the “Rincon” section of the point at Bells Beach in Australia.

The second stop on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach plays a vital role in surfers setting their respective seasons up as they track down requalification points and the all-important ASP Women’s World Title.

Hodge and Robb, both from East London, took the long route to stay in contention, having to qualify via cutthroat Round 2 heats after placing third in their opening encounters.

Despite posting the highest single wave score, 6.50 out of 10, in her Round 1clash, Hodge was relegated to Round 2 when, needing 5.07, she could only manage a backup wave of 4.70. However, Hodge cruised to victory in her Round 2 heat and now faces the on-form Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 26, former ASP Women’s World Champion (2005), who lit up the lumpy afternoon right-handers with precision and speed on her backhand, collecting the day’s high heat total of a 17.20 out of a possible 20.

Robb, in her rookie year, will be elated to avoid the dreaded 17th place for the second event in a row. But the 21 year-old will be wondering how to approach her next heat against defending event champion Silvana Lima (BRA), 25, after recorded her fourth successive heat total of less than 10 points in Round 2.

SA’s Jordy Smith, the current ASP No. 2 after his runner-up finish in the opening event on the 2010 ASP World Tour on the Gold Coast, is seeded No. 11 for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Snickers. Smith meets 2009 ASP WQS champion Patrick Gudauskas (USA) and Australian Jay Thompson in Round 1.

Travis Logie will be determined to kickstart his challenge to make the cut when the Top 45 are reduced to the Top 32 following the fifth event of 2010 with a good result at Bells. The Durbanite, who requalified for the ASP World Tour after a one year absence during 2009, placed equal 33rd on the Gold Coast and faces a tough opening encounter against 2001 World Champion CJ Hobgood (USA) and Tiago Pires (PRT) when the men’s event commences.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30am (Australian time) for a possible 8am start.

All the action from both the men’s and women’s events can be followed LIVE at via www.live.ripcurl.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 7.67, Carissa Moore (HAW) 6.17, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 5.44
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 11.00, Paige Hareb (NZL) 7.67, Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 7.20
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.77, Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.00, Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 9.20
Heat 4: Silvana Lima (BRA) 16.50, Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 10.67, Nikita Robb (ZAF) 9.17
Heat 5: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 12.20, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.56, Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 11.20
Heat 6: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 17.20, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.27, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 7.80

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.17, Nikita Robb (ZAF) 8.37, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 7.20
Heat 2: Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 12.60, Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 11.34, Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 10.16

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)
Heat 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
Heat 5: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Nikita Robb (ZAF)
Heat 6: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
Heat 7: Melanie Bartels (HAW) vs. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Dane Reynolds (USA), Andy Irons (HAW), Nate Yeomans (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 4: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Campbell (AUS), Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Blake Thornton (AUS)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS), Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), Stuart Kennedy (AUS)
Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA)
Heat 10: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Robertson (AUS)
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 13: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Brett Simpson (AUS)
Heat 14: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 15: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Owen Wright (AUS), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS), Luke Munro (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW)

Ends

Issued on behalf of:

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

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

About ASP:
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

BELLS BEACH, Victoria/Australia (Tuesday, March 23, 2010) – The world’s best female surfers are gearing up for the second stop on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta, running at the historic site of Bells Beach from March 30 through April 5, 2010.

Hot on the heels of a blistering start to the season, the ASP Top 17 are making their way to the iconic pointbreaks of Victoria as they hunt down rankings’ points, prestige and the all-important ASP Women’s World Title.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP Women’s World Champion and current ASP Women’s World No. 1, kicked off 2010 in fine fashion with a win at the season opener on the Gold Coast, but remains cautious when discussing the possibility of a fourth ASP Women’s World Title so early in the year.

“That (a fourth ASP Women’s World Title) is way too far off to even mention,” Gilmore said. “My start was a little surprise for me, but has set me up well for the Australian leg of the tour so let’s just wait and see how things turn out at the upcoming event.”

Despite the humility, Gilmore’s track record at the venue does nothing but instill confidence in her supporters, winning the event in 2007 and 2008 as well as finishing Runner-Up in 2009.

“Bells is quite a deceiving wave because it looks perfect and easy to surf but you find yourself challenged with constantly reading the wave and trying to miss the fatter sections and keeping flow and momentum until the inside section as well as not burning up too much energy in the cold water.” Gilmore said. “So there’s a lot more thinking rather than instinct, but I seem to do well at Bells and prefer the slower more polished style of surfing that shines through when you’re on a wave.”

Melanie Bartels (HAW), 27, current ASP Women’s World No. 2, had a solid start to 2010, finishing Runner-Up on the Gold Coast and will look to draw on her years of experience when it comes to the wave at Bells Beach.

“If we are surfing the Bowl then the wave reminds me of my home break, ‘Makaha’ so it’d be like surfing at home and the wave would suit me very well,” Bartels said. “Now if the waves are smaller and the comp is held at ‘Rincon’ then that’s a totally different wave that would remind me of a break I used to train at when I was a kid called, ‘Barber’s Point’. So either way, I’ll be ready.”

Surfing with renewed vigor and confidence, Bartels has established herself as a real threat to the ASP Women’s World Title.

“This event is by far one of the most prestigious events on tour and in the world so it’d be an honor if I am the one who rings that bell in 2010 baby,” Bartels said. “In the Men’s event, the ones to watch will obviously be Fanning, Parko, Taj, Kelly, Jordy, Dane and A.I. As for the Women’s, the one to watch would have to be ‘The New Melanie Bartels’!”

South Africa’s two representatives on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, Rosanne Hodge and Nikita Robb, both from East London, will be determined to improve on their results in the opening event at Snapper Rocks where they finished equal 9th and equal 17th respectively.

Gilmore, Bartels and the remainder of the ASP Top 17 will battle it out in the iconic righthanders of Victoria from March 30 through April 5, 2010.

The Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach pres. by Ford Fiesta will be webcast LIVE via www.live.ripcurl.com

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by SNICKERS, featuring the ASP Top 45, will run in conjunction with the Rip Curl Women’s Pro from March 30 through April 10, 2010.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR TOP 5 (Heading Into Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach):

1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 – Melanie Bartels (HAW)
3 – Coco Ho (HAW)
3 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS)
5 – Silvana Lima (BRA)
5 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
5 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
5 – Rebecca Woods (AUS)

South Africans

9 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
17 – Nikita Robb (ZAF)

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

http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/RCPW09/gilmore_s9342bells09cestari_n.jpg

——————————————————————————–

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
EVENT MEDIA
Accreditation
email: media@ripcurl.com.au

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

——————————————————————————–

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

COOLANGATTA, Queensland/Australia (Thursday 4 March, 2010) – Jordy Smith completed one of the best days of his burgeoning career by ousting former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and current World No. 3 Bede Durbidge (AUS), two of the biggest names in competitive surfing, from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover and move into the semifinals at the first stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour.

There were upsets galore as the remaining 16 surfers in Round 4 of the event strutted their stuff in the outstanding 1 – 1.5 metre waves peeling down the point at Snapper Rocks, Queensland, with Smith and fellow new-school progressive ripper Dane Reynolds (USA) leading what appears to be a changing of the guard as they charged past the established campaigners and into what will be a fiercely contested semifinal encounter.

Smith led throughout against Slater, utilising his repertoire of radical fins-free manoeuvres, seemingly effortless floaters and deep tube rides to rack up 16.10 points out of 20, leaving the former two-time event champion needing a near perfect 9.10 points out of 10 when the heat ended.

“He is the king of our sport so just being out there surfing in a heat with him, I said to my manager earlier, ‘I don’t even care if I lose,’” Smith said of his first man-on-man clash with Slater. “You don’t get many opportunities to surf against Kelly, and also I guess it’s another good birthday present for my Mom. It was her birthday yesterday, so just make it through a couple heats is pretty cool.”

Smith went on to defeat Durbidge in their quarterfinal match-up, using a similar approach of smart heat tactics and committed surfing to overcome the in form Gold Coast local who had posted the highest heat total of the event to date, 19.30, in his Round 3 victory.

Smith will be hoping that his semifinal with Reynolds, who treated the spectators to an awesome display of surfing in ousting crowd favourite and defending champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) with 19.20 points in the quarters, will be a case of third time lucky and that he can advance to his first final at the top level of competitive surfing.

In his previous two semifinals he lost to eventual event winner Taj Burrow (AUS) as a wildcard at Jeffreys Bay in 2006 and was defeated by Parkinson, who also went on to win, at Bells Beach last Easter.

The other semi will see ASP World No. 4 Burrow up against Bobby Martinez (USA) after the pair defeated Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Kai Otten (AUS), who had eliminated reigning two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) in Round 4, in their respective quarterfinals.

Running in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, the ASP Top 17 completed the opening four heats of Round 3 of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP World Champion, and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 19, current ASP World No. 5, dominated the mid-day action, with the youngster announcing herself as a legitimate ASP Women’s World Title contender.

South Africa’s Rosanne Hodge (East London) was not in action today and will take on former ASP Women’s Wold Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) in Heat 6 of Round 3 when the event recommences.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start (11.30pm today (Thursday), SA Time).

All the action from Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast pres. by Land Rover and the Roxy Pro Gold Coast will be webcast LIVE via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.86 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.50
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.53 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.60
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) 16.06 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.43
Heat 4: Kai Otton (AUS) 15.76 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.57
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.44 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.23
Heat 6: Dane Reynolds (USA) 12.63 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 10.33
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.97 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 9.17
Heat 8: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.10 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.17

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.70 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.40
QF 2: Bobby Martinez (USA) 16.66 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 10.64
QF 3: Dane Reynolds (USA) 19.20 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.47
QF 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.10 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.77

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:

SF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
SF 2: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.17 def. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 3.97
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.33 def. Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 14.84
Heat 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 14.60 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.08
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.00 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.03

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 5: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Heat 6: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
Heat 7: Melanie Bartels (HAW) vs. Jessi Miley-Dyer (HAW)
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)

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

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Issued on behalf of:

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

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About ASP:

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.