BEACHLEY OFF TO PERFECT START

Beachley's flawless ride www.aspworldtour.com/Karen

Thursday, Dec. 11 produced perfect 4-5 ft. waves at Honolua Bay, Maui offering up high scoring rides at this year's Billabong Pro Maui.

Reigning five-time world champion Layne Beachley capitalized on the epic conditions of the Hawaiian right hand point break by scoring a flawless ten-point ride. The current WCT runner up positioned herself superbly and disappeared for a good five-seconds, emerging to loud applause from the crowd and unanimous 10's from the international panel of judges.
Surprisingly, this is the Australian's first ten in her illustrious career.
''Well it was a perfect wave according to the judges,'' said Beachley, matter-of-factly of her epic tube. ''It's my first perfect 10 in a contest, and what a place to score it. I was so excited. Not just because of the barrel, but more that I scored my first career 10 (laughs), she said.''

Sofia's keeps her head above water www.aspworldtour.com/Karen

Despite, Beachley's successful start to the Billabong Pro Maui not all competitors were as fortunate.

For instance, Peruvian Sofia Mulonavich had two of her bigger surfboards stolen on Oahu prior to arriving on Maui.
In addition, Mulonavich almost drowned during her heat when her leash became caught on a coral head. Yet, still managed to make another round in anticipation of surfing Honolua again.
''I didn't really have a good start to this contest, it's ok and I just have to get those things out of my mind. I should be surfing good, since there's a chance of winning the Triple Crown and I don't want to miss that, and the world title (laughs),'' Mulonavich said.
Current ratings leader Keala Kennelly (Kauai, Haw) also advanced today, placing second behind an in-form Samantha Cornish (Aus) in their opening heat with Prue Jeffries (Aus).
She will next meet Kate Skarratt (Aus) in a highly anticipated round three match-up. Ratings #3 Chelsea Georgeson (Aus), #4 Heather Clark (South Africa) and defending Billabong Pro Maui champion Jacqueline Silva (Brazil) also advanced to the next round. Click here for live scores and stats from the Billabong Pro Maui.
-->Jesse Faen

 

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