Irons ripping Bells

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world tenth ranked surfer, Hanalei’s Andy Irons, scored a convincing win over South African Paul Canning and Australian Nathan Hedge in round one of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Torquay, Victoria, Australia today.

Irons posted the highest single wave score in his heat by posting nine points out of a possible ten and advanced directly to round three. Canning and Hedge were sidelined to the losers round.

Cleaner surf in the 3-5 ft (1.5m) range was on offer, though an increasing tide led to competition being placed on hold during the middle of the day. Another decision is expected around 1pm this afternoon.

Irons, 23, took charge of the heat with a series of good rides, before earning the highest single wave score of the event, for 9-points and the win. Having finished equal third in last year’s tournament, the Hawaiian showed he’s out for more, collecting a total of 21.7 points.

“Good to get that first heat out of the way,” said Irons. “I’m just psyched. Bells’ is a really good wave and I always have a lot of fun here. I was stoked the judges gave me that score (his 9.0).

“I’ve got secret wax,” he joked, when asked about his ability to make maneuvers others routinely fall on. “I’m not sharing any of that.”

1998 Rip Curl Pro winner and 1999 world champion Mark Occhilupo (Aus) overcame Maz Quinn (NZ), in their heat with wildcard entrant Zane Harrison (Aus).

World #3 Cory Lopez (USA) continued to ignore his ankle injury and secured a win against Nathan Webster (Aus) and replacement surfer Ben Bourgeois (USA), who was granted a position after six-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) was forced to withdraw.

Brazilian Neco Padaratz was another commanding winner, defeating Australians Shane Powell and Michael Campbell.

More updates on the Rip Curl will be printed in future TGI sports editions.