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Boardfolio.com >> ASP World Tour News >> Wildcard Beven Creates Sensation

Local French wildcard Patrick Beven creates a sensation by eliminating world #2 Joel Parkinson in round three of the Quiksilver Pro France. The Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro France (Sept 30-Oct 11) Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com World Championship Tour (WCT) Press Release Wildcard Beven Creates Sensation October 9, 2003 (Hossegor, France) Local French wildcard Patrick Beven created a sensation today by eliminating world #2 Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, Aus) from the Quiksilver Pro France. All remaining round three heats of the US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) were completed at the main site of La Graviere. Difficult 4-6 ft (1.3-2m) waves were on offer, with tidal changes affecting the lineup throughout the day. Good barrels proved the sought after commodities. Beven, who finished runner-up in the Quiksilver Pro Trials for a main event berth, turned his opportunity into gold by overcoming one of the toughest opponents. While Parkinson began strongly with an 8.17 ride, he then struggled to find another of merit, despite Beven's ability to pick off two fantastic barrels. His first earned an 8.0, and then he sealed the massive victory with a deep inside tube and 9.33 score. "It was a great heat," began an overwhelmed Beven. "I tried to stay relaxed as I knew he could have scored a nine to come back. He surfs so good, but was waiting for the waves to do maneuvers, so I stayed on the inside and looked for barrels. I knew if I got one I could earn a big score. "To beat Joel Parkinson, for me, is very important," he continued. "I think European surfers are getting better and better, so we try to do the best we can. We know we can beat these guys, but contests are a game and you have to play it. I had nothing to lose." Six-time world champ Kelly Slater (FL, USA) was at his best, posting the first perfect 10-point ride of the Quiksilver Pro France, and then the highest combined total so far with a 19.3 tally. Against wildcard Troy Brooks (Aus), the Floridian was in his element as he emerged from barrel after barrel. His best ride showcased a couple of re-entries, a long floater, incredible backdoor tube ride, and then another closeout floater as the beach erupted in applause. Brooks attempted one 'Superman Air' for some of his own attention, but ultimately the wildcard required a combination of scores worth 19.31-points. "I didn't expect that," admitted Slater afterward, surrounded by media and fans. "The waves were just perfect for hitting the lip and doing face carves, and there were barrels as well. I just feel my technique is really on this year. "Troy is a tough competitor," he continued. "He's not on the tour, but he can get the big scores and throw out huge maneuvers. You've got to watch out, as he might pull a 'Superman' like he tried in the heat. It just went my way with being in sync with the waves. "I had a couple of 10's in Tahiti and one at J-Bay (SAfr), so that was my fourth for the year (laughs)." Reigning world champ Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) overcame his recent voodoo of losing to wildcards by eliminating local French surfer Frederick Robin. Irons, who had lost his previous two WCT's in round three, picked off a great 8.17 ride near the start, and though he didn't secure another high score, neither did his opponent. Robin surfed great on the waves he caught, but ultimately required another ride worth 7.18-points. "The waves were good, but I had a hard time finding a second ride," began Irons. "I kept getting in the wrong zone. Fred got me in the first round, so he could have easily blown up. I'm glad he didn't get another good wave either. It was lucky for me and too bad for him. "I'm just stoked to be out of the wildcard rounds," he continued. "That's the hardest thing for me. I've lost to them in the last two contest, so it's good to be against guys I surf with all year now, as I know a little more what to expect." Mick Campbell (Port Macquarie, Aus) completely dominated his match over fellow Australian Nathan Hedge (Narrabeen). He opened with a great 9.17 ride, before locking in a near-perfect 9.5 on his next righthander. The goofy footer collected the second highest combined total of the day with committed maneuvers in the testing conditions. He'll next face Irons in round four. "There was a bit of luck involved, but I knew the tide was coming in so I sat in a bit further and was right in the spot when they came," explained Campbell. "They walled up really well and I had fun." Phil MacDonald turned on the goods to eliminate 1999 world champ Mark Occhilupo in a fierce all-Australian battle. Occhilupo started strongly with a 7.67, but his opponent answered back with an 8.5 and then heat winning 7.83 toward the end. The powerful natural footer held nothing back as he attacked the righthanders, and the judges appreciated his efforts. "I'm feeling pretty good," said MacDonald afterward. "I was sitting out there for so long wanting to get a good wave, and was a little frustrated. I had to go for it once I caught those waves. I knew I needed a 6.3 when I got my last wave, and I was pretty pumped up after scoring an eight. I tried to put the pressure back on Occ and it paid off." Brazilian Peterson Rosa won a narrow match over fellow countryman Paulo Moura. The natural footer fought back after his opponent's strong start, and will now face Slater in round four of the Quiksilver Pro France tomorrow. "Paulo Moura is a young, tough Brazilian," began Rosa, of his opponent. "He rips here, but I had a good heat against him. I had a lot of patience to wait for the good waves and am stoked to beat him. Now I've got Slater, so I have to surf good to beat him. It's good, as if I beat him I'll have more confidence." Another decision will be made tomorrow morning by 8:30am (local time), with organizers expecting to resume with round four heats at Hossegor.

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