SAN FRANCISCO - Piers 30-32 was filled with anticipation on Saturday for the return for skateboarding legend Tony Hawk who was competing in the Vert Doubles competition at the 2000 X Games.

And as we have come to expect, he didn't disappoint.

Hawk skated with longtime partner Andy Macdonald to win their fourth X Games Vert Doubles gold medal in four years.

In an event with little suspense, Hawk and Macdonald dominated from their first run. In what was the strongest run of the first round, the duo skated to a high score of 89.3. They had a smooth over-under sequence combined with a touch n' go, that sent the standing-room crowd into a frenzy.

"I was psyched that we stuck the first run," said Macdonald. "Tony and I have been working on some lines back home. We have really been working on timing."

Going into the final run, Hawk and Macdonald had a commanding five-point lead on their competitors. Showing killer-instinct, the duo finished with an amazing routine that included fakie airs and a series of twists. They were rewarded with a score of 93.5.

The two professionals have a comfort level with one another that allows them to excel on the ramp in a way most skaters can only dream about.

"Tony is the best doubles partner to have. We have skated together for so long, we trust each other and we have confidence in each other. And most importantly we can rely on each other," said Macdonald.

Andy Mac gets a helping hand from Hawk.

"I really like the doubles event," said Hawk. "It's a whole new level of creativity. Really, there are very few doubles events. We've only had one each year for the last four years. We just like seeing what new things we can come up with, there are a lot of possibilities."

Others shared their enthusiasm for the doubles event, and Hawk, the man who put skateboarding on the map.

"I just want to have fun," said Lasek. "This type of event does not happen that often, so when it does happen, I want to enjoy it. Hopefully everyone else will enjoy it."

Canadians Pierre-Luc Gagnon and Max Dufour placed second to Hawk-Macdonald. In their second run of the final round, the Gagnon and Dufour had a great run -- they nailed a series of air-fakies, with some 360 action mixed into the routine. They skated to a solid score of 85.25.

"Back home, we (Pierre and I) practiced a lot of combinations and stuff, but we never really put our run in," said Dufour. "I think today went well because we are comfortable with each other."

Added Gagnon, "We really didn't have anything planned when we showed up this morning. We planned a lot right before the contest and everything worked out. I am super happy about the result."

Third place was claimed by Sandro Dias and Cristiano Mateus of Brazil.

Although the competition was fun for the skaters and appealed to fans, the real story was the professional return of Hawk.

Said one fan, "I stood in line two hours to get here to see Tony Hawk. I am stoked. I did not mind the wait."

To all his fans on the pier, it was definitely worth the wait.

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