Hanalei native Keala Kennelly won her first Triple Crown, but came up just short in her world-title bid at the Billabong Pro Maui on Friday. Australian Layne Beachley won her unprecedented sixth consecutive women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) crown by
Hanalei native Keala Kennelly won her first Triple Crown, but came up just short in her world-title bid at the Billabong Pro Maui on Friday.
Australian Layne Beachley won her unprecedented sixth consecutive women’s World Championship Tournament (WCT) crown by finishing second to fellow Australian, Samantha Cornish.
Kennelly’s bid for a world title was dashed when she was eliminated in the semifinal heats, while Beachley advanced.
Cornish was on fire with the right point break’s four-to-five foot clean barrels, knocking out the three top-rated surfers en route to her win at Honolua Bay, Maui.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Cornish after the event. “Layne winning the world title and me (coming) out on top in the final” made the finals “one of the best days of my life,” Cornish said.
“I got so many perfect barrels, and had such a great time here. I didn’t even feel like I was surfing in a contest.”
The pressurized day was full of drama as each round unfolded with world-title scenarios on the line and the all-important ratings race nearing its conclusion.
As the quarterfinals wound up, virtually all contenders still remained, yet it was during the semifinals history was created.
Beachley secured her finals berth against South African Heather Clark, and then nervously watched from the shoreline as ratings leader Kennelly did battle in the second semi.
The Kauaian needed to advance to keep the dream alive, and was forced to play catch-up throughout following opponent Cornish’s initial 7.5 score.
A determined Kennelly never gave up, however, and the 25-year-old came within the closest of margins. Requiring a 7.46 toward the end, she posted a 7.4 with some great backhand re-entries.
Having narrowed the gap, she then needed another 6.61, but on her final ride only earned a 4.75 and the race was over.
Kennelly and Clark finished equal third.
For Kennelly, who posted two wins this year in Fiji and then the following Billabong Pro Teahupoo event in Tahiti, building up what seemed a commanding lead toward her first world crown, the Maui result was a bitter blow after months of anticipation.
Nonetheless, she surfed valiantly in the deciding match, and proved a true champion even in defeat.
“It all came down to this day, and was pretty amazing,” said Kennelly.
“Everybody in contention made the quarters onwards, and there was unreal surfing, so it was exciting stuff. If you were going to win the world title, you definitely had to earn it,” she said.
“That heat with (Cornish) was close. She got an early lead, and I came back strong at the end, but just didn’t seem to get the scores.
“There’s always next year, and good on (Beachley). She earned it.”
Kennelly also became the first woman from Hawai’i to win the Triple Crown of Surfing award for her combined efforts over the past three events in Hawai’i.
“The Triple Crown was the last of my thoughts,” she acknowledged, when told she’d won the Triple Crown with her finish.
“It was all about the world title, but at least I won something. About time a Hawaiian won the Hawaiian Triple Crown.”
For 31-year-old Beachley, the moment signified becoming surfing’s only six-time consecutive world champion, a feat even Kelly Slater didn’t achieve.
The record-breaking year commenced with a win on Australia’s Gold Coast in March, and then she secured a runner-up placing in France last WCT, before glory poured upon her on Maui.
“Oh my God,” began Beachley, with tears in her eyes as friends and media gathered. “I can’t believe this. It’s been quite an emotional year.
“I started so strong, and then took a dive in the middle of the season, but I’ve come back at the end. I guess that’s what it takes to be a world champion,” said Beachley.
“You just never give up, and I haven’t. I’m really fired up to come back next year and try and win seven.
“This is my sixth consecutive world title, and it creates history ’cause no other surfer in the history of ASP has done this,” she continued.
“Even though Kelly (Slater) won six, he didn’t win them consecutively, so this is a new one for the record books,” she continued.
“It’s such an amazing achievement, and something I’m still in complete disbelief over. I’m really happy, and so thankful for all the support of my friends and family, especially throughout the last few days.
“And, of course, thanks to Sam for winning that last heat (against Kennelly).”
