Fanning, Patacchia Hobgood Eliminated at Reef Hawaiian Pro

The 2008 Reef Hawaiian Pro resumed action Thursday after several days off and some of the world tour surfers appeared to caught off guard, getting bounced uncharacteristically early in the contest during the round of 64.

Last year’s world champ Mick Fanning was the first to go, knocked out in the first heat of the round by Brett Simpson and Tonino Benson (Yadin Nicol was also eliminated).  Later in the round Freddy Patacchia and CJ Hobgood were also eliminated.

Among the familiar faces to move forward were Sunny Garcia, Taj Burrow and Bede Durbidge, along with defending champ Roy Powers.

One full day of action remains for the contest, which could wrap up on Friday or Saturday.  Catch the live webcast at the Triple Crown of Surfing website.