ASP World Tour : 4 Women to watch

Most likely to win at Sunset Beach on the north shore: Coco Ho (HAW)
The surfing community has always expected great things from Coco Ho, with so many great surfers in her close family (Father, brother and Uncle all respected surfers of the north shore) and outstanding surfing skill from gromhood and throughout her career on the WQS. Currently ranked fourth on the world tour after her first ASP World Title win in Portugal, Coco has carried out a strong rookie year. As the tour heads to her home state of Hawaii, things are only looking up for the Sunset Beach local. Expect great results from the young woman known for shaking things up and showing no fear at arguably the most challenging wave on the women’s WCT tour- Sunset Beach. However, even with a first and third place finish in the last two stops (which would be 5635 points) it would not amount to a world title if Stephanie and Silvana finish in the top five in the last events.

Most likely to win at Honolua Bay, Maui: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Having burst on the scene in 2007, Stephanie has won the world title both years she has been on tour- a track record doesn’t get much better than that! The Australian stands out for her consistency, placing in the top five of every event in the 2009 season. Currently in the number one spot on tour, Stephanie claims 4765 points and one event title at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast. The previous year “Happy” Gilmore took the win at Sunset Beach and Honolua Bay both 2007 and 2008, and that’s why she’s the projected winner for this year in Maui. With a second and first place finish the world title would be hers for the third consecutive year, however, if she falls below fifth in either event, Silvana Lima can have the title. It’s certainly a toss up.

Most likely to take out a top seed: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
Every surfer on tour knows to keep one eye on world title-holder Sofia Mulanovich. Bursting with natural talent for surfing and a magnetic personality that keeps the surfers smiling, Sofia was the first South American to win an ASP World Tour Crown, one of her many accomplishments, including two SURFER Poll Awards, and a nomination for an ESPY. Always battling for a top result, Sofia has finished in the top five in every event on the 2009 tour and claimed her first victory of the year on her home turf in Peru. However, with the tour ending in Hawaii, the Peruvian will need to bring her A game from the beginning and finish strong. She didn’t advance past the quarterfinals in neither the Sunset Beach or Honolua Bay event in 2008, however she did win the Roxy Pro in 2007, even with Gilmore on fire. If Sofia places 3rd and 5th- or better- she will certainly place in the top three, finishing the year, and pressure Stephanie and Silvana to put up a good fight in their campaign for the world title.

The dark horse in the world title race: Silvana Lima (BRA)
The tattooed twenty-six year old has most definitely shown her competitive spirit on tour throughout the past two years. (She even has her Bells Beach trophy tattooed on her ribs to prove it!) Having claimed two contest titles back-to-back in Australia this season, Silvana quickly climbed the tour rankings and gave Stephanie a run for her money. With 4188 points and holding the number two spot, Sil has the potential to take the title if she continues her consistency and sees some of the lower-ranked surfers on the podium with her in Hawaii. If Stephanie were to finish one event below fifth place, the title could be Sil’s. With 1200, 972, and 756 points awarded to first, second, and third place respectively, one upset would set a surfer back, dramatically. While she is known as the most progressive surfer on tour for her radical style and strong carves, Sil is a sure shot if she can apply her skills in the big Hawaiian surf.