Puerto Del Sol, Puerto Rico (Saturday 6 November 2010) – Kelly Slater (USA), 38, enhanced his reputation as the greatest surfer of all time when he clinched an historic 10th ASP World surfing title in Puerto Rico yesterday and then went on to win the Rip Curl Pro Search, his 45th career elite level event victory.

In as comprehensive and dominant a performance as the sporting world has ever borne witness to, Slater secured the ASP World Title by defeating Adriano de Souza (BRA) with two near-perfect scores in their quarterfinal clash and amassing sufficient rankings points to ensure that current World No.2, South African Jordy Smith, could not overtake him in the 2010 ASP World Title Race.

“The wave that did it for me was that first one in the quarterfinal against Adriano (de Souza),” Slater explained. “That was the heat I needed to win to get the title, and after that first wave, I felt this wave of relief. I still had to win the heat, but I was so relaxed and everything just started going my way. I was in the best possible headspace I could have been in for the rest of the day. This is a dream.”

Despite the emotional and dramatic celebrations after the momentous achievement, Slater regained his focus to overcome an inform Taj Burrow (AUS) in their semifinal encounter before posting another stellar performance against Bede Durbidge (AUS) in the final, posting a perfect 10 point ride that left his opponent in a combination situation and needing to improve on both his scores.

“This is the only event close to my home and I spent a lot of time in Puerto Rico when I was a kid,” Slater said on the podium. “It was a special time. To be close to Florida and to win the 10th and get that wave (the perfect 10) in the final, there is nothing else I could add to it.”

The 38 year-old Floridian, who won his first professional event in 1990 and annexed the first of his ASP World Titles in 1992, owns virtually every record in the sport including being both the youngest (19 years) and oldest (38) ASP World Champion, most event victories, highest prize-money and dozens more.

He set yet another milestone yesterday when he earned the biggest single payday in surfing history, collecting US $175 000 (approx. R1.2 million) with $75 000 coming from Rip Curl for the event victory and $100 000 from the ASP for the World Title.

Jordy Smith (Durban), 22, who went into Puerto Rico, the penultimate event on the 2010 ASP World Tour, as the only surfer who could take the title race to the final event in Hawaii next month, ultimately finished fifth in the Rip Curl Pro Search to retain his No. 2 spot in the rankings.

In a moving tribute between the king and the rising star, Smith and Slater exchanged high-fives as Smith was in the water waiting to start his quarterfinal against Michel Bourez (PYF) and Slater rode past on a wave while clinching the crown against de Souza.

Highlights of all the action from the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico can be found at http://live.ripcurl.com

The ASP World Tour now moves to Hawaii for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing comprising Prime rated events at Haleiwa and Sunset Beach before the final ASP World Title Race event of the year, the Billabong Pipeline Masters, which runs from December 8-20.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 18.77
2 – Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.43

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1:Kelly Slater (USA) 16.34 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.87
SF 2:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.87 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 10.36

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.50 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.17
QF 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 18.87 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.36
QF 3:Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.50 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.10
QF 4:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.97 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.47

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.70 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.40
Heat 2:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.77 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 6.50
Heat 3:Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.20 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 9.73
Heat 4:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.34 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 7.37

CURRENT ASP WORLD TITLE RACE TOP 5 (After Puerto Rico)
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 66250 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 52250 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 44750 pts
4. Taj Burrow (AUS) 40000 pts
5. Dane Reynolds (USA) 37250 pts

South Africans
29. Travis Logie (ZAF) 13000 pts

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.

Puerto Del Sol, Puerto Rico (Saturday 6 November 2010) – Kelly Slater (USA), 38, moved to within one heat win of an unprecedented 10th ASP World surfing title by advancing to the quarterfinals of the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico yesterday.

The former nine-time ASP World Champion and current World No. 1 is now guaranteed of a minimum 5th place finish in the event and only needs to advance to the semifinals and third place to clinch the title and a spot in the annals of global sporting history.

Even if Slater loses in his next encounter, South Africa’s Jordy Smith (Durban), 22, the current World No. 2, will have to win the contest to extend the ASP World Title Race to the last event of the year in Hawaii next month.

“I’ve always had it in my head that Jordy (Smith) is going to win this contest so I need at least a 3rd,” Slater said. “He’s been the most consistent guy all year and he’s in really good form. I’m not thinking about Jordy losing at all. I’m just focused on what I have to do.”

The Rip Curl Pro Search, Event No. 9 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, completed Rounds 3 and 4 yesterday following a two-day suspension of competition out of respect for former ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 32, who tragically passed away on Tuesday.

Slater survived a hard-fought battle against local wildcard Dylan Graves (PRI), 24, in Round 3 and then defeated Adriano de Souza (BRA), 23, and Jeremy Flores (FRA), 22, in their non-elimination Round 4 clash to advance directly to the quarters.
.
Smith halted any ASP World Title celebrations yesterday by blending impressive tube rides, massive rail turns and fin-free manoeuvres to dispatch Gabe Kling (USA), 30, in Round 3.

“The wind actually switched right at the start of our heat and it really opened up the waves,” Smith said. “I knew there was the potential for barrels out there and I was fortunate to sneak into a few. No pressure, I’m just going out and doing what I love.”

Despite the monumental task ahead, Smith remains positive about his approach to the remainder of the event, citing his enjoyment for the sport as a major motivation in his continued performance.

“I’m just trying to prove that I can surf pretty well,” Smith said. “I think we all learned a lesson from Andy (Irons): never have a down moment, always smile and enjoy what you do. I’m having fun and surfing the way I want to. I’m not really thinking about what Kelly (Slater) is thinking, but I’m here to make him work for it.”

Smith then produced a sensational late charge in Round 5, sending Owen Wright (AUS), 20, and Chris Davidson (AUS), 34, to Round 5 while he advanced directly to the quarterfinals.

When the contest resumes, Slater will be up against the winner of the Round 5 heat between good friend and ASP World Tour stalwart Taylor Knox (USA) and Brazilian rising star Adriano de Souza in his bid to wrap up what would be a momentous achievement.

Event organizers will reconvene today at 7am (1pm in South Africa) to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am (1.30pm) start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, up against Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the opening heat of Round 5.

All the action from the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico will be webcast LIVE via http://live.ripcurl.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.16 def. Dusty Payne (USA) 9.00
Heat 2:Taylor Knox (USA) 14.10 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.73
Heat 3:Dane Reynolds (USA) 16.04 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.70
Heat 4:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.70 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.90
Heat 5:Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.06 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.84
Heat 6:Kelly Slater (USA) 14.50 def. Dylan Graves (PRI) 13.07
Heat 7:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.83 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.43
Heat 8:Chris Davidson (AUS) Advances Over Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) N/S
Heat 9:Owen Wright (AUS) 17.50 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 10.27
Heat 10:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.37 def. Dan Ross (AUS) 11.80
Heat 11:Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.33 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 14.54
Heat 12:Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.60 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 12.10

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Dane Reynolds (USA) 18.57, Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.23, Taylor Knox (USA) 13.70
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 13.20, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.42, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.60
Heat 3:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.80, Owen Wright (AUS) 14.26, Chris Davidson (AUS) 8.16
Heat 4:Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.70, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.53, Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.30

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 5 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 2:Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 3:Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 4:Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
Q1: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 1
Q2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 2
Q3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 3
Q4: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 4

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.

SOMEWHERE, Porta Del Sol/Puerto Rico (Wednesday, November 3, 2010) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), Rip Curl and surfers unanimously decided to cancel competition at the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico today out of respect for yesterday’s unexpected passing of surfing icon and current ASP World Tour competitor Andy Irons (HAW), 32.

Irons, a three-time ASP World Champion, withdrew from competition citing illness and was en route back home to Kauai, Hawaii yesterday when he passed away. The loss of one of professional surfing’s greatest icons has sent shockwaves through the international sporting community.

A paddle out memorial service was held on-site in Porta Del Sol, attended by the world’s best surfers and hundreds of admirers.

Reactions from those in attendance:

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, nine-time ASP World Champion:

“We had a nice paddle out for Andy,’ Slater said. “It was a huge a group of people that got together – a couple hundred people paddled out. Obviously everyone is very somber and it’s just devastating news for everyone.”

“Everyone had their own connection with Andy on so many different levels,” Slater said. “He was a classic guy. Although he and I butted heads a lot a few years ago, I have so many good memories of Andy and we have become pretty good friends since. Generally, we just sit around and don’t even talk about surfing. We just have dinner and talk.”

“We’re just baffled that he’s gone.”

“It was nice for everyone to be together to have a chance to talk about him, about our memories: a little laugh, a little cry,” Slater said. “We just want to send some positive thoughts out to his family – to his wife, to his brother, and to his child that is coming next month. We’re all just thinking about that.

“You know, Andy was a pretty dynamic guy,” Slater said. “He could be fierce in the water, the nicest guy on land – anything in-between. There were just so many sides to Andy. I’m going to have a million different memories of AI.”

“A few weeks ago I had a friend going over to Kauai to see Andy, and I said send him a message: When Andy surfs angry he smashes people and tell him to come to PR angry, focus that energy and use it,” Slater said. “So my friend called him and said he told AI the message and AI said he’s ready and I was so looking forward to see him surf this week. Just to see him.”

“There aren’t words to describe,” Slater said. “Unfortunately I’ve been through this with friends. There’s nothing that can make it better. You just have to feel it and process all those memories.”

“Andy was an absolutely gifted individual,” Slater said. “I’m lucky to have known him and had the times we had together. I feel blessed that we worked through the differences we had and I was able to learn what I’m made of because of Andy. We enjoyed many quiet times together with our girls in the last year and I got to know a happy, funny, innocent kid who was happy to live every second with the people he loved. I’m so sad.”

“My thoughts are with Bruce and Lyndie and their parents and all of his many friends around the world,” Slater said. “It’s a huge and far too premature loss for all of us. He was the most intense competitor I’ve ever known and one of the most sensitive people. He had so much life left in him and it hurts to think about. We look forward to his memory living on with our memories of him and his child on the way. There are a lot of uncles awaiting his arrival. I really miss Andy. He had a really good heart.”

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning four-time ASP Women’s World Champion:

“It’s a really sad day and I think everyone is still in shock,” Gilmore said. “It’s crazy how the world works in mysterious ways. Luckily we’re all here together.
All the girls were down here. We all did the paddle out and to remember Andy.”

“We didn’t see the guys that often on Tour, but Andy in particular is one of the most beautiful human-beings,” Gilmore said. “Such an incredible competitor, but always so gentle and so kind. Always gave you the time of day. No matter where you were or how busy he was, he’d stop and say hi and ask how you were going. He’s going to be really really missed by everyone.”

“I think everyone admires him so much and he’ll never be forgotten.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion:

“It was good having the paddle-out, getting everyone together,” Fanning said. “We’re a surfing family. We all look out for each other. Just for us to paddle out and show our respects to Andy, to his family, to all his friends on Kauai and Hawaii – it’s good. We are all hurting right now and we’re just wanting to pay our respects.”

“Andy was incredible,” Fanning said. “I think he was a person that always wore his heart on his sleeve. He didn’t try to impress anyone. He was just all about what he wanted to do. He was an amazing competitor; he was an amazing friend. And also, he was a brother. I haven’t just lost a friend, I’ve lost my brother here. It’s hard to take.”

C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, current ASP World No. 14:

“All the surfers are here today and we were able to paddle out together,” Hobgood said. “Imagine taking all of the emotion in your body and putting it into one pot; it was so crazy out there. One second I just felt so mad, and then the next second I was just so happy.”

“The biggest thing was that the whole [WT] family was together and we were able to paddle out as one and show our love for another brother,” Hobgood said. “There are no words to say how we all feel, but in time there will be.”

“I think that the biggest thing is that we’re thankful for so much,” Hobgood said. “I’m thankful to be a surfer because we are family and I’m thankful to be a part of Andy’s family. I’ve traveled with him since I was 12 years old. Just the person that he was, it made me a better person. It made everyone around him a better person.”

“I’m thankful for so many great, wonderful years,” Hobgood said. “I think every surfer here today is just thankful that they could be here for Andy and show their respect for him, because we all understand that you can’t ever know when your time is up. So it’s comforting to know that all the other surfers would be there for you.”

Following the service, ASP, Rip Curl and the surfers opted to postpone the recommencement of the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico until Friday, November 5, 2010.

“Out of respect for the passing of Andy Irons yesterday, the ASP, event organizers and the surfers have all decided to postpone the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico until Friday,” Renato Hickel, ASP World Tour Manager, said. “This is a terrible loss for the ASP family and one we’ll be working through for many years to come. We need time to grieve and we will return on Friday.”

“We called an official lay day today in memory of Andy Irons and also to give the ASP professional surfers the space they needed to clear their heads, get their arms around each other and just take it all in,” Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl Global Marketing & Advertising Chairman, said. “On the event side, we feel that the best thing to do is to continue to prepare to run the Rip Curl Pro Search the best we can.We want to give these guys the type of event environment that they’re used to, because at some stage we believe that they will want to return to what they know best and that is pro surfing and that is winning heats and this time in honour of Andy Irons.”

Event organizers will reconvene Friday morning at 7am for a possible 7:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, up against rookie Dusty Payne (HAW), 21.

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

The Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico will be televised LIVE in Australia on FUEL TV. For more information, check out www.foxsports.com.au/fueltv

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (USA)
Heat 2:C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 3:Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 4:Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 5:Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 6:Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Dylan Graves (PRI)
Heat 7:Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8:Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 9:Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 10:Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 11:Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 12:Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)

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

________________________________________
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.

Three-time ASP World surfing champion, Andy Irons, 32, from Hawaii, passed away yesterday en-route from Puerto Rico to his home on Kauai from complications due to illness, thought to be Dengue fever.

Irons, whose failure to appear for his Round 1 heat in the Rip Curl Search event in Puerto Rico caused consternation on Saturday, withdrew from the event on Sunday, citing an illness he had contracted at the previous stop on the ASP World Tour in Portugal.

He checked into a hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Monday and was found dead in his room by hotel staff the next morning.

Renowned for his incredible ability in all types of surf, but particularly in big, hollow waves such as those in Hawaii and Tahiti, Irons began his career on the elite ASP World Tour in 1998 and went on to collect 20 elite tour victories, four Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing titles, three consecutive ASP World titles (2002-2004) and changed the sport forever with his unparalleled approach to surfing.
 
Well known in South Africa for his titanic tussles at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay with local wildcard Sean Holmes, Irons’ victory there in 2004 and his part in one of the most dramatic finals in ASP World Tour history with nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) in 2005 are part of surfing folklore.

Back in the competitive mix after taking a one year sabbatical from the ASP World Tour in 2009, Irons won Stop No. 5 of 10 at Teahupoo in Tahiti, one of his favourite waves, in August. He also featured in numerous films and videos, including Blue Horizon and Trilogy, and his passing will be mourned by the entire global surfing community.

Irons is survived by his wife Lyndie Dupuis, who is due to give birth to their first child, a boy, next month.

Official Irons Family Statement:
The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii’s Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion.
 
Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness, and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with Dengue Fever, a viral disease.
 
At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.
 
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.

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.

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

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 (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)
——————————————————————————–

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

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Media
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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.

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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

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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

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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
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)

________________________________________
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 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.