It’s ON- ASP World Tour is amped for 2010
Three- time world champ and Gold Coast local Stephanie Gilmore will certainly be the surfer to watch. The defending Roxy Pro Champion recently picked up her 2009 trophy at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
At last year’s Roxy Pro, Steph defeated Kiwi Paige Hareb in the semi finals, to meet Hawaiian Melanie Bartels in the Roxy Pro finals. 2009 Rookie of the Year, Coco Ho was also in last year’s semi finals. The young gun from Hawaii finished third overall on the ASP 2009, her first year on tour. No doubt we are excited to see her skill level after spending an El Nino winter on her home turf- the north shore.
Other women to watch for include Chelsea Hedges of Australia, with one world title under her belt in 2005, Chelsea returns to the tour for her sixth season as a strong contender.
And of course we cannot do without mention of Silvana Lima, the Brazilian surfer that has finished as runner- up for the past two years on tour. Recent photos of Silvana busting airs high above the lip show that her progressive surfing is hotter than ever this year.
New faces from the WQS this year include Carissa Moore and Claire Bevilacqua. It may be Carissa’s rookie year on tour, but she is by no means behind the curve. Entering the tour rated number 12 in the world, Carissa finished 2009 with huge title to her name (Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, HI) and energy to burn.
After putting her time into the WQS, Claire Bevilacqua enters the Dream Tour with the Women’s Pipeline Pro title to her name. As a fierce competitor with progressive style and solid skill, Claire will give tour veterans a run for their money in 2010.
Don’t miss the 2010 Roxy Pro, kicking off tomorrow on the Gold Coast of Australia.
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Paige Hareb (NZL), Carissa Moore (HAW)
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Bruna Schmitz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Silvana Lima (BRA), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Nikita Robb (ZAF)
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Rosanne Hodge (ZAF), Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Heat 6: Melanie Bartels (HAW), Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Amee Donohoe (AUS)
World Tour Top 10 from 2009
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) World Champ in 2009, 2008, 2007- Every year she’s been on the ASP World Tour, Steph has claimed the title.
Silvana Lima (BRA) Runner up the past two years on tour, Silvana is on the cusp of a world title.
Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2010 will be Sofia’s 8th year on the ASP tour. She won the title in 2004 and is always a threat to competitors, finishing out the past six years in the top 5.
Coco Ho (HAW)
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Chelsea Hedges (AUS) With one world title under her belt in 2005, Chelsea returns to the tour for her 6th time.
Paige Hareb (NZL)
Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
Top 6 of ASP WQS 2009
Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Carissa Moore (HAW) It may be Carissa’s rookie year on tour, but she is by no means behind the curve. Entering the tour rated number 12 in the world, Carissa finished 2009 with huge title to her name (Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, HI) and energy to burn.
Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) After putting her time into the WQS, Claire enters joins the ASP with the Women’s Pipeline Pro title to her name (2009). As a fierce competitor with progressive style and solid skill, Claire will give tour veterans a run for their money in 2010.
Lee Ann Curren (FRA) Starting the 2010 year rated 14th in the world, it could be said that Lee Ann is in the same boat as Carissa.
Bruna Schmitz (BRA)
Nikita Robb (ZAF) The 20 year old rookie is one of two South African women on tour (the other being Rosanne Hodge).
ASP Wildcard
Amee Donohoe (AUS) While taking a year off to free surf, Amee was met with the challenge of knee surgery, keeping her out of the water. She returns to the tour for her fifth season as the wildcard.
