04.30.01
ASP World Tour

ASP Int'l, Australia, April 29, 2001 — The upcoming Billabong Pro Teahupoo World Championship Tour (WCT) event begins in just nine days at one of the world's most notorious waves, amidst Tahiti's tropical paradise setting. The tournament will play a major role in this year's world title ratings race for both men and women, with the men's event carrying an extra 20 percent ratings points due to the newly introduced prime surfing location bonus.

Current men's world No. 1 Danny Wills (Aus) will try and maintain the lead he secured during the first WCT event of 2001, after placing second to eventual winner and wildcard entrant Mick Fanning (Aus). The 26-year-old has the added pressure of facing reigning world champion Sunny Garcia (Haw) and one of the top-placed Billabong Pro Trialists in his opening heat.

The Billabong Trials will feature the crème of international Teahupoo specialists and a strong contingent of local surfers from May 3-5.

Current world No. 2 Andy Irons (Haw), who won last year's Teahupoo Trials in epic 8-10 foot (3m) waves with a fearless performance, could prove the danger-man. Irons, 22, is regarded as one of the best surfers at Teahupoo and was a standout in last years tournament before being hospitalized with staff infection after hitting the reef prior to his third round match.

1999 world and event champion Mark Occhilupo (Aus) is another proven performer at Teahupoo. Currently rated equal eighth and in fighting form, 'Occy' will be out for a solid result after finishing third last year, following his win in '99.

"I am confident and fit right now and looking forward to competing at Teahupoo," said Occhilupo. "The break has been good to me. I would love to win again. It's the best wave in the world and the most exciting."

2000 world title runner-up Luke Egan (Aus), who is currently 16th, is also expected to be one of the big movers up the rankings. Egan, 31, is a renowned big wave specialist and has been in serious training for the event.

"I actually can't wait to get over there," said Egan. "It just feels so good to be packing the big boards again."

The world's top ranked female surfers will showcase their talent in the women's division of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, which boasts US$60,000 total prize money.

World No. 7 Keala Kennelly (Haw) showed no fear to win last year's tournament. The 22-year-old displayed uncanny tube-riding skills and impressed everyone with her reckless, yet controlled attack.

Defending three-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus), who posted a quarterfinal finish last year, announced she was ready for Teahupoo.

"There are only five events on this year's WCT (women's tour), so there is no room for error in any of them with four counting (to the end of year rankings)," explained Beachley. "I'm fired up and ready to tackle the wave."

   Send to a friend  | Most sent  | Submit your photo or video