Florence, currently in his rookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of Billabong Rio Pro competition, topping prodigious Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, on his way to triumph over Parkinson.

“This is the best feeling in the world,” Florence said. “I had that bad heat at Arpoador to start and we had a couple of lay days and I had to just sit and think about it. I can’t even believe this right now. I’m in shock. I was just sticking to my game plan and not thinking about the other guys. I’m so happy right now.”

Florence, who now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today’s massive victory to the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

“This helps my confidence so much,” Florence said. “I have a lot of confidence going into events with barreling waves like Pipe. Obviously I have a lot of confidence in barrels from my experience at Pipe, but coming here, I wasn’t expecting a big result. I was just hoping to make a few heats.”

Parkinson utilized his complete skill set at Barra Da Tijuca, driving through barrels, lofting airs and unloading powerful carves en route to his Finals berth, but was unable to find a rhythm against Florence and finished runner-up overall.

“I’m a little bit disappointed as I never really got a start in that final, but overall, I’m stoked,” Parkinson said. “The quality of waves here were unreal. Yesterday, we had full barrels and good sections for turns and airs, it was good for the event.”

Parkinson’s finish today propels the Australian into the frontrunner position for the ASP World Title, but Parkinson was humble in claiming his spot atop the rankings.

“It’s a good feeling I suppose,” Parkinson said. “It’s a long way to go and I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I’m stoked. I’ve had a couple of really nice consistent results. I have been in this position before though so I’m hoping to maintain my performance level throughout the rest of the year.”

Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, put in an amazing performance at the Billabong Rio Pro with an astounding array of barrels and airs to take an equal 3rd place finish. Kerr surfed strong on the Final day of competition, but was unable to surpass Florence in their Semifinal bout.

“I tried an air on the first wave I got and turned around and saw John John (Florence said) in the most perfect barrel,” Kerr said. “Out here in this beachbreak you’ve got to keep an open mind. The wind came up from the south in my heat so I was looking for the backhand airs. John John got the perfect barrel and there’s not much I could do about that.”

Kerr’s equal 3rd place finish at the Billabong Rio Pro matches his career-best result as he continues to build momentum against the world’s best surfers.

“I’ve had three Semifinals now, but it’s better than no Semifinals,” Kerr said. “I’ve had three back-to-back results and for me, going from 33rds on my previous years on tour until last year, it’s good progress and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Kerr was responsible for a big upset in the Quarterfinals, eliminating 2011 Billabong Rio Pro champion and local favorite Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25, when he took to the air in the back half of their bout.

“I was definitely on the back foot,” Kerr said. “Adriano (de Souza) had a 14 point heat total and I just relaxed and figured it’s a couple of 7s. I knew my airs could get me those scores. I was lucky to land that one at the end. I knew I had to launch into the flats because there’s no soft landing, it just dumps. I was lucky to keep it steady under my feet.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-time ASP World Champion, eliminated Brazilian Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, in the Quarterfinals but lost a hard-fought heat to close friend Joel Parkinson in the Semifinals to finish equal 3rd overall.

“It’s always fun surfing against Joel and we started out bang-for-bang,” Fanning said. “That’s just the way it goes, but it’s always fun. Even though you lose, your friend’s in the Final, so you win. I would have liked to make the Final but I just didn’t get the right waves and Joel (Parkinson) surfed great.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 40, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion, was absent from the Billabong Rio Pro, citing an ankle injury. The Floridian’s absence relinquished his former frontrunner status on the ratings and Slater now sits at ASP World No. 8.

To watch highlights from the Billabong Rio Pro log on to http://wctbrasil.com/

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

The next stop on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour will be the Volcom Fiji Pro, which holds a waiting period from June 3 through 15, 2012.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL:
1 – John John Florence (HAW) 16.37
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44

BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.00
SF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.94 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.86

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.90 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.60
QF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.57 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5.90
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) 14.94 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 9.43
QF 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.84 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.27

Current ASP WCT Top 10 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19700 pts
2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18250 pts
3. Josh Kerr (AUS) 18200 pts
4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17200 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15750 pts
6. John John Florence (HAW) 15750 pts
7. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15700 pts
8. Kelly Slater (USA) 13700 pts
9. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12250 pts
10. Owen Wright (AUS) 12150 pts

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, current ASP World No. 5, rebounded after a Round 4 loss, threading the needle on two deep barrels to earn the day’s highest heat total of a near-perfect 18.33 out of 20 eliminating powerhouse Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in the process.

“It was just one of those heats where I waited for a while and got one good one and thought ‘that could be amazing, just that one wave.’” Parkinson said. “Then I got another one. Poor Jordy (Smith) really got nothing. It was a lot like home, the good ones have a really nice draw on the water off of the bank. It’s really dumpy, so you air drop into it and it’s hard to find a rail. Who would have thought you’d come to Brazil and get two 9s getting barreled?”

Parkinson has now faced off against Smith four times in the three ASP WCT events this year and admits their seesaw battles have created a friendly-but-competitive rivalry between the two surfers.

“I think there is a rivalry,” Parkinson said. “We don’t talk about it, but we just keep catching each other. We’ve had three events and it’s four times that we’ve surfed against each other and it’s been back and forth.”

Parkinson will face Tiago Pires (PRT) in the Quarterfinals when competition resumes.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 28, was clearly in rhythm with the afternoon’s barreling conditions. The talented natural-footer put on a dominant performance, earning one of the day’s highest heat totals of 17.84 to relegate defending event champion Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25, and Jeremy Flores (FRA), 24, to Round 5 of competition. The Australian admitted to being spurred on by De Souza’s Perfect 10-point ride acquired early in the heat.

“I saw Adriano’s wave go down and we were sitting in a different spot than everyone else,” Kerr said. “We were getting 9s and 10s and I feel bad for Adriano (de Souza). I wasn’t expecting a little backdoor shootout and I’m stoked to get some good waves.”

Kerr will take on Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25, in Quarterfinal No. 4.

Adriano de Souza put in a valiant effort today, posting the event’s only perfect 10-point ride for a critical forehand barrel ride. De Souza went on to take a Round 5 win in a rematch of last year’s final, topping Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, in a tough battle to advance to the Quarterfinals.

“I was focused on the right, but I knew there was a little channel and I went over to the left,” De Souza said. “Luck is really going my way and I’m stoked. The waves were really hard and I’m stoked to make it through this heat.”

De Souza admitted that advancing to the Quarterfinals alleviates some of the pressure that came along with competing as defending Billabong Rio Pro champion and is hoping to carry the momentum into the Final day of competition.

“Making it through that round, some of the pressure is off,” De Souza said. “Being defending event champion, I’m really looking to do well here and head to Fiji without pressure. Hopefully the crowd is going to push me to the Final.”

John John Florence (HAW), 19, took an amazing come-from-behind victory in his Round 4 heat to advance to the Quarterfinals. In need of two scores to overtake Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, Florence drove through a lengthy barrel for a 9.63 to take him out of a combination situation before finding another barrel in the dying seconds, earning 8.10 for the ride and claiming victory.

“It was Taj (Burrow) and Julian (Wilson) and those are two guys you never want to have in a heat,” Florence said. “It was windy when I first paddled out and I was trying to do airs and have fun with it. Then the wind stopped and I got the one in the middle of the heat that was a pretty decent barrel. I finally got that last one and there was only 10 seconds left. I wasn’t even sure I had gotten the score when I hit the beach.”

Florence, who is highly-regarded for his barrel-riding ability, was surprised to find barrels at this year’s Billabong Rio Pro and is elated to come away with a guaranteed 5th place finish in Brazil.

“I couldn’t get a good wave and dug my rail a lot at the start of my heat,” Florence said. “That one good barrel came through and I was just trying to figure out what the conditions were doing. I was searching for any kind of peak and couldn’t find one, then I got the wave at the last second. I’m stoked to make the Quarters here in Brazil. For me to be able to make Quarters here is amazing.”

Florence will face Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, in Quarterfinal No. 3.

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, was responsible for two big heat victories today. The young Brazilian bested fellow countryman Heitor Alves (BRA), 30, in Round 3 and went on to topple Australian icons Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in Round 4 to advance directly to the Quarterfinals, his best result of the season.

“My heats are always like that, where someone is always getting a score at the end to get through,” Muniz said. “I’m just happy. Mick (Fanning) and Joel (Parkinson) are two of my favorite surfers. I knew there were a couple of lefts and for some reason my board didn’t feel good on the rights, but on the lefts, it felt good.”

Muniz, who has been working to recover from an ankle injury sustained this past December, is nearly at full strength and the talented natural-footer was relieved to have a breakthrough result to help rebuild his competitive confidence.

“My ankle is feeling better,” Muniz said. “Everyday it’s feeling a bit better. It’s feeling better than the first round at Arpoador even, but running on the beach is still a little sketchy. I’m just stoked that it’s feeling better so I can show a bit of my surfing.”

Tiago Pires (PRT), 32, continued to find success in the challenging surf at Barra da Tijuca, besting Tahitian charger Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, and Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in their three-man non-elimination Round 4 bout to advance directly to the Quarterfinals.

“It was a tough heat,” Pires said. “The wind got really strong and the rain doesn’t help either. I knew it was going to be a tough heat because those guys are really complete surfers and they have the whole bag of tricks. I was just looking for a good nugget and a good barrel. I waited and waited and that wave came from heaven.”

Pires, current No. 25 on the ASP World Title Race, has a deep relationship with Brazil and is using his paramount support from his local fans to march to his best result of the 2012 season thus far.

“I love Brazil, I’ve been coming here for so many years and I’ve had some really good results here,” Pires said. “It’s been a nice event and I’m really focused and it’s all going well for me.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am local time for a possible 7am start to the Billabong Rio Pro. To watch the event LIVE log on to http://wctbrasil.com/

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
QF 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
QF 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.33 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 7.00
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.00 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.20
Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.43 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.77
Heat 4:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.73 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 7.90

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.40, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.67, Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.50
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.90, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.43, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.73
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) 17.73, Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.50, Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.20
Heat 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) 17.84, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.10, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 5.97

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.37 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 6.33
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.00 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4.17
Heat 5: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.34 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 8.50
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.07 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 12.67
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.50 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.70
Heat 8: John John Florence (HAW) 16.23 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 14.14
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.90 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.94
Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.73 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 7.33
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.33 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.17
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.10 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.77

Event No. 5 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Rio culminated in a thrilling fashion this afternoon with both Fitzgibbons and Ho exchanging the Final’s lead multiple times before the hooter sounded..

In need of a high 7-point ride with just minutes remaining in the heat, Fitzgibbons bashed a blowing lefthander on her backside, notching a 7.93 out of 10 to take the elite win, her second of the year.

“That was so crazy and Coco (Ho) had me on the ropes for sure,” Fitzgibbons said. “I just had my fingers crossed and knew there would be one towards the end. I made a few mistakes and it happens in Finals but I was able to recover there at the end. I’m so excited.”

Fitzgibbons, current No. 2 on the ASP Women’s WCT, has significantly narrowed the gap between her and current ASP frontrunner Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, but remained humble in regards to her chase for the 2012 ASP World Title.

“This makes the World Title race more interesting, but thinking ahead, it’s still pretty far to go,” Fitzgibbons said. “There are still a couple of events, but to get a win, it’s an amazing result. To win at Bells too, it’s been an awesome year so far.”

Ho, who was ranked 12th on the ASP Women’s WCT ratings before the Billabong Rio Pro, had yet to advance beyond the Quarterfinals this year, but her Runner-Up finish to Fitzgibbons vaults the young Hawaiian to 9th in the world and restores her confidence to appropriate levels.

“This result really opens things up for me,” Ho said. “I’ve been having a really tough year and I’m stoked to get into this Final. This is my best result of the year and this has been an important event for me. Congrats to Sally on her win.”

Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, last year’s Billabong Rio Pro winner and reigning ASP Women’s World Champion, was edged out of a hard-fought battle against Fitzgibbons in their high-scoring Semifinal affair. Both competitors posted big-scores in the dying seconds of the heat, but it was Fitzgibbons who earned the best of the exchange, handing Moore and equal 3rd place result.

“I think we all want to make the Final and it’s disappointing,” Moore said. “I’ve lost to Sally (Fitzgibbons)twice this year and I’ve just got to keep trying in the next couple of events and that’s it.”

Moore, who was dominant over the course of 2011, has yet to find a win this year, but remains focused on attaining a strong performance to end out the season..

“I think it’s been a bunch of things this year,” Moore said. “I think finding the right waves is one thing overall and I need to switch it up and bring something different out.”

Alessa Quizon (HAW), 18, Billabong Rio Pro wildcard, put in an incredible performance at this year’s event, tearing through the world’s best female surfers and finding her way into the Semifinals. Quizon put up a good fight against fellow Hawaiian Coco Ho, but ultimately fell during last minute exchange, finishing with a respectable equal 3rd place finish overall.

“This has been an amazing event for me,” Quizon said. “I had nothing to lose and it’s been a great learning experience for me and I’m happy that I made it to the Semifinals. I could tell that Coco (Ho) was getting the scores that she needed and I was looking for one big score and I just didn’t find it. Sometimes it happens that way.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible recommencement to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition. For all of the LIVE action log on to www.billabongpro.com

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

The next stop on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour is the Roxy Pro Biarritz from July 10 – 14, 2012

BILLABONG WOMEN’S RIO PRO FINAL RESULT:
1 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.10
2 – Coco Ho (HAW) 14.03

BILLABONG WOMEN’S RIO PRO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Coco Ho (HAW) 14.16 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 10.94
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.47 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.36

CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WCT TOP 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 38,400 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 36,900 pts
3. Carissa Moore (HAW) 30,200 pts
4. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 29,600 pts
5. Tyler Wright (AUS) 28,700 pts

The event ran last year as the first event on the 2011/2012 ASP Australasia and ASP Japan Pro Junior Series, it scored great waves and was a huge success. However, the tough economic climate being experienced throughout the globe has forced the event to be removed from the calendar this year.

ASP Australasia General Manager Dane Jordan was disappointed to hear the news, but thankful to Billabong for their commitment to Pro Junior surfing.

“At all levels of our sport events are under financial pressure,” Jordan said. “We’re grateful to Billabong for their longstanding support of our Pro Junior Series. They still sponsor the Australian Open of Surfing Pro Junior along with Hurley and we look forward to working with them again at that event next year. Cloud 9 was a fantastic event, at a truly world-class location, but the remote location also added excessive running costs to the event and provided a number of logistical challenges. We are continually chasing new sponsorships to help our Pro Junior Series stay strong and support up-and-coming surfers from this part of the world.”

There are currently no more ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series events on the calendar for this year. ASP Australasia are holding off announcing series champions and ASP World Junior Tour qualifiers as there’s a chance more events could be signed up before the September cut-off date.

The event will take place at Cottesloe Beach in Perth from July 14th to July 15th 2012.

The LQS Women’s 3 Star division has US$5,000 in prize money up for grabs, with the LQS Men’s 3 Star division holding a prize money purse of US$15,000!

Both divisions boast valuable 3 Star LQS rating points – a good result with this level of points could send you to the World Longboard Tour next year!

Whalebone Classic entries are now open online with the Men’s entry fee $110 (inc GST) and Women’s entry fee US$82.50 (inc GST).

Whalebone Classic entries close June 26th, enter here now:

https://asp.memberpro.net/ssl/main/body.cfm?menu=regions&submenu=loginNowREGL&page_id=3120

Please contact cindy@aspworldtour.com for any ASP membership/online entry enquiries.

For event specific enquiries please contact Peter Dunn at funsbacksurf@westnet.com.au

More information at www.whaleboneclassic.com.au

Courtney Conlogue (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Tyler & Kirby Wright (AUS), Pauline Ado (FRA) and Justine Dupont (FRA).

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic contest director and seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley is an ambassador for the Swans and arranged for the competitors to get a true taste of Sydney by attending a footy match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Swans won their fourth straight game of the season, much to the delight of the surfers and the 20,000 plus stong crowd of AFL fans.

Fitzgibbons is a sports fanatic and an avid AFL supporter and was left to explain the rules to the internationals, and despite being a massive Geelong Cats supporter was thrilled to see the Swans win on home soil.

“I’m a Geelong supporter,” Fitzgibbons said. “But Sydney is my home team and they’re trying to convert me. I’m really just on a recon mission for when our mighty Cats play the Swans, I’m going to get the inside scoop and report back. All of the girls are having a great time. Nothing beats Sunday afternoon footy.”

Conlogue, fresh from her maiden win on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour loved her first taste of Australian Football, and will be getting another dose of Sydney culture by attending the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House tonight.

“When you go to events all the time it’s nice to go and do some things away from the beach,” Conlogue said. “I don’t even know what the rules are in this game, but it’s great to watch. I’m really excited about going to the Sydney Opera House too. This trip to Sydney has been amazing!”

Wright has lived in New South Wales all of her life, but had never been to an AFL game. She said that although Sydney is her home team, they would have to fight for her loyalty and win the game.

“They won and I’m wearing red so I guess I’m a Swans fan,” Wright said. “This is one of the best parts about being on tour. Going out with your friends and seeing new things. I don’t really know all the rules, but the guys just take each other out and it’s good to watch.”

The French pair Ado and Dupont were constantly in hysterics at the oddities of AFL when compared to Rugby Union and Soccer that they’re used to. They loved the game, asked a million questions and laughed every time the boundary umpire threw the ball back into play. The women all left the game educated in a unique part of Australian culture and with more memories of their Sydney experience.

Courtney Conlogue (USA) claims her maiden elite ASP Women’s World Championship Tour victory and chaired up the beach by ASP Women's World No. 1 and 2 - Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). PIC: ASP/Robertson.

Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, run by seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley, has caused some interesting twists and turns in the race for the coveted ASP Women’s World Title. Yesterday saw the early exit of reigning ASP Women’s World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW), 19. Then today the current ASP Women’s World No. 1 and 2 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, both bowed out in the Quarterfinals.

Conlogue who has won multiple ASP 6-Star events, today claimed her maiden win on the elite ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, a feat that sees her jump to 4th on the ratings. Conlogue and Manuel battled through the stacked field of competitors to reach the Final. The dying swell made conditions difficult, but Conlogue found the best waves that allowed her to execute multiple powerful turns.

“I’m speechless right now!” Conlogue said. “It’s been two years on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour where I kept losing in the Quarterfinals. Then today after winning my Quarterfinal I just tried to go and win the thing. Malia (Manuel) was surfing great in the Final, even though the waves were tricky. I’m really stoked to have won this event! I love Steph (Gilmore) and Sally (Fitzgibbons) and to have them chair me up the beach was absolutely amazing!”

Manuel’s run to the Final wasn’t easy, defeating Gilmore and Tyler Wright (AUS), 18, in the morning’s Quarterfinal and Semifinal. Manuel’s smooth style and tail drifting turns saw her earn big scores and new fans all event. Her red-hot run was only ended by Conlogue’s superior wave selection. Manuel is now equal 6th on the ASP World Championship Tour, and she is now the highest ranked 2012 rookie.

“I’m really relieved to get a good result here at Dee Why,” Manuel said. “I’m happy to move up the ratings. It’s a great confidence boost going into the next three events. I’m really stoked to make a final in my rookie year. I hope the battle for ASP Rookie Of The Year goes down to the last contest. It’s really close between me and Lakey (Peterson). I’m not going to count her out.”

Rebecca Woods (AUS), 28, and Wright were the highest placed Australian surfers, both finishing equal 3rd place. Wright has placed 3rd three times this year, but this is Woods’ best result of the 2012 season and is sure to help her requalification campaign.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling at the moment,” Woods said. “I’ve had a few last places this year, so in some regards I was just happy to put it together for a few heats. I’ve made about nine Semifinals in my life and still never made it into that elusive Final. It’s good to be pushed by the younger girls. I woke up this morning and thought Courtney (Conlogue) was going to win today, then she was on my side of the draw and I cursed myself for putting that in my head. Then she beat me and won the contest, so I was right.”

Gilmore, four-time ASP Women’s World Champion, suffered a shock early exit at the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic today. Gilmore has had three final appearances in the first three events of the year, and today added a respectable equal 5th place finish to her tally. In testing conditions Gilmore was bested by an in-form Manuel, who also defeated her in their non-elimination Round 3 match-up yesterday.

“It’s disappointing,” Gilmore said. “But it’s not a terrible result for me. I feel really strong. When there’s great waves on offer I feel like I’m surfing great. It’s just a matter of getting those waves and I didn’t get them today. I’m looking forward to heading over to Brazil and finding the form I had in the first few events.”

Fitzgibbons went down in the Quarterfinals to eventual event winner Conlogue. Fitzgibbons held an early lead with two mid-range scores, but Conlogue snared the best wave of the heat and tore it apart with some impressive turns, netting a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and won the heat.

“This is the worst part about what we do,” Fitzgibbons said. “Today I just wasn’t good enough. When you’re feeling strong, you really want to progress through to that Final. I got some early scores and it was really challenging out there. That one wave popped up for Courtney (Conlogue) and she grabbed a 9.00, which is the highest score of the day. I’m really happy for her. She’s a good friend and she trains and surfs really hard and that paid off today.”

More info www.BeachleyClassic.com

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC FINAL RESULTS:
1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.17
2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.56

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.67 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.50
SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.33 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.10

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.43 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 12.50
QF 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.00 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.47
QF 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.73 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 8.73
QF 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.97 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.34

CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR TOP 6 (after the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic):
1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
3: Tyler Wright (AUS)
4: Courtney Conlogue (USA)
5: Carissa Moore (HAW)
6: Laura Enever (AUS)
6: Malia Manuel (HAW)

Coco Ho (HAW) on her way to her first Quarterfinal appearance of 2012. PIC: ASP Robertson.

Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic is run by seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley, who partnered with the Commonwealth Bank’s Women In Focus initiative to bring this world-class event to Sydney.

Courtney Conlogue (USA), 19, 2011 ASP Breakthrough Performer of the Year, has caused the upset of the event thus far, eliminating reigning ASP Women’s World Champion and reigning Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic champion, Carissa Moore (HAW), 19. Conlogue is one of the most consistent surfers on tour, always posting big scores with her technical turns and snaps.

“Carissa (Moore) has been ahead of me on the numbers since we got on tour,” Conlogue said. “It’s nice to beat her. She’s surfing great this year, I always look forward to watching her surf. Every single time I get to the Quarterfinals I either come up against Carissa or Steph (Gilmore). They have a good heat and I have a good heat, but they get the go ahead from the judges. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I’m super excited I won that heat.”

Moore conceded that her ASP Women’s World Title defence campaign was all but over.

“I think that means I’m out of the race,” Moore said. “Steph (Gilmore) has had a great year and I haven’t. Sally (Fitzgibbons) is still in a good place too, so we will see what happens.”

Coco Ho (HAW), 20, Lakey Peterson (USA), 17 and Moore put on an epic show for their Round 3 clash. The surf turned on with non-stop wave after wave for the 30 minute non-elimination encounter. All three of the surfers posted two excellent scoring rides, pushing their surfing to the limits in the hopes of skipping Round 4 and advancing directly into the Quarterfinals. Ho took the heat, with Peterson and Moore in 2nd and 3rd respectively in a tight heat that had all three women separated by a mere 0.50.

“It’s been a hard beginning of the year for me,” Ho said. “I don’t know what happened. I’ve had a really unlucky few events. This heat on paper was by far my best of the year. It was crazy. It was finally one of those heats where the three of us could surf good waves constantly. I’m really happy that my luck has turned.”

Malia Manuel (HAW), 18, 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour rookie, was one of the day’s standout performers, using her powerful and stylish brand of surfing to clock some high scores. Manuel defeated four-time ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, in their Round 3 non-elimination heat to advance to the Quarterfinals.

“It was a good battle,” Manuel said. “There are some beautiful waves out there. I knew there were some good scores to be had. Steph (Gilmore) is amazing! She’s my favourite surfer and I look up to her. There’s a good ledge out there that pushes you when you take off, it’s nice to have some fun, clean waves.”

Laura Enever (AUS), 20, current ASP Women’s World No. 5 and Sydney’s Northern Beaches local advanced through a tough Round 2 heat against Wildcard Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), 17 this morning. Van Dijk finished equal 5th at last year’s Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, and held the lead today over Enever for the majority of the heat. Enever held her nerve and posted a massive 8.25 (out of a possible 10 points), to take the lead and advance to the next Round.

“Nikki (Van Dijk) is incredible,” Enever said. “I knew it was going to be a tough heat for sure. When I saw I was the top seed in Round 2 and she was the wildcard, I knew we’d match-up. I was pretty nervous, I’m not going to lie. I know how good she can surf. I’m so stoked I made it. It was really hard to choose the right waves and read which ones were going to be good. Layne (Beachley) has been amazing for women’s surfing and for her to put on this event for us, with the most prize money on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour is amazing.”

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, runner-up to the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title and current ASP Women’s World No. 5, again impressed the judges with her superior wave selection and sharp execution. Fitzgibbons will now face Conlogue in Quarterfinal 4 when competition resumes.

“I am stoked to be through to the Quarterfinals,” Fitzbiggons said. “It was always going to be a good battle with Woodsy (Rebecca Woods) and Courtney (Conlogue), they’re both surfing really well at the moment. It’s always nice to be fresh heading into the Quarterfinals. I feel like I’ve got a lot of energy which is good considering we’ve had so many events back-to-back. It’s a nice feeling having the confidence knowing that I can post some big scores.”

Justine Dupont (FRA), 20, 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour rookie, missed the first event of the year due to injury and then finished equal 13th at the following two events. Today she made it through her first heat of the year defeating Paige Hareb (NZL), 21, in Round 2. Dupont was elated with her first taste of success as a member of the elite Top 17. Dupont then lost to Gilmore in Round 4, taking home an equal 9th place finish, while Gilmore advanced to the Quarterfinals.

The event will be webcasted live via http://www.beachleyclassic.com

UPCOMING COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
QF 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
QF 3: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Rebecca Woods (AUS)
QF 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC ROUND 4 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.25 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 4.85
HEAT 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.50 def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.00
HEAT 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 8.00 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 6.55
HEAT 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.55 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.50

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC ROUND 3 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.25, Laura Enever (AUS) 9.40, Justine Dupont (FRA) 8.25
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.00, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.00, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 4.50
HEAT 3: Coco Ho (HAW) 16.75, Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.60, Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.25
HEAT 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.25, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.40, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 7.75

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC ROUND 2 RESULTS:
HEAT 3: Laura Enever (AUS) 12.50 def. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 10.50
HEAT 4: Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.15 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.50
HEAT 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.75 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 6.75
HEAT 6: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 9.00 def. Sarah Mason (NZL) 7.80

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) scored the highest two-wave heat total of the day - 18.65 (out of a possible 20). PIC: ASP/Robertson.

Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic is one of the most exciting stops on tour, offering the biggest prize-purse and the prestige of surfing in an event run by seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley.

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, runner-up to the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title and current ASP Women’s World No. 2, amassed the highest two wave heat total of the day – 18.65 (out of a possible 20). Fitzgibbons attacked every section with massive turns and was rewarded with near perfect scores to advance directly into Round 3.

“It’s a really good way to start the event,” Fitzgibbons said. “You always want to start a new campaign strong. It’s tricky today, you really have to pick those double-ups, the real meaty ones. It was a good battle with Malia (Manuel), she was dropping high scores too. It always feel nice to post a couple of 9-point-rides. It’s rewarding to have the judges appreciate what you’re doing. I just wanted to throw those bigger turns in the biggest sections, that’s where you get the big scores. It’s great competing here in Sydney, it’s the closest event I have to my home on the South Coast. My friends and family came up and it’s great to have that support.”

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, four-time ASP Women’s World Champion and current ASP Women’s World No. 1, defeated two of the youngest surfers in the field in her opening heat, wildcard Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), 17, and Sarah Mason (NZL), 17. Gilmore and Mason both had close encounters with the infamous Dee Why reef, Mason was clearly shaken with bruising and scratches to her face.

“The direction of the swell is straight onto the reef,” Gilmore said. “I took off on the first one and slammed onto the reef and I cut my elbow. When I turned around Sarah (Mason) was holding onto her face. You switch from heat mode to going and asking if she’s ok. She slammed her face on the reef which isn’t nice and it rattles you a little bit. You second guess which ones to take off on.”

Lakey Peterson (USA), 17, ASP Women’s World Tour rookie and and current ASP Women’s World No. 6, won the opening heat of the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic over Pauline Ado (FRA), 21, and Laura Enever (AUS), 20. Peterson is going from strength to strength in her first year on tour, climbing up the ratings at each event.

“The waves were really tricky,” Peterson said. “When the right ones come you just had to be on them. I got lucky. I’ve never surfed Dee Why, it was good to get my feet wet and make it through that first heat. Right now a big goal of mine is to finish the year as ASP Rookie Of The Year. You’re only a rookie once and I want to make the most of it. Layne (Beachley) is one of the biggest names in women’s surfing. She’s such a nice person and she’s putting on a great event for us. Before my heat she came up to me and gave me some words of wisdom and I was pretty stoked about that.”

Tyler Wright (AUS), 18, posted a dominant performance in her opening heat today, and sealed the heat with a massive score at the end – 9.15 (out of a possible 10). Wright won the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic as a 14-year-old wildcard, and is now a full-time competitor on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, currently rated No. 4 in the world.

“I’m happy with how I put that heat together,” Wright said. “I feel like I’ve been fairly consistent on tour this year and I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had. I also feel like my surfing is the best it’s ever been. I’ve had some great match-ups against Laura (Enever) and Steph (Gilmore) and I’m really enjoying it. When I won this event when I was 14-years-old, I was awestruck by everything that was going on. I was really enjoying my time that year and I’m going to try and do the same thing this year.”

Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, reigning ASP Women’s World Champion and winner of the last event in New Zealand survived a scare in her opening heat. Moore was trailing fellow Hawaiian Coco Ho (HAW), 20, for the majority of the battle, but found a wave in the dying minutes that netted her the required score.

“I’m really relieved right now,” Moore said. “It’s really important to win that opening heat and skip that second round. I wasn’t sure if I’d get the score because I fell on my last move, I’m super stoked. I really like surfing with Coco (Ho), we’ve surfed against each other since we were little girls. We travel together all the time.”

The event will be webcasted live via www.beachleyclassic.com

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC ROUND 1 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 12.75, Pauline Ado (FRA) 8.50, Laura Enever (AUS) 6.40
HEAT 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 16.65, Sage Erickson (USA) 13.05, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.70
HEAT 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.75, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 14.10, Sarah Mason (NZL) 6.80
HEAT 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.05, Coco Ho (HAW) 13.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 5.40
HEAT 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.65, Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.60, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 4.10
HEAT 6: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.00, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 12.35, Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.75

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC ROUND 2 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Coco Ho (HAW) 12.05 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.85
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.20 def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.10

REMAINING COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
HEAT 3: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
HEAT 4: Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Justine Dupont (FRA)
HEAT 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
HEAT 6: Sarah Mason (NZL) vs. Rebecca Woods (AUS)

Two Sydney locals, Laura Enever (AUS) and Layne Beachley at yesterday's press conference. PIC: ASP/Robertson.

Layne Beachley, seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion and Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic contest director is excited about a favourable surf forecast for the coming days. The swell charts are showing a solid swell in the eight foot (2.5 meter) plus range, that will more than likely see competitors take on the world famous Dee Why point.

“We’re seeing torrential rain squalls and strong gusty winds,” Beachley said. “The swell is building which is promising because yesterday it was as flat as a lake. We’ve called the competition off for the day, but we’ve got a really good forecast for the next few days. It’s looking really good for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s exciting having the Top 17 women’s surfers in Sydney. For the last three months I’ve been thinking ‘why am I doing this?’ But then we get here and set up and I’m so proud of the event. We’re in our seventh year and I’d love to do it for at least 10 years.”

The event will be webcasted live via http://www.beachleyclassic.com