Tahitian Michel Bourez (pictured above) has won the Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa, HI, defeating Brazil’s Jihad Khodr, Kekoa Bacalso and Dusty Payne (both of Hawaii) in a four man final.  Bourez earned $15,000 for his win but more importantly earned a spot in the 2009 ASP World Tour thanks to the finish, along with second-place Knodr.

“It means a lot to just (qualify for) the World Tour,” Bourez said after the win.  “I’ve been dreaming about this my whole life since I started to surf. I’ve been watching all the best surfers, like Kelly (Slater) and (Rob) Machado, all those guys. And, right now I can surf with them. It’s a good opportunity for me and all the Tahitian surfers. I’m stoked for Tahiti.”

The day started with difficult, rainy conditions, and the event was close to being called off.  When the rain cleared up most heats featured nice barrells and several high-scoring waves.  Even so, there were some difficult heats, including in the semis, when Aussies Nic Muscroft, Joel Parkinson and Bede Durbidge were knocked out.

In addition to Bourez and Knodr, other WQS surfers have basically locked their position on the 2009 ASP World Tour including Nathaniel Curran, Chris Davidson, Gabe Kling, Josh Kerr, Kekoa Bacalso, Nic Muscroft, Tim Boal, Tiago Pires and Dustin Barca.

Read more about the Triple Crown at the official website and read more about the day’s action below.

TAHITI’S MICHEL BOUREZ POSTS CAREER BEST WIN IN REEF HAWAIIAN PRO
Brazil’s Jihad Khodr Impressive Runner-Up

Haleiwa, Oahu, HI – (Sat. Nov. 22, 2008) – Tahitian Michel Bourez, 22, scored a career-best win in Hawaii today, taking first place in the $135,000 Reef Hawaiian Pro and an early lead on the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series ratings. Prior to today, Bourez’s best result was a minor event win in the Canary Islands in 2005. Today’s result takes him to the No.2 ranking on the ASP World Qualifying Series ratings, guaranteeing him a start on the elite ASP World Tour in 2009. Bourez earned $15,000 for his win today.

Runner-up was Brazil’s Jihad Khodr, 24 ($7,500); third was Hawaii’s Kekoa Bacalso (Mililani, $4,500), and fourth was Maui’s Dusty Payne, the youngest of the finalists at 19 and the only surfer to come all the way through from the very first round, surfing eight times to earn $4,400.

In conditions that more closely resembled the hollow tubes of Tahiti or Hawaii’s Off-The-Wall, Bourez hit his stride in the semi-finals in an unbelievable demonstration of deep tube-riding and critical power maneuvers, posting the highest wave and heat scores of the entire event: 18.96 points out of 20 for the heat, and 9.93 out of 10 for his top tube ride. In the final, he posted a total of 16.77 points with scores of 9.77 and 7.0.

“That semi was maybe the best heat of my life,” said Bourez. “Everybody was getting barreled I was screaming my head off. It was so sick. I was having so much fun out there and that’s what I call a good contest.

“It means a lot to just (qualify for) the World Tour. I’ve been dreaming about this my whole life since I started to surf. I’ve been watching all the best surfers, like Kelly (Slater) and (Rob) Machado, all those guys. And, right now I can surf with them. It’s a good opportunity for me and all the Tahitian surfers. I’m stoked for Tahiti.”

If Bourez can hold onto his lead of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series ratings, he could win a $10,000 bonus and a $10,000 one-of-a-kind Nixon tide watch featuring over two-carats of diamonds.

Khodr also had the crowd going wild with a hugely successful mix of determination, tube-riding and never-say-die attack on every wave he rode. Khodr peaked on time in the final, coming so close but just short of the win. His final scoreline: 16.5 with individual wave scores of 8.5 and 8.0 for a couple of great tubes that were slightly shorter and not as deep as Bourez’s. Khodr’s result today moved him up to fifth on the WQS rankings and back onto the World Tour stage in 2009.

“It was real hard for me to get a good result this year,” said Khodr. “When I got to Hawai’i I knew something was going to change and I got second place. I’m so stoked. (2009) is going to be my first year on the ASP World Tour.”

The highest placed US Mainland surfers were Brett Simpson and Timmy Reyes, both from Huntington Beach. Simpson lost in semi-final with a score that would have seen him advance through the majority of heats this event – 14.07. He placed equal 7th overall. Reyes lost in the quarter finals, placing equal 13th overall.

The top placing Australians were Nic Muscroft (equal fifth, semi-final loss), and Joel Parkinson (equal fifth, semi-final loss). Defending Vans Triple Crown champion Bede Durbidge also lost in the semi-finals, placing equal 7th overall. Parkinson and Bede suffered a wave-starved heat that left them with nothing to ride and no chance at reaching the final again this year.

The final day of the Reef Hawaiian Pro started out just short of a washout. Pouring rain and howling onshore winds greeted competitors at dawn and the event came close to being called off. Then the wind began to clock and before long the rubble was transformed into airbrushed barrels. For those spectators who braved the conditions, the returns were huge.

Heading on to the next event, the following Qualifying Series surfers are considered “safe” for qualifying for the 2009 ASP World Tour: Nathaniel Curran (USA), Michel Bourez (Tahiti), Chris Davidson (Australia), Gabe Kling (US), Jihad Khodr (Brazil), Josh Kerr (Aus), Kekoa Bacalso (Hawaii), Nic Muscroft (Aust), Tim Boal (France), Tiago Pires (Portugal) and Dustin Barca (Hawaii).

The Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines at Monolua Bay, Maui  is in its 10th year and will celebrate its anniversary next month on December 8-20.  The crown jewel of surfing marks the final stop of the 2008 ASP Women’s Tour and the Triple Crown of Surfing.  The worlds most elite women surfers will battle it out for a piece of the $85,000 purse while living it up in luxury at the Kapalua Villa.  This event will decide who will be the 2008 Women’s World Champion. 

“It’s been an honor to have this event at Honolua Bay for the past 10 years and we’re looking forward to celebrating its history during our opening dinner,” says Candy Harris Brand manager for Billabong Girls. “It’s always amazing to see the progression of women’s surfing showcased at this spectacular break each year and I’m sure this December the tradition will continue.”

The 14th Annual Roxy Pro Hawaii at Sunset Beach, which is the 7th stop of the ASP Women’s World Tour is set to go down this coming Monday the 24th of November and is scheduled on through December 6th.  The event takes place at the infamous North Shore on the island of Oahu.  This event is the second jewel in the Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing.  The contest, which will be broadcast live on the web from www.roxy.com, will take place over two days within the 12-day holding period.

The Roxy Pro Hawaii is the longest running women’s professional shortboard competition in Hawaii and will once again play a crucial part in deciding the 2008 Women’s World Tour Champion.  Coming into the event, reigning ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) holds a small lead in the ratings over Roxy team-rider Sofia Mulanovich (Peru), the defending Roxy Pro Hawaii and 2005 Women’s World Tour Champion.  With the ratings so close and the lead changing hands multiple times throughout this year’s tour, the Roxy Pro Hawaii will play a critical role in determining the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour Champion. 

“We are thrilled to be continuing the tradition of women’s big-wave surfing in Hawaii with the Roxy Pro Hawaii,” said Randy Hild, EVP of Global Marketing, Roxy.  “Sunset Beach is a defining wave and proving ground for any surfer, male or female, and Roxy is proud to offer women the chance to leave their mark on this famed break.”

Check out the press release below for more info. 

Sunset Beach is regarded as the most difficult wave in the world to surf well. It is a huge expanse of water with the primary take-off zone located more than 250 yards out to sea. Swells converge on that zone from a variety of directions that range from west, all the way to north-east. If a surfer doesn’t know her way around the lineup, surfing Sunset is akin to being lost at sea in a maelstrom.

The 2008 Roxy Pro Hawaii will feature the top 17 ranked women on the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour, as well as three wildcard entrants who will be determined in the Roxy Trials.  Roxy Team Rider, Sally Fitzgibbons will be among the contestants vying for the wildcards, with her spot already secured for the 2009 Tour, Fitzgibbons is looking to make an early impression at this year’s contest. 2007 Quiksilver ISA World Juniors Champion Laura Enever was also granted a trialist spot, along with Bruna Schmitz, Coco Ho, Carissa Moore and Lee Ann Curren.

The Roxy Pro Hawaii is the second in a series of two Roxy Pro events on the ASP Women’s World Tour schedule. The tour’s first event of the year the Roxy Pro Gold Coast (March) was won by Sofia Mulanovich, who hopes to lock down her second world title in Hawaii.

The Roxy Pro Hawaii will be streamed live on the web at www.roxy.com with live interviews and commentary by Roxy Team Rider and longboarder extraordinaire Kassia Meador.  For more information on the Roxy Pro Hawaii and the full trials list please visit www.roxy.com.

Out with the old and in with the new.  That just might be what many are thinking after the first day of action for the women at the Reef Hawaiian Pro.  After 44 women started the day, the field was whittled down to 16 in the semifinals, with seven aged 18 or under.  Among them are 16-year-olds Carissa Moore (pictured above) and Courtney Conlogue, 17-year-olds Coco Ho and Sally Fitzgibbons and 18-year-old Alana Blanchard.

Still alive in the contest are defending world champ Stephanie Gilmore and a number of other world tour surfers including Layne Beachley, Silvana Lima and Rosanne Hodge.  Notable surfers who were eliminated in the first two rounds include world tour surfers Karina Petroni and Megan Abubo, who won the contest last year.

Two full days of surfing remain for the Reef Hawaiian Pro and it may face a day or two of delays thanks to a new wet front moving in.  When action does resume, it can be seen live at the Triple Crown of Surfing website.

With two events left in the season Aussie Stephanie Gilmore has jumped on top of the world tour rankings following a win at the Movistar Classic Mancora in Peru.  Gilmore was the defending champ of the contest, and posted the day’s highest heat total (16.10) in the final against Silvana Lima.

The event was moved from its primary location in Mancora to Piscina, where surf was in the three-to-four foot range and allowed for the final day of action to go off without a problem.

With three total wins on tour this season, Gilmore now is in the driver’s seat going to Hawaii where the final two tour events will take place.

“Now that I’m ahead, I feel great,” she said after the contest.  “But I know there are still two more events and a lot can happen. I excited for Hawaii and am looking forward to a great end of the year.”

Sofia Mulanovich, who was leading the overall rankings going into Peru, slipped to No. 2 after finishing equal-fifth.  She is still in the running for her second world title, but will have to win in the final two events and have Stephanie Gilmore stumble badly for it to become a reality.

For more about the contest, visit the official contest site and read on for the press release from the day’s action.

Gilmore Wins Back-to-Back Titles in Peru to Regain ASP Ratings Lead

PISCINA, Peru (Tuesday, November 4, 2008) – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 20, reigning ASP Women’s World Champion and defending event champion, collected her second consecutive win in Peru today, defeating Silvana Lima (BRA), 24, to claim the Movistar Classic Mancora Peru presented by Rip Curl as well as the ratings lead on the ASP Women’s World Tour.

Event No. 6 of 8 on the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Movistar Classic Mancora Peru pres. by Rip Curl relocated from the primary venue in Mancora this morning to Piscina, an hour and a half south, where swell was running in the three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) range.

After building momentum throughout the day, Gilmore peaked in the Final, posting the highest heat total of the event, a 16.10 out of a possible 20, with brilliant flair and power on her backhand, to claim her second consecutive event title in Peru.

“I am so stoked right now,” Gilmore said. “I love coming to Peru. The waves are always really fun and the people are so passionate about their surfing. I came here confident that I could get a result and to come out on top is just fantastic.”

After stumbling with an equal 9th at the last ASP Women’s World Tour event in Sydney, Gilmore’s win today sees the young natural-footer back on top of the ASP Women’s World Tour ratings and on course to defend her ASP Women’s World Title.

“I think Sydney was good for me in that it motivated me to refocus on my primary goal which is to win another ASP Women’s World Tour,” Gilmore said. “Now that I’m ahead, I feel great, but I know there are still two more events and a lot can happen. I excited for Hawaii and am looking forward to a great end of the year.”

Lima, current No. 4 on the ASP Women’s World Tour, was in brilliant form all day, even netting an 7.70 out of a possible 10 in the Final, but it wasn’t enough to stop a rampaging Gilmore.

“I am very happy with my performance today,” Lima said. “I felt like I was surfing well and that my equipment was working really good. It is a shame that I couldn’t win in the Final, but I am happy with my result.”

Today’s runner-up finish marks Lima’s second in two events (she finished runner-up at the last event in Sydney), and the progressive natural-footer rockets up to 4th on the ASP Women’s World Tour.

“I really want to win an event one of these days, but Steph (Gilmore) was ripping,” Lima said. “I am still very happy with my result and my place in the ratings. I don’t know what Hawaii will hold for me, but I am looking forward to the events.”

Rebecca Woods (AUS), 24, current No. 7 on the ASP Women’s World Tour, scored the upset of the day, defeating former ratings leader and event favorite Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 25, in the Quarterfinals.

“Sofia (Mulanovich) is an incredible surfer and we were surfing at Lobitos this morning and she was surfing amazing, even with an injured foot,” Woods said. “Fortunately I got a couple of good ones off the bat and was able to maintain the lead. It’s a great win for me and my first Semifinals of the year so I’m stoked.”

Layne Beachley (AUS), 36, former seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion and current No. 3 on the ASP Women’s World Tour, opened up her Semifinal heat with a blistering 9.00 out of a possible 10, but was unable to halt the assault of eventual winner Gilmore.

“It’s frustrating when you open up the heat with a good wave and can’t back it up,” Beachley said. “I guess I am frustrated a bit more because I lost to Steph (Gilmore) and I had her and let her get away from me. It’s really frustrating.”

While it appears that Gilmore and Mulanovich are running away with the race for the ASP Women’s World Title, Beachley is still motivated to perform in Hawaii.

“I excited to get to Hawaii and I hope we get Sunset at 20 feet and Honolua at 15 feet,” Beachley said. “Hawaii is my old stomping ground and it’s where I feel like I’ve cemented a place for myself and I’m motivated by the desire to win and I’m looking forward to the winter.”

Highlights from the Movistar Classic Mancora Peru pres. by Rip Curl are accessible via MOVISTAR CLASSIC MANCORA PERU PRES. BY RIP CURL

The next stop on the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour is the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, Hawaii from November 24 – December 6, 2008.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Movistar Classic Mancora Peru pres by Rip Curl Final Results:
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.10
2 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.70

Movistar Classic Mancora Peru pres by Rip Curl Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.73 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 13.16
SF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.60 def. Layne Beachley (AUS) 15.23

Movistar Classic Mancora Peru pres by Rip Curl Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.83 def. Karina Petroni (USA) 8.83
QF 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.50 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.83
QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.00 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.87
QF 4: Layne Beachley (AUS) 12.94 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 10.17

Current ASP Women’s World Tour Ratings: Following Event No. 6 of 8
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5148
2 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 4963
3 – Layne Beachley (AUS) 4454
4 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 4166
5 – Amee Donohoe (AUS) 3691
6 – Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3612
7 – Rebecca Woods (AUS) 3050
8 – Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 3038
9 – Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 2628
10 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 2544
11 – Julia De La Rosa (PER) 2474
12 – Karina Petroni (USA) 2244
13 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 2232
14 – Megan Abubo (HAW) 2064
15 – Nicola Atherton (AUS) 1836
16 – Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 1692
17 – Serena Brooke (AUS) 1656
18 – Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 912*
* First replacement on the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour

South African surfer Jordy Smith looked like he was on top of the world during day one of the Hand Loose Santa Catarina in Brazil. In the 15th heat of the first round, he scored the day’s highest heat total and single wave score (a 17.17 and 9.50 respectively).  But that was before he received two interference — leaving him with a 0.00 for the day.  Spanish surfer Aritz Aranburu took advantage, finishing first ahead of local Simao Ramao of Brazil and Smith.

“It was a difficult heat, I started well with an 8.50 score but Jordy also got really good waves,” Aranburu says. “Then in the last three minutes a small wave came toward me, and I knew that I need to get a big score, so I started paddling for the wave. I was in the best position but Jordy started paddling too, so the judges give him interference.”

While the heat with Smith provided the day’s drama, there was other action going on.  Most of the top seeds sailed through the first round, including Taylor Knox, Taj Burrow and Bed Durbidge.  Missing the contest are Kelly Slater, who already secured his 9th world title at the last event, Mick Fanning, who is injured, and the Irons brothers, who are taking some time off.

One other surfer missed at least round one — American Chris Ward ran into problems with his visa but is expected to make his round two heat.

For more information about the event, visit ASPWorldTour.com

Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA) 14.83, Ben Bourgeois (USA) 14.43, Fabio Gouveia (BRA) 7.50
Heat 2: Marco Polo (BRA) 13.27, Royden Bryson (ZAF) 11.34, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 10.60
Heat 3: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 16.50, Tanio Barreto (BRA) 12.84, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 9.83
Heat 4: Kai Otton (AUS) 14.67, Jay Thompson (AUS) 12.33, Gustavo Fernandes (BRA) 7.67
Heat 5: Marcio Farney (BRA) 12.00, Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.73, Heitor Alves (BRA) 11.43
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.03, Peterson Rosa (BRA) 14.84, Tiago Pires (PRT) 5.60
Heat 7: Mikael Picon (FRA) 13.67, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.66, Jano Belo (BRA) 10.70
Heat 8: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.33, Carybean Heleodoro (BRA) 12.67, Roy Powers (HAW) 7.63
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.33, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.57, Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.90
Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) 13.90, CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.03, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.33
Heat 11: Leonardo Neves (BRA) 13.17, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.33, Pedro Henrique (BRA) 8.93
Heat 12: Hizunome Bettero (BRA) 14.83, Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.00, Chris Ward (USA) N/S
Heat 13: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 10.73, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 10.33, Jihad Khodr (BRA) 7.27
Heat 14: Daniel Ross (AUS) 13.07, Tim Reyes (USA) 12.16, William Cardoso (BRA) 10.16
Heat 15: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 16.00, Simao Romao (BRA) 12.16, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 0.00
Heat 16: Ben Dunn (AUS) 15.37, Bruno Santos (BRA) 11.47, Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 10.54

There’s a big change coming to the ASP’s World Tour next season as round 1 turns into an elimination round for selected events.

Currently, three surfers meet in round 1 with the bottom two meeting in round 2, where one is eliminated.  Winners of round 1 move straight to round 3 to meet the winner of round 2.

The new format, which is optional for events to adapt, will feature a man-on-man elimination round 1 with 32 surfers facing off in 16 heats.  The group will be made up of those rated 17-27 on the World Tour, six total wildcards and the top 15-rated WQS surfers.

The top 16 from the World Tour move straight to round two, where they will face off against the winners of round 1.

The decision was made by the ASP board in Australia, and was welcomed by Billabong, which has adopted the new format for its contest in Tahiti, South Africa, Spain and at Pipeline.

Quiksilver will keep the traditional format for the season-opening Gold Coast contest, while others are undecided at this time.

There will also be some seeding changes affecting how surfers requalify for the Dream Tour.

Former world champ C.J. Hobgood, for one, likes the change, saying it will result in “better waves for surfers, less days needed to run for the events, better waves and surfing for viewers.”

For more about the changes, along with comments from former world champ and current ASP President Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, Mick Fanning and C.J. Hobgood, keep reading the release below.

Altered Dream Tour Format for ASP World Tour in 2009

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Monday, October 27, 2008) – Following one of the most historic board meetings to date, the ASP has introduced the option for a new competition format to be implemented in ASP World Tour events in 2009.

While the traditional 48-man format will still be available, events can elect to implement an altered 48-man format consisting of the following: two opening elimination man-on-man rounds. Round 1 will consist of 32 surfers, those rated 17 – 27 on the ASP World Tour, three Tour/Injury wildcards, the Top 15–rated surfers on the ASP WQS and three event wildcards.

The seeding formula will remain the same as the traditional format, with the No. 17 seed up against the No. 32 seed in Heat 8, the No. 18 seed against the No. 31 seed in Heat 9, etc. After Round 1, all remaining competitors will be reseeded for Round 2.

The Top 16 on the ASP World Tour are seeded directly in Round 2 where they will meet the 16 victors from Round 1 in the re-seeded draw. The Top 10 from the previous year’s Dream Tour will be guaranteed a Round 2 seed all year long, while the next 6 seeds have to maintain their seeded position and can be replaced by better performing back 32 surfers after the third ASP World Tour event of the year. This means that the Top 16 seeds in 2009 will remain unchanged until after the Billabong Pro Teahupoo.

After Tahiti, only the Top 10 from the previous year will hold their spots (which is probably a good incentive to do Brazil and Pipeline this season), while the next 6 could be replaced if guys from the back 32 secure more seeding points. Seeding points going into Snapper will remain in effect.

The new format has already been adopted by the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, the Billabong Pro Mundaka and the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, the opening event of the 2009 ASP World Tour, has opted to run with the traditional format, and Rip Curl are undecided which format they will implement at their Bells Beach and Search events.

We recently sat down with Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew (AUS), 53, former ASP World Champion and current President of ASP International, Mick Fanning (AUS), 27, 2007 ASP World Champion, and C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, 2001 ASP World Champion, to discuss the new format:

1 – First off, what is (are) the reason(s) for the option to run an altered format next year?

Wayne Bartholomew: As part of the monitoring process it was clear that we needed to develop a menu of formats to fit the needs of the tour. The current format requires four running days. This doesn’t sound overbearing in a 12-day window, but we still require two swell cycles to complete the event in quality waves and this proved a bridge too far. To fit into a three-day swell cycle we had to either reduce the field from 48 to 36 or peel it from a different angle.

Mick Fanning: I think some people just think that we waste a day or so when we run the first round with three-man heats and sometimes we can’t finish the event with good waves. I think it will make it all a lot more exciting because it is straight cut throat from the first heat of competition.

C.J. Hobgood: I think getting the best waves in the allotted waiting period is the primary reason for offering the alternative format.

2 – Who came up with the format? When and who voted on its implementation?

Wayne Bartholomew: The ASP Technical Committee waded through a bunch of variations and opted to recommend to the Board a three-day format that still maintains a field of 48. As Chairman of the Technical Committee, I presented these findings and recommendations to the Mid-Year Board meeting in Huntington Beach this past July and we further tweaked it in the ensuing months.

3 – We can see that not all events will be running the new altered format – what is the reason that it was not mandatory for all events to implement?

Wayne Bartholomew: Events in 2009 will have the choice of the current format or implementing the new one. Quiksilver have already confirmed they will run with the current format, based on the fact that Snapper is a reasonably consistent wave and it can accommodate a combined Men’s and Women’s event in the window. Rip Curl is undecided, but are leaning towards the new format. The Tech Comm is now working on how far out from the start of a waiting period an event has to notify ASP of their preferred option. Billabong have already given notice that Teahupoo, J-Bay, Mundaka and Pipe will run with the new format and events like Boost and Brazil are getting their heads around it. In 2009, it is optional with the view to either making it mandatory from 2010 or running with a format menu.

4 – What are the positives for the surfers, the events and the viewers to run the new format?

Wayne Bartholomew: The surfers get man-on-man, no more three-man heats. There are built in seeding incentives based on performance over the season and there is a much better opportunity to pick the eyes out of the surf on offer. The events get to maximize swell cycles and build the event to a climactic conclusion in excellent surf. The chances of getting skunked are dramatically diminished and the opportunity to have Finals in great surf increases. The viewers get knockout competition. There are no meaningless rounds, it is on the line in every heat and they’ll see a lot less action in low quality waves.

Mick Fanning: The positives are definitely the shorter period for the event. Most swells around the world only last three days, but our events take four to complete. Cutting out a round cuts that day out, keeps the performance level at high level because every heat counts, makes the Top 16 and Top 10 get an actual incentive for ranking that high instead of just the red singlet.

C.J. Hobgood: I think the positives are better waves for surfers, less days needed to run for the events, better waves and surfing for viewers.

5 – What are the negatives (if any) for surfers, the events and the viewers to run the new format?

Wayne Bartholomew: The only negative for the surfer is if one loses in the first round. You are out and it’s a long way to go to be bundled out. I surfed my entire career without a safety net but guys get used to the second chance. If the swell absolutely pumps then the event might want the extra day for the beach crowd, the media and the webcast. So loss of content could be seen as a negative, but the trade-off will be an excellent event held in epic waves. Also, that may be why we eventually perpetuate the optional format menu. For the viewer they can’t get enough, so the shorter event might be a negative, but again, the action will be an awesome spectacle.

Mick Fanning: I think the Back 32 will be extremely close when it comes to being on the cusp of qualifying, but everyone has to start at the bottom. The audience won’t get to see your favorite surfers hit the water as many times, but it will be crucial each time they do.

6 – We see the Top 16 are seeded directly into Round 2. What happens to the rest?

Wayne Bartholomew: The back 32, made up of the back 11 of the Top 27, the Top 15 from the WQS, the 3 tour/injury wildcards and 3 Event wilds, go man-on-man in Round 1. So nobody misses out, but the re-introduction of the Top 16 provides incentive to be at every event.

7 – Part of the reason for the new format is to work towards a one-world ranking. This is something that was mandated in the past, but changed to the two-tiered system. Why are we moving back towards it? What are the advantages? When will is possibly be implemented?

Wayne Bartholomew: We hope to implement a one-world ranking system in 2010. The dynamic is totally different to pre-1992. There will still be 1-6 Stars, still be 6-Star Primes, and they will count towards the Top 45, who will still contest the ASP World Tour. There will most likely be a fluid transition whereby the bottom performing Top 45 will be replaced by high performing ASP WQS surfers in the same season. This will be much more marketable, better for media and more defining for the industry when it comes to sponsorships.

Mick Fanning: I think in this day and age, we need a one-world ranking system. The way the format works at the moment, the general public can’t get their heads around it. I think it will help with how the ASP WQS is run also and make it easier for everyone to understand where they are. Also, if people get injured or have a bad year their ranking won’t dramatically and they won’t fall off tour. We have had a few of these cases over the years and hopefully that will cut that out.

C.J. Hobgood: I’ve always been a huge fan of the one-world ranking system. I never understood why guys like Danny Fuller, Bruno Santos, Manoa Drollet and Jamie O’Brien would make Finals and Semis against the best surfers in the world and not have a world ranking. Like in Chile when the local wildcard made a heat, the people in Chile should be able to look at their guy and see how he ranks on the one-world ranking system. Even if he is 400th, it’s still a ranking. Also, the one-world rating system is easier to understand – I’m so sick of trying to explain to someone that knows very little about surfing our two-tier system.

Renato Hickel (BRA), ASP World Tour Manager, noted also that, “some adjustments may take place in the next Technical Committee meeting. It’s possible that we will reduce the number from Top 10 to Top 8, or even reseed everyone after Tahiti, but we will have to wait until Hawaii to ultimately determine.”

It was a windy day in Guincho, Portugal as the ASP 6- Star Estoril Coast Pro went underway with three-foot difficult waves.  Twenty hard battled heats were completed especially in Round 4 with a 3-man heat round.  Unfortunately for Michael Bourez and Glen hall, their elimination opened the door for Marlon Lipke to swipe the regional crown from current leader Tim Boal if he wins the event. 

A series of big upsets took place that meant there were even bigger scores.  Eighteen year old phenom Tonino Benson of Hawaii was a major stand out scoring one of the day’s highest score with an 18.00 out of 20, which included an almost perfect 9.83 ride in heat 6 of round 3.  Benson had the momumental task of having to take on ASP World Champion Sunny Garcia and Damien Fahrenfort in order to advance. 

“It was very windy and hard to surf but I just found the waves with more wall and surfed them well,” Benson said. “I had some excellent surfers in my heat so I tried to do whatever I could. I really think that the combination of progressive and more classic surfing is the key and I am trying to do both.”

Benson, who had up-and-down results in Europe this year, is finishing his first year ever among the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and has a chance to finish in the Top 100, looking forward to end up the year as good as he started it, with a second place at the ASP World Junior Championships. He will attend the two last events of the year in Hawaii.

“I am really happy with the year since I got second in the ASP World Junior Championships (WJC),” Benson said. “I had a couple of bad results in France but did well in Portugal last August and it seems like Portugal is being good to me again this time. I used to be a bit nervous at the beginning of the year coming to WQS events but I am feeling good now and I have nothing to lose.”

 San Juan Lanzarote saw Round 1 action today with two foot waves for the ASP World Qualifying Series 6-Star Prime Santa Surf Pro.  But due to a decrease of wind, only seven heats completed.  Hopefully with the forecast predicting a new swell this Friday, competition and the beginning of the top seeds shall continue today if the conditions are suitable. 

The day’s first and best surfing went to Jean Da Silva of Brazil.  Jean has had disastrous  results this far into the tour with no significant results but was able to find his way out of the difficult conditions to end up winning the day scoring a 15.77 heat out of 20. 

“I paddled out and went for any wave I could catch knowing I could not afford to miss any better one,” Da Silva said. “I felt good and well prepared and I am really happy to get this one out of the way. I think I chose the good options to make it.”

Jean is not only looking to continue a strong event, but is also looking to finish the season strong as well. 

Kelly Slater has a big task ahead of him.  But hopefully it won’t be too difficult.  In order for Kelly to win his ninth ASP World Title, he must finish ninth or better in the ninth surf event of the year and he’s that close.  All he has to do is get past the next heat after scoring a 9.00 and a 7.33 at today’s round 1 heat at the Billabong Pro Mundaka Spain.  Kelly’s total of 16.33 was the second highest score for today’s competition.

“Where I surfed, the waves were better,” Slater said. “I had more options. I couldn’t really hear the scores, but once I did I could tell that Taylor was kind of struggling. Then I found a right with a nice open face and a big air section and that was my 9.00.”

After coming so close to securing the title at last week’s ASP World Title in France, you know Kelly is determined to get past this week’s field.  If he won last week, he would have secured his 40th ASP World Tour win at the same place he won his first in Hossegor. 

Billabong Pro Mundaka Round 1 Heat Results:
Heat 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.70, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 10.83, Kai Otton (AUS) 9.00
Heat 2: Mick Campbell (AUS) 13.17, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.93, Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 8.37
Heat 3: Nic Muscroft (AUS) 16.00, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 12.00, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.00
Heat 4: Roy Powers (HAW) 10.00, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.93, Manoa Drollet (PYF) 5.03
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.84, Ben Dunn (AUS) 14.00, Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 8.50
Heat 6: Eneko Acero (EUK) 13.16, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.27, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 10.93
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.60, Tim Reyes (USA) 10.66, Hodei Collazo (EUK) 5.33
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.33, Taylor Knox (USA) 6.16, Reubyn Ash (GBR) 3.50
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.34, Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.00, Marco San Segundo (EUK) 11.27
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 15.00, Txaber Trojaola (EUK) 12.50, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 6.43
Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 15.00, Luke Stedman (AUS) 14.17, Jay Thompson (AUS) 8.00
Heat 12: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 12.56, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 11.94, Chris Ward (USA) 10.76
Heat 13: Mikael Picon (FRA) 15.00, Leonardo Neves (BRA) 14.34, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 13.67
Heat 14: Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.67, Dane Reynolds (USA) 12.40, Travis Logie (ZAF) 5.87
Heat 15: Daniel Wills (AUS) 14.83, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.00, Ben Bourgeois (USA) 6.60
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.00, Luke Munro (AUS) 8.23, Royden Bryson(ZAF) 7.10