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Boardfolio.com >> ASP World Tour News >> European WCT Leg Commences Next Week

Taj Burrow during last year's European WCT leg. On the topic of Burrow's chances at the 2003 Quiksilver Pro France, world champ Andy Irons notes, "I'm looking at Taj as the guy to beat. He's surfing great and is gnarly over there." The Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro France (Sept 30-Oct 11) Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com World Championship Tour (WCT) Press Release European WCT Leg Commences Next Week September 25, 2003 (ASP Int'l, Aus) The World Championship Tour (WCT) commences its European leg next week, with the men's Quiksilver Pro & women's Roxy Pro taking place in the Southwest of France, September 30 - October 11. Both tournaments will play pivotal roles in the race for respective world titles, as the 2003 season moves towards a dramatic climax in each division. The Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro France are again mobile events, ensuring the best possible surf in the 4 municipalities from the Basque Country and Les Landes are utilized. Hossegor, Capbreton, Seignosse and Saint-Jean de Luz are focal points, with one main site in Hossegor (La Nord beach) serving as headquarters. Reigning world champ Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) holds poll position going into Europe and will be striving to recreate some of the magic he produced in 2002. The Kauaian finished runner-up to Brazilian Neco Padaratz in last year's Quiksilver Pro France, before gaining revenge the following tournament at the Billabong Pro at Mundaka, Euskadi-Spain, for a ratings stranglehold en-route to clinching his maiden crown. With six-time world champ Kelly Slater (FL, USA) biting at his heels this year however, Irons' task is anything but one-sided, which only adds to the anticipation. "I'm super psyched and motivated for the events in Europe," explained Irons, while packing his bags for the trip. "I've been going to the gym all week and have a whole quiver of new boards to take over. Last year things worked out really well for me there, so hopefully I can do it again. "Kelly (Slater) knows Europe really well and has been competing there for years," he added, of his main ratings rival. "But I'm looking at Taj (Burrow) as the guy to beat. He's surfing great and is gnarly over there." West Australian Burrow is now third on the ratings and well within striking distance, following his second runner-up placing of the season at the last WCT held in California. Richie Lovett (Manly, Aus), winner of the Boost Mobile Pro presented by Quiksilver at Lower Trestles earlier this month, will be another hoping to carry the momentum further. The stylish natural footer has enjoyed plenty of success in Europe on the World Qualifying Series (WQS) in recent years, and seems primed to do likewise on the 'CT with his newly found confidence. "I'm feeling better than I have during my whole career," acknowledged Lovett. "I love the beach breaks in France and have done really well there on the WQS before. I'm going into the events with the same mindset I had during Trestles with no pressure. We'll see what happens, but I'm really looking forward to it." The Quiksilver Pro France will showcase the world's elite, together three wildcards spots Quiksilver have awarded to Troy Brooks (Gold Coast, Aus), Jonathan Gonzalez (Spn) and France's own Miky Picon (Capbreton). Three (3) additional wildcard positions will be determined from the Trials event to be held Monday the 29th of September. The Roxy Pro France is the women's penultimate WCT event, and their first in four months following the unfortunate cancellation of the Portuguese tournament. With the race for their world title even closer, since only five events make up the season, the possibility exits for current ratings leader Keala Kennelly (Kauai, Haw) to clinch her maiden crown in France if all variables fall into place. This primarily being another big result, and the early elimination of reigning five-time world champ Layne Beachley (Manly, Aus). "I'm really excited," said Kennelly, from Hawaii's International airport prior to departing. "We haven't had a WCT event for months, but it's been fun holding down the number #1 spot for so long (laughs). Everyone should experience this, as even when I've had a bad day I just have to remind myself of the ratings. I'm really motivated to do well so I can keep smiling! Last year I made the semifinals there and we had good surf... I'm feeling really confident." Beachley, meanwhile, won last year's Roxy Pro France to regain the ratings lead and ultimately clinch her record breaking fifth title. She is now striving for a repeat performance, sitting some 600+ points behind the all-familiar front spot. Nonetheless, the Australian understands the job better than most and won't be giving away anything without a valiant fight. "The fact Portugal was cancelled from the tour really hurt my chances, but I'm not ruling myself out," stated Beachley. "I won in France last year and have a good track record there. I'm looking forward to getting back to work. "I was in a similar position last year on the ratings going into France," she continued. "I needed to win to gain the lead, which I did, and that won me the world title. I'm just hoping we get some surf there next week." A press conference will take place on Monday the 29th at Quiksilver Campus in Saint-Jean de Luz at 4pm. A release will be posted following the selection of final wildcard surfers for the 2003 Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro France divisions.

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