|
| |
News
|
|
 |
| GLOBAL NEWS |
| |
Roxy Pro France (May 22 - 30) www.roxy.com
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com 2004 Women's World Championship Tour (WCT)
WCT Competition Postponed, Roxy Jam Festivities Continue
Thursday, May 27, 2004 (Anglet, France): Organizers of the Roxy Pro France women's World Championship Tour event have again decided to postpone competition due to small surf. Round one heats of the fourth event on the 2004 tour have been decided and organizers will meet at the main event site of La Madrague Beach at 9am tomorrow to reassess conditions before proceeding further.
 |
|
Hawaiian Rochelle Ballard will face local wildcard Caroline Sarran in her upcoming round 3 heat.
|
With three days remaining in the Roxy Pro waiting period, however, and a significant swell expected to push in from in the Atlantic Sea, organizers are optimistic of an exciting climax. Only one full day is now required to complete the event and crown the 2004 champion.
With the elimination round two heats still to be contested, just one round three clash has been confirmed. It features local wildcard and former European U/18 champion Caroline Sarran versus current world ratings leader Rochelle Ballard (Haw).
Sarran, surfing at her home break, was in excellent form in round one when she finished second to Ballard and advanced alongside her directly to round three. In doing so Sarran forced world #3 Heather Clark into the 'losers' round for the first time in the South African's four year WCT career.
"I was just happy not to finish last in my first heat, it felt good," says Sarran, competing in her third WCT event. "I had never surfed against Heather before, but it didn't matter to me who was in my heat. At this level every heat is difficult. Now I meet Rochelle again, the top seed, and it's just the two of us so we'll see what happens. It's been small and I haven't practiced here (La Madrague) for a while but catching the best waves in the heat is the most important thing."
Ballard has been in the best form of her 12-year career in 2004, having made three consecutive finals from as many events. The 33 year-old finished runner-up at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast (Australia), the Roxy Pro Fiji and the Billabong Pro Tahiti, and is playing down any threat from her opponent.
 |
|
Megan Abubo (left) and Trudy Todd enjoying the beach party that Roxy threw last night.
|
"I think our upcoming heat is a great opportunity for her (Sarran)," explained Ballard. "At this point of my game it doesn't matter to me if I've got the wildcard or any of the top WCT competitors. I'm just looking forward to going surfing."
The upcoming round two heats will feature the lone South African, Clark, and five Australians.
Heat one is Clark versus tour rookie Laurina McGrath (Byron Bay, NSW) and fellow countrywoman Prue Jeffries (Bondi, Aus). While heat two features Melanie Redman-Carr (Dunsborough, West Aus), Samantha Cornish (Crescent Head, NSW) and Lynette MacKenzie (Maroubra, NSW).
The prestigious stand-alone Roxy Pro WCT tournament is the main highlight in a comprehensive week of festivities in Anglet. "The Roxy Jam Presented by Samsung" has been in full swing with a wide range of functions and activities to entertain the public, competitors and industry alike.
 |
|
Hawaiian Rochelle Ballard, who recently had 3 back to back WCT runner up placings, chats to the French media
about her experiences as a stunt double on Blue Crush.
|
At 3pm today a selection of Roxy's international team will compete alongside other WCT competitors in the Evian longboard Expression Session. EUR$3,000 is on offer in total with $1,500, $1,000 and $500 being rewarded for first through third-place respectively.
Yesterday Hawaiian Roxy team riders Kula Barbieto, who became known for her role on MTV's Surf Girls reality show, and Mele White gave some of the young local girl surfers traditional hula lessons.
Hawaiian 'waterman' Dave Kalama and three-time ASP World Masters Champion Gary Elkerton have also been on hand this week, paddling a traditional Hawaiian canoe in the Anglet surf. At times even encouraging some brave volunteer passengers into a few small waves.
Daily releases and updates also available on www.roxy.com
Results Roxy Pro France Round One Heats (1st2nd>Rnd3, 3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 14.75; Keala Kennelly (Haw) 11.35; Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 11.00
H2: Pauline Menczer (Aus) 15.85; Jacqueline Silva (Bra) 13.15; Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 12.35
H3: Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 14.85; Caroline Sarran (Fra) 11.35; Heather Clark (SAfr) 9.30
H4: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) 11.00; Trudy Todd (Aus) 9.00; Prue Jeffries (Aus) 7.25
H5: Layne Beachley (Aus) 16.50; Megan Abubo (Haw) 9.35; Samantha Cornish (Aus) 7.90
H6: Melanie Bartels (Haw) 13.75; Maria Tita Tavares (Bra) 12.50; Laurina McGrath (Aus) 8.05
Upcoming Roxy Pro France Round two Heats (1st,2nd>Rnd3, 3rd=17th) 180pts USD$2,250
Ht1: Laurina McGrath (Aus); Heather Clark (SAfr); Prue Jeffries (Aus)
Ht2: Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus); Samantha Cornish (Aus); Lynette MacKenzie (Aus)
Further details:
JJ
On-site media liaison
jj@aspworldtour.com
Press contact:
Agence Olivia Payerne, Cathy Rourre
20, avenue Rapp 75007 Paris
Tél. 01 47 058 443v
Fax. 01 47 059 480
payerne@club-internet.fr
Jesse Faen
International Media Manager
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) jesse@aspworldtour.com
Mobile: +61-(0)-407-189-289
ASP Office: +61-(07) 5599-1550
www.aspworldtour.com
|
|
|
