JEFFREYS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA n Reigning two-time world champion Andy Irons (Kaua‘i, HAW) broke the voodoo VZ Trialist Holmes had on him by winning their heat against Lee Winkler (Coffs Harbour, AUS) by posting the highest combined heat score of
JEFFREYS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA n Reigning two-time world champion Andy Irons (Kaua‘i, HAW) broke the voodoo VZ Trialist Holmes had on him by winning their heat against Lee Winkler (Coffs Harbour, AUS) by posting the highest combined heat score of the day at the Von Zipper Trials and round one of the Billabong Pro main event with 16.6 points.
“The curse is over,” said Irons who just a few days ago won the six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) at Durban.
“He was up two years in a row, and I think he’ll have a hard second round draw, so hopefully he doesn’t make it to the third round.” The Von Zipper Trials had three wildcard position up for grabs with ten surfers vying for the chance to compete against the world’s best.
South African giant killer Sean Holms (Wilderness, ZAF) won the opening heat with Ricky Basnett (Durban, ZAF) taking the second heat.
Billabong team rider Bede Durbidge (Gold Coast, AUS) advanced with the highest second place points.
Six-time world champion and defending Billabong Pro winner Kelly Slater (Fl., USA) announced his return with a commanding performance over wildcard Ricky Basnett.
