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Boardfolio.com >> ASP World Tour News >> Kennelly Eliminated By Wildcard Joly

Local French wildcard Emmanuelle Joly continued her charge by defeating current ratings leader Keala Kennelly in round three action. The Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro France (Sept 30-Oct 11) Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com World Championship Tour (WCT) Press Release Kennelly Eliminated By Wildcard Joly October 8, 2003 (Hossegor, France) Current ratings leader Keala Kennelly (Kauai, Haw) was today eliminated from the Roxy Pro France by local French wildcard Emmanuelle Joly. The US$60,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) relocated further south into the Basque country at Lafitenia this morning, where round three was completed. Stormy 4-5 ft (1.5m) waves were on offer, though the long righthanders offered plenty of room for the world's best female surfers to perform maneuvers. Kennelly trailed the entire heat against an in-form Joly. Needing a combination of scores for most the match, the Kauaian was able to claw her way back into the hunt toward the end with a 7.33-ride, but ultimately required another worth 8.84-points. Nonetheless, she still leads the charge en-route to the season finale at Honolua Bay, Maui-Haw, this coming December. "I tried to come back at the end, but it felt like they (the judges) weren't scoring me as high, even though I was more on rail," said a disappointed Kennelly. "Emmanuelle is an unbelievable surfer though and could have easily been on the WCT for a long time, had she not had two kids and gone that other route. I respect her surfing a lot. "I didn't want it to go down to Hawaii," she added, of the world title race. "I wanted to be relaxed by then and celebrating already, but I've got some more work to do I guess." Joly, on the other hand, dominated from the outset with a fantastic 8.5 ride. The 32-year-old mother of two showed her knowledge of the break, picking off the better waves and executing a series of smooth carves and re-entries to the beach. Having won the Roxy Pro Trials and now eliminated Kennelly, she's definitely a dark horse for the main event title. "This is like my backyard," said Joly of Lafitenia. "I surf here a lot and like this place. I feel good after winning that heat, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the contest." Five-time world champ Layne Beachley (Manly, Aus) out-classed Julia Christian (CA, USA) the following heat, and by doing so moved one step closer to regaining the ratings top spot. After posting a 9.0, the Australian went on to earn the highest combined tally so far with 17.43-points and will now face fellow Australian Samantha Cornish in the quarterfinals. Should she go on to win the tournament, she will pass Kennelly in the race for this year's title. "Last year I came to France in the same position - I was over 600-points behind Melanie (Redman-Carr), but she lost to the wildcard in the 9th place round and I went on to win," explained Beachley. "Obviously I'm hoping to get an action replay, and that's what I'm working towards. I'm feeling really confident as it comes down to the wire. I'm not gong to crack under the pressure, I think I'm just going to get angry." South Africa Heather Clark - currently in third position on the ratings - helped her cause by eliminating Australian Kate Skarratt from round three. The goofy footer can also move into first spot if she wins the Roxy Pro France, and is determined to give the frontrunners a serious challenge. She faces Peruvian dynamo Sofia Mulanovich in the quarterfinals. "I'm really happy as I wanted to catch up some points on Keala," said Clark. "Stoked to get through that heat. It wasn't easy, as I knew Kate absolutely ripped in her first round heat, so I had to really try hard. I was lucky to get the waves I needed. Hopefully we get some better surf tomorrow." Megan Abubo (Haw) was the standout in this morning's opening clash, defeating Jacqueline Silva (Brz) to now meet Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) in the quarterfinals. The powerful natural footer appeared at ease on the lumpy righthanders, and is eager to secure her first big result of the season. "It was tough being in the first heat as you don't really know what conditions are doing," explained Abubo. "I tried to get some waves which would line up, as I was really lucky to get some to the beach. Going up against Chelsea next... she's a real tough competitor and I've had some bad runs against her the past year, so I'd really like to get one back." The Roxy Pro France is expected to climax tomorrow. A decision will be made by 8:30am (local time), with Hossegor the likely venue.

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