TGI Reporto-ASP News Figueira da Foz, Portugal – Kaua’i’s girls, Keala Kennelly and Rochelle Ballard, have been eliminated in the third round of the Figueira Pro in Portugal. Neridah Falconer (Aus) eliminated Kennelly in a wave-starved match. The Australian collected
TGI Reporto-ASP News
Figueira da Foz, Portugal – Kaua’i’s girls, Keala Kennelly and Rochelle Ballard, have been eliminated in the third round of the Figueira Pro in Portugal.
Neridah Falconer (Aus) eliminated Kennelly in a wave-starved match. The Australian collected a 7.5 right from the outset, and left her Kauaian opponent trailing from then on.
And Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) ousted Ballard to move on to Round 4. The 18-year-old posted a great 9.25 ride to leave her more experienced opponent needing another score of 7.76-points or more.
“It’s pretty small and frustrating out there, so you just have to get that lucky wave with an open face, and I happened to,” said Georgeson. “It’s tough conditions, but Sydney is a lot like this sometimes, so it was OK.”
In other women’s three heats: Jacqueline Silva (Brz) dominated Serena Brooke (Aus).
Reigning four-time world champ Layne Beachley held off fellow Australian and 1993 world champ Pauline Menczer, who currently leads the WQS.
Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares (Brz) put her diminutive build to good use against Heather Clark (SAfr). The Brazilian, who stands at only 4’11”, managed to find speed and execute flowing maneuvers while her opponent struggled.
Australian WCT rookies Samantha Cornish secured her best result to date by eliminating current #4 Kate Skarratt (Aus). Former world #2 Megan Abubo (Haw) eliminated current #2 Lynette MacKenzie (Aus).
“The waves are small so it’s kind of make due with what you have,” reasoned Abubo. “I felt pretty good, but Lynette’s been surfing really well all year and I was really happy just to keep up with her in that heat. I
The women’s competition is expected to begin at 8am this morning. The Men’s portion of the Figueira Pro will give it a go today but may again be postponed.
