Viernes 5 de Diciembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Jake Paterson gana a Irons en la Final
Paterson Defeats Irons To Win Final

   Friday, December 5, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) West Australian Jake Paterson today won the Rip Curl Cup with an inspired performance. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) resumed this morning with round three heats, running all the way through to its climax and crowning of the 2003 event winner. A Foster's Expression Session was also held this afternoon.

Great 8-10 ft (3m) surf was on offer throughout the day from an ideal northwest direction. Huge barrels exploded on the inside bowl section, with scores of epic tube rides enthralling the strong beach crowd, including Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis who was on hand to witness the amazing display.

Paterson, in his first WCT final of the season, created an early lead over opponents Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw), Shane Dorian (Kona, Haw) and fellow West Australian Taj Burrow. With some of the most critical forehand snaps andpowerful carves of the entire tournament, he posted a 9.07 and then another8.57 for the highest combined points total of the 2003 Rip Curl Cup. Bydoing so, the 30-year-old claimed his fourth WCT career victory, pocketed US$30,000 and jumped into 9th position on the current ratings.

Additionally, he added his name alongside older brother Paul's to the Rip Curl Cup honor roll (1996 winner) - therefore making them the second brothers act since Hawaiians Michael and Derek Ho claimed their respective Cups more than a decade ago. More importantly though, he's now leading the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing ratings following his finals berth a nearby Haleiwa in the recent World Qualifying Series (WCT) event. Having previously won the Pipeline Masters in 1998, the West Australian is a clear
favorite heading into the all-important final tournament at the same venue.

"The Davis Cup Australian team last week were (my) inspiration," began an elated Paterson, after being carried up the beach by fellow Aussie competitors. "I just dug deep, and it came down to whoever wanted it the most. I saw those other guys struggling and Andy said he was cramping out there, so it just made me want it even more (laughs). I was frothing. It hurts more to lose than the pain you've got to go through.

"He told me the tide was getting lower and the waves actually bigger, so I should paddle around everyone and sit out the back," he explained of brother Paul's pre-final advice. "It really worked for me and I got some nice, open faced waves, so he probably made me win.

"I can't wait for next week," he continued. "This makes it all exciting. The title race is alive and kicking. I'm leading the Triple Crown... I love this game (laughs). Any final in Hawaii is a dream, but two in a row is incredible. We really had to perform today, so I'm over the moon and can'tbelieve it. To be carried up the beach by your mates is just the best
feeling in the world."

Reigning world champ Andy Irons was arguably the form surfer of the Rip Curl Cup today, posting three of the event's top four single wave scores en-routeto his runner-up finish. Most significantly, the Kauaian earned the only perfect 10 of the tournament in the 30-minute decider, but still required another 7.64 to catch Paterson's lead.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old bridged a huge ratings gap and is now only 96-points behind Kelly Slater's poll position. Whoever places further in the upcoming year-ending Xbox Pipeline Masters (Dec 8-20) will secure the 2003 world title in one of the most eagerly awaited showdowns of professional surfing history.

"I've never been as sore in my life," said Irons, completely exhausted afterward. "My body feels like one big cramp. I needed another score... usually when you get a (perfect) 10 you're pretty set, but Jake had two really good waves and I couldn't catch him. Stoked to get second though.

"Coming into Pipeline is a dream come true," he added, of anticipated showdown. "I'm coming from behind and Kelly's got the lead, but I think the pressure is more on him than me right now. I'm just psyching on it and hopefully a couple of Trialists take him out early there too. I'm going for it for sure. It's on."

1998 Rip Curl Cup winner Shane Dorian (Kona, Haw) finished third. Despite announcing his retirement from full-time competition earlier this year and only competing in select events, the Hawaiian secured his best result of the season today. Having emerged from countless tubes throughout the day, he ultimately required another worth 8.98 in the final.

Taj Burrow regained the #3 ratings position by placing fourth. Although unable to claim the world title now, even with a win at Pipeline, the 25-year-old cemented his position near the top with his fourth final of the year.

Narrowly missing out on a finals berth and placing equal 5th today in the Rip Curl Cup were Chris Davidson (Narrabeen, Aus) and Cory Lopez (FL, USA). Davidson locked in some of the best barrel rides of the day, including a 9.23 during his quarterfinal, but was unable to find a second high scoring wave in the semis to reach the event pinnacle.

"Pretty stoked to make the semifinals at Sunset," said Davidson. "Would have liked to have made a final, as it would have been my first WCT final - and especially over here in Hawaii, as it would have been one of the highlights of my life so far. I had some good barrels today though, which was pretty surprising. Hopefully I can build on it next week and get another good result."

Also reaching the semifinals to finish equal 7th overall were Luke Stedman (Avalon, Aus) and Dean Morrison (Gold Coast, Aus). For Stedman, the result marks his best to date, and despite sitting in 39th position heading into the Rip Curl Cup and facing the loss of his WCT position for 2004, he's created the possibility of re-qualifying with another big finish at Pipeline during the year's last tournament.

The biggest shock of the day came when six-time world champion Kelly Slater (FL, USA) had his hopes of clinching a record breaking seventh title at Sunset squashed, losing to Paterson and Hawaiian Kalani Robb in round three. The Floridian appeared unstoppable, having won back-to-back WCT titles in the previous two events, and held a massive ratings leading into the Rip Curl Cup. His elimination opened the door for Irons to regain lost ground, and that's exactly what transpired.

"Sunset's a tricky wave," acknowledged Slater. "It's sort of anyone's game out there. Jake seemed to be riding a bit bigger a board, and was in the right spot all the time. I let Kalani snake me on one, and that was probably the tuning point. I just got a little impatient at the end, thinking I needed two scores instead of just one good wave. That's the way it goes. I've had a good run the last few contests and I guess it was my turn to
stop. 

"I've got to get my head back in it," he added, of the looming title showdown at Pipeline. "I've just been relaxing the past couple of weeks and not really in contest mode or form, but I think this is probably what everyone wanted. Coming down to Pipe, and the points are close, so we'll see what happens. There's a lot of sand there, so it's probably not going to be perfect Pipe. You're going to have to know the wave pretty well in different
conditions, and   do. If I knew Sunset like I do Pipe, I would have made
that heat probably. I 's just going to come down to finding the right
waves."

Defending Rip Curl Cup champion Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, Aus) and then ratings #3 Mick Fanning were also eliminated in major third round upsets.

The Foster's Expression Session prior to the final showcased many of the world's best. Hawaiian big wave charger Makua Rothman collected US$2,000 for the best barrel, while fellow local Nathan Carroll earned another US$1,000 for the best maneuver.

Rip Curl Cup Final Results
1st Jake Paterson (Aus) 17.64 - US$30,000
2nd Andy Irons (Haw) 17.17 - US$16,000
3rd Shane Dorian (Haw) 14.3 - US$11,000
4th Taj Burrow (Aus) 7.6 - US$9,000

Semifinals (1st, 2nd>Final; =5th receives US$8,500; =7th receives US$7,500)
SF1: Shane Dorian (Haw) 13.23; Jake Paterson (Aus) 11.87; Chris Davidson (Aus) 11.67; Luke Stedman (Aus) 8.57 SF2: Andy Irons (Haw) 15.9; Taj Burrow (Aus) 13.1; Cory Lopez (USA) 11.43; Dean Morrison (Aus) 7.5

Quarterfinals (1st, 2nd>Semifinal; =9th receives US$5,500; =13th receives US$4,500)
QF1: Shane Dorian (Haw) 9.73; Luke Stedman (Aus) 8.67; Damien Hobgood (USA) 6.67; Guilherme Herdy (Brz) 4.54
QF2: Jake Paterson (Aus) 15.5; Chris Davidson (Aus) 13.3; Michael Lowe (Aus) 8.77; Kalani Robb (Haw) 5.93
QF3: Dean Morrison (Aus) 17.17; Andy Irons (Haw) 15.76; Richard Lovett (Aus) 5.4; Michael Campbell (Aus) 3.97
QF4: Cory Lopez (USA) 10.73; Taj Burrow (Aus) 9.5; Mark Occhilupo (Aus) 9.06; Darren O'Rafferty (Aus) 7.8

Round Three (1st, 2nd>Rnd4; 3rd, 4th=17th receive US$4,000)
H1: Guilherme Herdy (Brz) 10.26; Luke Stedman (Aus) 7.33; Joel Parkinson (Aus) 6.36; Daniel Wills (Aus) 4.36
H2: Shane Dorian (Haw) 11.77; Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.16; Mick Fanning (Aus) 3.76; Peterson Rosa (Brz) 3.76
H3: Michael Lowe (Aus) 14.5; Chris Davidson (Aus) 7.43; Flavio Padaratz (Brz) 6.8; Luke Egan (Aus) 6.07
H4: Jake Paterson (Aus) 14.66; Kalani Robb (Haw) 10.63; Kelly Slater (USA) 7.47; Manoa Drollet (Tah) 3.17
H5: Andy Irons (Haw) 17.57; Richard Lovett (Aus) 10.33; Trent Munro (Aus) 8.67; Love Hodel (Haw) 5.23
H6: Michael Campbell (Aus) 8.9; Dean Morrison (Aus) 7.83; Taylor Knox (USA) 7.8; Luke Hitchings (Aus) 3.93
H7: Mark Occhilupo (Aus) 12.83; Taj Burrow (Aus) 11.03; Joel Centeio (Haw) 9.84; Phil MacDonald (Aus) 9.1
H8: Cory Lopez (USA) 14,16; Darren O'Rafferty (Aus) 12.0; Neco Padaratz (Brz) 10.33; Kieren Perrow (Aus) 5.53

Official ASP Top 10 Ratings after Rip Curl Cup, WCT#11/12
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 8,340-points
2. Andy Irons (Haw) 8,244
3. Taj Burrow (Aus) 7,344
4. Mick Fanning (Aus) 7,080
5. Kieren Perrow (Aus) 6,480
6. Joel Parkinson (Aus) 6,420
7. Taylor Knox (USA) 6,000
8. Michael Lowe (Aus) 5,820
9. Jake Paterson (Aus) 5,772
10. Dean Morrison (Aus) 5,718

Jueves 4 de Diciembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Competition Postponed; Final Day Expected Tomorrow

   Thursday, December 4, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) The Rip Curl Cup was postponed today due to small surf. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) is expected to resume tomorrow morning and conditions pending, will run all the way through to its climax and crowning of the 2003 event winner. The possibility also exists for this year's ASP World Champion to also be decided at Sunset on the final day.

Clean 4ft (1.5m) surf was on offer this morning, but a new swell is predicted to arrive later this afternoon and provide ideal 10-14 ft (3-4m)conditions tomorrow.

Another decision will be made by 7am (local time) tomorrow morning, for a possible 8am start. All upcoming round three match-ups are listed below.

   Jesse Faen.

Miércoles 3 de Diciembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Knox Dominates Round Two

   Wednesday, December 3, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) Californian Taylor Knox today dominated round two of the Rip Curl Cup. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) resumed this morning in good conditions, but organizers ultimately opted to hold off for bigger waves before running any further rounds of this year's penultimate event.

Clean 6ft (2m) surf was on offer at Sunset, with some good barrels over the inside bowl section.

Knox, the current ratings #7, dominated his clash against local Hawaiian wildcard Love Hodel and together they eliminated Australians Beau Emerton and Shane Powell. The 32-year-old locked in the highest combined scores of the tournament so far with an 8.5 and then 9.1 tube rides. For his Australian opponents however, the losses came as heavy blows to their WCT re-qualification campaigns. Both are sitting right on the fence to make it, and will now have to rely on strong finishes at the final pressurized event
at Pipeline next week.

"I seem to get my best results when I lose my first heats, so it history pertains to this contest I might do pretty well. I was looking for the double ups, the waves that almost break way outside, but then apex on the inside. Just trying to take off as deep as I could, as I figured I was either going to get a two or a 10, and nothing in between. I was hoping to get a good tube, and a good score.

"It's one of those contests," he added, of the venue. "You could get one great wave and then get lost at sea. It is the 'Tour de France' of surfing contests, as you get a wave and then it can take you 10-minutes to get another one. Mistakes are costly here."

Current #4 Taj Burrow (West Aus) overcame an initial lead by Rip Curl Cup Trials wildcard Manoa Drollet (Tah) to win this morning's opening heat. Together they eliminated fellow Australian Lee Winkler - who finished runner-up in last year's Rip Curl Cup, while their fourth opponent - Brazilian Armando Daltro - was forced to withdraw from the tournament a couple of days ago due to family reasons and returned home.

"It's pretty tricky out there and you don't really know what goes down in a heat," explained Burrow. "You see guys take off and the wave barrel from behind, but you don't know if they're in it, or what happened, and you can't hear scores. I'm so stoked to make it.

"For me the world title is a real long shot, so I don't feel too much pressure," he added. "I feel like I can be relaxed and just go out there and surf. I'm pretty sure I'd have to win both remaining events and the other guys would have to lose early, which is unlikely. I'm just trying to have fun, but I'm sure the other guys are feeling it."

Current ratings #8 Michael Lowe (Windang) won an extremely hard heat over fellow Australian Luke Hitchings (Bronte). The pair advanced past equally strong Sunset surfers Pancho Sullivan (Haw) - one of the Rip Curl Cup main event wildcards - and Nathan Hedge (Narrabeen, Aus). Having finished runner-up in the 2001 tournament, Lowe is definitely considered one of the main contenders at the difficult venue, and will rely on his powerful backhand re-entries and committed approach.

"I'm really happy to get through as it was a really hard heat and could have been a final," reasoned Lowe. "I got second here a couple of years ago behind Myles (Padaca), and always surf this break when I can. It seems to be working so far, so hopefully I can get a result."

Darren O'Rafferty (Port Macquarie) emerged from a great tube to score an 8.67 and defeat fellow Australian Luke Egan (Gold Coast) this morning. Egan scrapped through the match ahead of Hawaiian wildcard Sean Moody and Brazilian Victor Ribas, after being involved with interference calls with both. Due to a shortage of good waves, tension was running high as all scrambled to try and ensure advancement.

"Everyone was jostling for position out there," said O'Rafferty. "There was an interference early, and then another later on. Everyone is scratching to get through, so it's really tense. I just tried to stay as clear away from the hassling as possible. I was stoked to get my good one and score a barrel."

Rip Curl Cup Trials winner Joel Centeio (Haw) survived another main event round by placing second to Phil MacDonald (Aus) in their heat with Shea Lopez (FL, USA) and Toby Martin (Aus). MacDonald dominated with some good barrels, but the 20-year-old also advanced ahead of his more experienced opponents.

"It feels great," began Centeio. "That last heat was tough. There weren't many waves, but I'm just super stoked to be making heats in a WCT. This is my first one, so I hope I can keep it going. I'm just trying to do my own thing and hopefully it pays off."

Rip Curl Cup Round Two (1st, 2nd>Rnd3; 3rd, 4th=33rd receive US$3,000)
H1: Taj Burrow (Aus) 14.07; Manoa Drollet (Tah) 11.67; Lee Winkler (Aus) 6.33; Armando Daltro (Brz) 0.0
H2: Taylor Knox (USA) 17.6; Love Hodel (Haw) 11.03; Beau Emerton (Aus) 9.0; Shane Powell (Aus) 4.93
H3: Michael Lowe (Aus) 14.03; Luke Hitchings (Aus) 11.17; Pancho Sullivan (Haw) 9.33; Nathan Hedge (Aus) 9.07
H4: Darren O'Rafferty (Aus) 12.84; Luke Egan (Aus) 9.73; Sean Moody (Haw) 5.93; Victor Ribas (Brz) 3.83
H5: Phil MacDonald (Aus) 14.44; Joel Centeio (Haw); Shea Lopez (USA); Toby Martin (Aus)
H6: Dean Morrison (Aus) 9.46; Luke Stedman (Aus) 9.4; Jamie O'Brien (Haw) 9.26; Paulo Moura (Brz) 7.76
H7: Kalani Robb (Haw) 10.5; Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.17; Tim Curran (USA) 8.46; Danilo Costa (Brz) 7.5
H8: Richard Lovett (Aus) 12.4; Jake Paterson (Aus) 11.67; Tom Whitaker (Aus) 5.47; Fabio Gouveia (Brz) 4.34.

   Jesse Faen.

Martes 2 de Diciembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Competition Postponed; Swell Promising For Tomorrow

   Tuesday, December 2, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) Competition in the Rip Curl Cup was postponed this morning due to stormy conditions, after a major swell increase occurred overnight. Another decision will be made by 7am (local time) tomorrow, with round two elimination heats in the US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) expected to resume.
   Solid 8ft (2.5m) waves are on offer at Sunset this morning, though the lineup is disorganized and breaking all over the famed venue. With swell predicted to increase further and a swing to more ideal trade winds, all indicators appear promising for the Rip Curl Cup tomorrow.

   Jesse Faen.

Lunes 1 de Diciembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Competition Postponed Due To Small Surf

   Monday, December 1, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) Competition in the Rip Curl Cup was again postponed today, with small surf and torrential rain plaguing the north shore. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) will resume with round two elimination heats as soon as conditions allow, with another decision to be made by 7am (local time) tomorrow.

Clean 2-3 ft (1m) waves were on offer at nearby breaks this morning, though Sunset was virtually flat.

Unfortunately Armando Daltro (Brz) has been forced to withdraw from the Rip Curl Cup and return home. The Brazilian was in round two's opening heat against current ratings #4 Taj Burrow (West Aus), wildcard Manoa Drollet (Tah) and Lee Winkler (Coff's Harbour, Aus), but due to a personal family matter he will leave Hawaii tonight with his wife and newborn son.

   Jesse Faen.

Domingo 30 de Noviembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Competition Postponed Due To Decreasing Swell

   Sunday, November 30, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) Competition in the Rip Curl Cup was postponed this morning due to a decreasing swell. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) will resume with round two elimination heats as soon as conditions allow, with another decision to be made by 7am (local time) tomorrow.

Clean 6ft (2m) waves are breaking along the north shore today, though Sunset is too inconsistent for competition. After yesterday's torrential downpour, the ocean has taken on a darker color due to the surrounding area's mud and rain runoff.

   Jesse Faen.

Sábado 29 de Noviembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Fanning Displays Opening Round Form

   Saturday, November 29, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) Australian Mick Fanning
today displayed top form in the Rip Curl Cup opening round. The US$250,000
World Championship Tournament (WCT) ran through all 16 heats, though no
contestants are eliminated in round one.

Heavy 10-12 ft (3-4m) surf was breaking from the northeast direction. The
inside bowl section offered some barreling gems, but heavy rain and a shifty
lineup made the hunting difficult.

Fanning - the current ratings #3 - opened his campaign against Paulo Moura
(Brz) and wildcard Sean Moody (Haw) with a 9-point ride. He then collected
another couple of tubes and a 7.67, earning the highest combined two-wave
total so far with 16.67-points. The Gold Coaster is still in contention for
this year's world title, despite all attention focused on the pair ahead of
him, but the 22-year-old is simply concentrating on maintaining his high
position at this stage.

"There's none at all, I'm just here to have fun like I do in every event,"
responded Fanning, after being asked if he felt added pressure due to being
the featured surfer on the Rip Curl Cup poster. "It was fun out there. Still
a bit tricky, but you can pick off a few. I'm sitting third on the ratings
now, so hopefully I can move up, or stay around there."

Six-time world champion and current ratings leader Kelly Slater (FL, USA)
also positioned himself perfectly through some clean barrels to defeat West
Australian Jake Paterson and Tahitian wildcard Manoa Drollet. The Floridian
utilized the hollow inside bowl section and had the crowd cheering as he
made multiple tubes. Paterson also posted some solid scores with his
forehand carves, but required another ride worth 8.69-points to bride the
gap.

"I've put in a few sessions here the past couple of weeks," began Slater, of
his Rip Curl Cup preparation. "Just trying to get used to it, but luckily
there's enough waves so three guys don't really get in each others way too
much. I ended up getting a few fun ones. I wasn't totally aware of the
situation, but I had a feeling I was in the lead toward the end. The tubes
are the high scoring waves, so you've got to look for them.

"Yeah, that's good," he continued, of adding pressure to nearest ratings
rival by winning the heat prior. "It was the other way around earlier this
year, when Andy was winning and I was in the next heat. There's pressure
both ways."

Reigning world champ and current ratings #2 Andy Irons (Kauai) then won his
all-Hawaiian heat against Kalani Robb and Trials wildcard Love Hodel. The
Kauaian broke his surfboard at the start of the match, but then caught a
series of rides, including a 7.9 near the end to advance. With this year's
world title race nearing its climax, the 25-year-old needs to bridge a 700+
points gap Slater has created, so each round is crucial at this stage.

"The waves were really good out there and I was trying to find the barrels,"
explained Irons. "I broke my board first wave, so I was kind of nervous
about pulling in after that. I don't think I've ever caught more waves than
that in heat at Sunset though. In a half hour heat I caught 11 waves, so I'm
really happy about that.

"I'm just trying to concentrate on my heats and not get too far ahead of
myself," he added, of the world title pressures. "Of course you think about
your opponents in the water, and once in a while it's in the back of your
head and you think 'oh, if I make this heat I'll be this much closer,' but
I'm trying not to often. Just happy not to be in the 33rd place round now,
as it's scary and I really don't like being in it."

Defending Rip Curl Cup winner Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast) won a close match
over fellow Australian Phil MacDonald (Tomakin, NSW) and yesterday's Rip
Curl Cup Trials winner Joel Centeio. MacDonald emerged from a deep tube and
scored an 8.33 for control midday through the heat, but 'Parko' came back
with a 6.17 to advance straight into round three.

"It was like victory at sea out there," explained Parkinson. "I'm riding a
bigger board and it's a totally different swell direction than we had last
year, which makes such a difference. Joel (Centeio) is one of the best
surfers out here I think, so I was real worried about him. He put together a
fairly good heat, but I know he can do a lot better and I wouldn't be
surprised if we see him around the finals. I was pretty afraid of 'Macca'
after the barrel he got, so I'm just glad I made my first heat."

1998 Rip Curl Cup winner Shane Dorian (Kona, Haw) posted a great 9.33 tube
ride to win his opening heat against Nathan Hedge (Narrabeen, Aus) and
Taylor Knox (CA, USA). The Hawaiian announced his retirement from the WCT
earlier this year and has only contested select events, but reminded all his
ability hasn't slipped any.

"I felt pretty good and have great boards at the moment," said Dorian. "I
was just trying to get a couple of waves under my belt, as you can't tell
what's going on. I thought 'Hedgey' had a couple of good ones, but it was
just like a big washing machine out there. I was real lucky with that one
which opened up and let me out.

"This is my last year on the tour," he added. "I've had so much fun and been
doing it for like 12-years, but I wanted to do a couple of different things.
Next year I'll be doing a lot more big wave stuff, and tow-ins. Not so much
stress, so I'll be relaxing and having fun."

Brazilians Neco Padaratz, Guilherme Herdy and Peterson Rosa dominated the
day's opening heats. Padaratz, who claimed the 2003 World Qualifying Series
(WQS) crown last week at nearby Haleiwa, continued his good fortune by
advancing directly to round three ahead of Floridian Shea Lopez and fellow
countryman Fabio Gouveia. His best 7-point ride sealing victory with a big
drop and clean forehand carve.

"I love Sunset," said Padaratz. "It's in my heart and I feel like I'm in my
backyard out there and really comfortable. I came prepared for the waves
today, but it's hard since you can't hear a thing out there. You see the
other guys catch waves, but don't know the situation in the heat. You've
just got to ride your waves to the finish and do the best you can."

Danny Wills (Byron Bay) posted the day's best single score with a
near-perfect 9.83, leaving fellow Australians Toby Martin (Dee Why) and Lee
Winkler (Coff's Harbour) requiring a combination of rides to catch his 16.0
total. The diminutive natural footer escaped a huge barrel to the sound of
applause from his fellow competitors watching on the beach.

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Official results of the Rip Curl Cup Round One (1st>Rnd3; 2nd, 3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Neco Padaratz (Brz) 12.0; Shea Lopez (USA) 8.33; Fabio Gouveia (Brz) 6.23
H2: Guilherme Herdy (Brz) 15.33; Tom Whitaker (Aus) 8.34; Luke Egan (Aus) 5.0
H3: Peterson Rosa (Brz) 11.5; Tim Curran (USA) 4.67; Michael Lowe (Aus) 3.5
H4: Shane Dorian (Haw) 13.5; Nathan Hedge (Aus) 12.5; Taylor Knox (USA) 6.67
H5: Kieren Perrow (Aus) 10.66; Victor Ribas (Brz) 9.4; Jamie O'Brien (Haw) 8.9
H6: Joel Parkinson (Aus) 13.17; Phil MacDonald (Aus) 11.33; Joel Centeio (Haw) 11.06
H7: Mick Fanning (Aus) 16.67; Paulo Moura (Brz) 11.03; Sean Moody (Haw) 9.06
H8: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.76; Jake Paterson (Aus) 14.07; Manoa Drollet (Tah) 8.07
H9: Andy Irons (Haw) 14.57; Kalani Robb (Haw) 12.6; Love Hodel (Haw) 5.93
H10: Trent Munro (Aus) 13.17; Taj Burrow (Aus) 10.0; Pancho Sullivan (Haw) 9.6
H11: Michael Campbell (Aus) 12.34; Dean Morrison (Aus) 11.17; Danilo Costa (Brz) 9.13
H12: Cory Lopez (USA) 13.5; Luke Stedman (Aus) 7.13; Shane Powell (Aus) 5.9
H13: Daniel Wills (Aus) 16.0; Toby Martin (Aus) 7.86; Lee Winkler (Aus) 4.33
H14: Flavio Padaratz (Brz) 11.83; Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.6; Darren O'Rafferty (Aus) 6.5
H15: Mark Occhilupo (Aus) 14.17; Luke Hitchings (Aus) 12.93; Armando Daltro (Brz) 10.7
H16: Chris Davidson (Aus) 16.16; Richard Lovett (Aus) 9.73; Beau Emerton (Aus) 6.67.

   Jesse Faen.

Viernes 28 de Noviembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Joel Centeio Wins Rip Curl Cup Trials

   Friday, November 28, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) Hawaiian Joel Centeio today won the Rip Curl Cup Trials. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) commenced this morning with its 32-man Trials showdown, progressing through until four finalists emerged to secure wildcard positions into the Rip Curl Cup main event.

Solid 10-12 ft (4m) surf hammered the lineup throughout the day. Some epic barrels exploded on the inside bowl section, while bigger cleanup sets also washed through and caused nightmares for those in their path. Many boards paid the ultimate price and left the beach in multiple pieces.

In this afternoon's 30-minute decider, Centeio held off Tahiti's Manoa Drollet and fellow Hawaiians Sean Moody and Love Hodel, respectively. The 20-year-old posted a 6.17 earlier on, and then maintained a slender lead.

The former world amateur champion is now in his first World Championship Tournament and faces defending Rip Curl Cup winner Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast), together with fellow Australian Phil MacDonald in heat #6 of round one.

"I woke up this morning and never thought I'd be here," said Centeio, of taking out the Trials. "I just took it heat by heat and came out on top. It's great.

"It's new territory," he added, of facing the WCT competitors. "I'm the underdog - the young guy coming up, so hopefully I can go out there without any pressure and beat those guys. After surfing a bunch of heats today I know what's going on out there, so hopefully it pays off."

Drollet proved the day's standout, posting a 9.5-barrel ride first heat, and then another 9.1 tube in the semifinals. The Tahitian eliminated former world #2 Shane Beschen (CA, USA) and 2001 Rip Curl Cup winner Myles Padaca (Haw) this morning, along with 1993 world champ Derek Ho (Haw) en-route to the final, but unfortunately wasn't able to lock in another high scoring ride once there. The 26-year-old will challenge six-time world champ and current ratings leader Kelly Slater (FL, USA), as well as Jake Paterson (West Aus) in a highly anticipated round one match-up.

"Wow," exclaimed Drollet, upon hearing his upcoming opponents. "That's going to be very interesting. If I get good waves like I did today I'll have a chance, but we'll see. I'll do my best, but it's an honor to be surfing against Kelly Slater. I remember surfing against him a couple of years ago and it was amazing, so hopefully this time I'll be more of a challenge for him (laughs). I don't have any pressure and am just stoked to be there. If I beat him it's good for me, but if I don't, well, it's Kelly Slater."

Moody faces current #3 Mick Fanning (Gold Coast) and Paulo Moura (Brz), while Hodel will contest an all-Hawaiian heat in the main event against reigning world champ Andy Irons (Kauai) and Kalani Robb. The experienced Sunset surfer is definitely a major threat in what will be one of the hardest opening round heats.

"It's a dream," said Hodel, of reaching the main event. "I don't care who I have, just as long as I get some open faced waves I'll be happy. I know where to sit out here and experience helps, but hey, I'm against Andy Irons and Kalani Robb, and both of those guys are incredible surfers."

Two additional wildcard positions were given to Hawaiian Rip Curl team riders Pancho Sullivan and Jamie O'Brien. Sullivan will face current #4 Taj Burrow (West Aus) and fellow Australian Trent Munro (Scott's Head), while O'Brien is against current #5 Kieren Perrow (Byron Bay, Aus) and Victor Ribas (Brz).

Recent WCT qualifier Bruce Irons (Kauai, Haw) unfortunately missed his flight from Kauai to Oahu, and therefore a chance at gaining some added experience prior to his maiden campaign in 2004. Ian Walsh replaced the Kauaian, but bowed out first heat and then snapped his surfboard while returning to the beach in the heavy shore break.

Bethany Hamilton was among the strong beach crowd at Sunset and presented Centeio with his trophy on stage. The 13-year-old survived a horrific shark attack on Kauai three weeks ago and lost her left arm, but has become an inspiration to all with a courageous recovery and positive outlook. She even re-entered the water and surfed in front of hundreds of cheering friends and admirers at home on Kauai a few days ago, and will no doubt continue to overcome her setback with incredible determination and support. A special fundraiser has been organized for tomorrow night at Waimea Falls, with proceeds helping to pay for medical costs.

Round one of the Rip Curl Cup is expected to begin tomorrow morning at 8am (local time), conditions pending.

   Jesse Faen.

Miércoles 26 de Noviembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Competition Postponed Until Friday 28th

   Wednesday, November 26, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) The Rip Curl Cup was today postponed due to stormy surf, and with Thanksgiving holiday being celebrated here tomorrow, another decision will not be made until Friday morning. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) will then commence with its 32-man Rip Curl Cup Trials if conditions allow.

Strong onshore winds and messy 4ft (1.5m) surf is on offer today throughout Oahu's north shore.

Breaking up the monotony of non-event days, Rip Curl will be premiering their latest video "Windows" tonight at nearby Haleiwa Joe's restaurant from 9pm. Offering a glimpse into the lives of many of their team riders at home around the world, the venue is sure to be packed with many of the world's best surfers and members of the surf media, all taking advantage of the great entertainment and party atmosphere ahead of tomorrow's lay-day.

Meanwhile, Hawaii's Keala Kennelly proved she is a contender in all conditions, winning the 4-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) Turtle Bay Resort Women's Pro, held in highly difficult waves yesterday. Better known for her tube-riding skills and ability to charge fearlessly on giant waves, the 25-year-old from Kauai proved to be untouchable in strong on-shore, 2-4 foot surf at the 5-star Turtle Bay Resort. Kennelly posted her first ever
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing event win to earn US$3,500 and has moved to second on the Triple Crown Series ratings, behind Sofia Mulanovich (Peru). The final WQS event of 2003, the Turtle Bay Resort Women's Pro was not part of the elite Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT), and therefore had no bearing on the world title race Kennelly currently leads.

In the 30-minute four-woman final, Kennelly defeated Megan Abubo (Hawaii),Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) - winner of last week's Roxy Pro at Haleiwa, and rising star Rebecca Woods (Australia), respectively. Kennelly posted a two-wave total of 16.06 points out of a possible 20, and her performance bodes well for the upcoming Billabong Pro on Maui, December 8-20, where she hopes to clinch her first ASP world title.

Another decision in the Rip Curl Cup will be made by 7am (local time) on Friday the 28th. No update will be posted tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day.

   Jesse Faen.

Lunes 24 de Noviembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Competition Postponed Due To Decreasing Swell

   Monday, November 24, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) The Rip Curl Cup entered its official 13-day waiting period this morning, but was postponed due to a decreasing swell. The penultimate US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) will commence with a 32-man Rip Curl Cup Trials event as soon as conditions allow.

Clean 4-5 ft (1.5m) surf was on offer early this morning from the northeast direction, but with wave size expected to drop throughout the day, organizers opted to hold off for more favorable conditions. Another decision will be made tomorrow morning by 7am (local time).

Meanwhile, the Turtle Bay Resort Women's Pro is underway. The final World Qualifying Series (WQS) event kicked off around 8:30am (local time) with the round of 72 heats.

   Jesse Faen.

Domingo 23 de Noviembre 2003

Rip Curl Cup
Waiting Period Commences Tomorrow

   Sunday, November 23, 2003 (Sunset Beach, Haw) The Rip Curl Cup at Hawaii's
Sunset Beach enters its official 13-day waiting period tomorrow, November
24th. Anticipation surrounds the penultimate event on this year's
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT), as
the race for the 2003 world title nears a climax and surfers battle to lock
in a big result and their positions for next year's elite tour.

Following the completion of the men's World Qualifying Series (WQS)
yesterday at nearby Haleiwa, all focus now shifts gear to the upper echelon
of the sport, with the Rip Curl Cup showcasing the best at one of the
world's most testing venues.

Boasting a takeoff area the size of a football field, Sunset's deep-water
offshore reef produces waves from four to 15 foot-plus - offering unique
rides that test a surfer's fitness, wave selection skills, courage,
maneuvering, tube-riding and ability to handle the heaviest imaginable
wipeouts.

The withdrawal of 2001 world champion CJ Hobgood (FL, USA), Nathan Webster
(Aus) and Pat O'Connell (CA, USA) - all due to injuries - has proved a
godsend to local Hawaiian rising star Jamie O'Brien. Together with fellow
Rip Curl team rider Pancho Sullivan, the 20-year-old now fills the second
wildcard spot directly in the Rip Curl Cup main event.

A one-day Trials event will pit another 21 Hawaiian locals against 10 Rip
Curl team members from around the globe, together with reigning three-time
ASP World Masters champion Gary Elkerton (Aus). Four surfers who reach the
Rip Curl Cup Trials final will then qualify for the remaining spots in the
48-man main event field.

Elkerton, the 1987 event winner at Sunset Beach, is definitely a danger man
in the draw, with a wealth of experience at the testing break, though any of
the 32 hopefuls could provide the real dramas of the 2003 tournament.

Two of the past four Rip Curl Cup winners were trialists - Hawaiian Myles
Padaca in 2001 and Australian Zane Harrison in 1999 - showing the potential
impact such surfers can have. Both are again vying for spots in this year's
event.

Adding to the Rip Curl Cup spectacle is the extensive web coverage. Live
heat scores, video and audio commentary will be provided on www.ripcurl.com,
with information available in four different languages, including English,
Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

A decision will be made tomorrow morning by 7am (local time), with
organizers gearing up for a possible start with the Rip Curl Cup Trials if
conditions permit.

The Vans Triple Crown Series features the world's top athletes competing in
three championship events in each of the following sports: Skateboarding,
Wakeboarding, Surfing, Snowboarding, BMX and Freestyle Motocross. The Series
is made possible through the support of Vans, the Xbox video game system
from Microsoft, Mountain Dew, Ford Trucks, Right Guard Xtreme Sport, Fox
Sports Net, Surfing Magazine and NBC Sports.

   Jesse Faen.