Teahupoo, Tahiti (Sunday, May 12) Keala Kennelly (Kaua’i) defeated four-time world and defending event champion Layne Beachley (Aus) to win the 2002 Billabong Pro Teahupoo Monday. In doing so, she claimed her third event title at the notorious reef break
Teahupoo, Tahiti (Sunday, May 12) Keala Kennelly (Kaua’i) defeated four-time world and defending event champion Layne Beachley (Aus) to win the 2002 Billabong Pro Teahupoo Monday. In doing so, she claimed her third event title at the notorious reef break and US$10,000. The year’s third World Championship Tournament (WCT) commenced this morning with round three, running right through to the grand finale.
Waves remained 4-6ft (1.3-2m) throughout the day, but the west direction of the swell created dangerous conditions for the world’s top rated women to deal with, resulting in numerous injuries.
Kennelly, 23, who first won a World Qualifying Series (WQS) tournament at Teahupoo in 1998, and then a WCT here in 2000, today dominated another final for the trifecta. With her father looking on from the channel, the Hawaiian lead from the outset of the 35-minute decider, posted the best single wave score of the entire tournament for a near-perfect 9.8, and ultimately left her opponent requiring a combination of rides worth 14.51-points. She also moved to fifth on the current ratings.
“This is my favorite event, just for the wave,” began Kennelly, back on land surrounded by media and admiring Tahitians. “I just always want to come back here because it’s a world class wave and really challenging for everybody.
Andy Irons on track
Teahupoo, Tahiti – Current ratings leader Andy Irons (Haw) continued his run through the 2002 event, eliminating Tahitian wildcard Heimata Carroll Monday morning, and then Shane Powell (Aus) in the day’s last heat. The Hanalei resident, who won the 1997 World Qualifying Series (WQS) tournament at Teahupoo, joins Shea in the the second quarterfinal.
“That’s the latest I’ve ever surfed in a heat,” said Irons, after the sun had already set during the Rosa match. “Those were the best waves I’ve seen in four days, so I was stoked. Powelly is a really good surfer and could have easily beaten me, but I was lucky.”
World champion CJ Hobgood (USA) dominated the 2002 Billabong Pro Teahupoo with an outstanding performance. Defending Billabong Pro Teahupoo champion Cory Lopez (USA) eliminated VZ Hinano Trials winner Vetea ‘Poto’ David (Tah). He now faces world #19 Luke Egan (Aus) in round four.
Brother Shea beat Floridian Kelly Slater, and then WCT newcomer Kieren Perrow (Aus).
World #7 Peterson Rosa eliminated fellow Brazilian Paulo Moura in round four.
Australian Trent Munro eliminated two Brazilians. – #18 Flavio Padaratz and Victor Ribas.
World #33 Shane Dorian (Haw) eliminated world #4 Taylor Knox (USA)The Hawaiian secured a series of high scoring.
