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Boardfolio.com >> ASP World Tour News >> Irons Leads Quarterfinal Charge

Quiksilver Pro Fiji (May 25 - June 6) www.quiksilver.com Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com World Championship Tour (WCT) Press Release Irons Leads Quarterfinal Charge June 2, 2003 (Tavarua & Namotu Islands, Fiji) Reigning world champion Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) continued his devastating form to charge into the Quiksilver Pro quarterfinals. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) commenced with a Foster's Expression Session this morning, before completing round four heats with live audio and video broadcast via www.quiksilver.com. Perfect 6ft (2m) waves were again on offer at Cloudbreak, with larger sets coming through the lineup regularly. Unfortunately the slight offshore southwest winds this morning swung onshore and became gustier just prior to the quarterfinals were scheduled to start. After an initial period on hold, organizers and remaining surfers elected to hold off the final rounds for more favorable conditions. Irons, who yesterday posted the only perfect 10-point ride of this year's Quiksilver Pro, proved he had plenty left in reserve for today's anticipated clash against Californian powerhouse Taylor Knox. Surfing with added speed, confidence and drive, the 24-year-old Kauaian created an early lead, which he then added to with a near-perfect 9.7 and then an 8.5 for the day's best single and combined heat scores. With an awesome backhand display of tube riding and critical lip bashes, he secured his best result to date at Cloudbreak and has increased his lead on the current ratings. "I'm really happy and stoked to make it," said Irons. "I think I surf a lot better when I'm against the 'CT guys just cause I'm used to being against them, whereas the wildcards rattle me (referring to yesterday's match with wildcard Troy Brooks). Now I'm past the 9th (place) round into the quarters, so I feel really good. Waves are super fun and I lucked into the right ones that allowed barrels. "I've never made it this far here, so to have a 5th already is great," he continued. "It's a good result and I'm stoked, especially with Kelly (Slater) not being here so I can increase my lead a bit more. It should be a good battle all year and I'm just taking it heat by heat and trying not to get too far ahead of myself." He'll meet Shane Powell (Avoca, Aus) in the quarterfinals, after he eliminated two-time Quiksilver Pro champion (1997 & 2000) and world #3 Luke Egan (Gold Coast, Aus) with another impressive backhand performance. "'Powelly' is one of my favorite surfers, so it'll be really good," added Irons of the upcoming clash. "Looks like he's in really good form, and has a board that's really fast, so I've just got to hope I get the better waves. I'm sure it'll be a good heat." Powelly, a 14-year tour veteran and former world #2 (1994), read conditions well and selected waves that allowed big maneuvers, as opposed to waiting for the barrels his opponent hunted unsuccessfully. "I can't even remember the last time I've made the quarters," said Powell, with a big smile. "I'm rapt. After he had priority at the start, I thought I better just take what he doesn't want, and it paid off as I got a 7.5 and managed to rack up another wave. 'Louie' sat waiting a bit long and ran out of time." Defending Quiksilver Pro champion Mick Lowe (Windang, NSW, Aus) ended the great run of WCT replacement surfer Beau Emerton (Gold Coast, Aus). Having lost to him in Tahiti last event, Lowe was pleased to gain revenge and move one step closer with a couple of strong opening rides. Emerton was unlucky not to find any good rides until the end - when an epic tube presented itself - but unfortunately he emerged from the huge pit bodysurfing down the face of the wave and was then rolled along the reef for added insult. "He got my twice last event in Tahiti, so when that final hooter finally sounded and I was in front, I was pretty happy," explained Lowe. "I was lucky to get my first wave, as it was my highest scoring ride. It didn't offer a tube, but I was able to do some nice turns. I'm just glad Beau was out of rhythm, as I didn't particularly have a good heat. I got the win though, so that's the main thing." He'll now face last year's runner-up Shea Lopez (FL, USA) in a rematch of their 2002 final, since he overcame yesterday's standout Michael Campbell (Aus) in round four. The Floridian gained some fresh reef cuts during the bout, but is anxious to challenge Lowe again nonetheless. "I took off on a real wide one and drove through a long barrel, but just couldn't make it," explained Lopez, of the situation that led to his cuts. "I came up, and the next wave sucked all the water off the reef and just rolled me backwards and spun me like a ball. I was trying to use my board to block myself from the reef. The wave finally flipped me over though, and I hit my head and my back and my legs. The main spot was my left shoulder blade. Luckily I had the jersey on, so it didn't cut me too badly. The worst part was the bruise and I can't really move my arm right now. Thankfully I just need my legs to surf (laughs). "Can't wait to go up against Lowey now," he added. "Try and get him back from last year. I'm real excited about that." World #7 Kieren Perrow (Byron Bay, Aus) goes up against world #5 Mick Fanning (Gold Coast, Aus) in the first quarterfinal, after they accounted for Damien Hobgood (FL, USA) and Danny Wills (Byron Bay, Aus) in their respective heats today. Fanning, who has already secured two semifinal berths this year, fought back against Wills to now be on track for yet another great result. "It was my goal to make the quarters, so I've done that now and am pretty stoked," explained Fanning. "Bring it on. "I don't know when it broke, but it must have been early on," he added, upon inspection of his newly creased surfboard. "The sea lice were ridiculous then too, just huge patches. They sting so badly and it's not good when you're sitting out there waiting for a wave." Australian Chris Davidson continued his great charge though the Quiksilver Pro, eliminating good mate and fellow Narrabeen surfer Nathan Hedge in a classic match-up. The pair has grown up surfing together, but today marked the first time they had met head-to-head in a WCT heat. 'Davo' announced his intentions early with some amazing backhand maneuvers, earning a spot in the quarterfinals for his best result in years. He's against Cory Lopez, who took out fellow Floridian and 2001 world champ CJ Hobgood in the day's last decider. "I caught a couple nice ones, but knew I had to go upside down on my backhand to beat him," reasoned Davidson afterwards. "It's always great to beat 'Hoggy'. He's been one of my favorite surfers since we were groms. He's matured into one of the most powerful surfers there is, up with 'Louie' and 'Occy'. I couldn't let him beat me - old daddy Davo here had to get the upper hand on the little bugger. I would have felt like an old veteran if he got me (laughs). Just stoked to win and be in the quarterfinals." The Foster's Expression Session saw a handful of the world's best control the lineup prior to the first heat this morning for 30-minutes. Australian Danny Wills (Byron Bay) secured US$2,000 on his opening ride for the best wave/barrel, while 2001 world champion CJ Hobgood (FL, USA) collected US$1,000 for the second best tube during the display. "It was a bigger wave which swung a little wider," explained Wills, happy to collect the bonus cash. "It ended up throwing pretty wide and was a good barrel. I was pretty lucky, and it's unreal that Foster's put up the money for it. Helps pay for the trip, so thanks to them." Live audio and video broadcast is available on http://www.quiksilver.com.

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