Wildcard surfer Bruce Irons of Hanalei on Saturday narrowly beat his brother and reigning Association of Surfing Professionals world champion Andy Irons by 0.33 points in round three of the Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles in Southern California. In
Wildcard surfer Bruce Irons of Hanalei on Saturday narrowly beat his brother and reigning Association of Surfing Professionals world champion Andy Irons by 0.33 points in round three of the Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles in Southern California.
In round three’s most anticipated clash, Andy began with an inspired ride of forehand carves for a daunting 9.17. Phased, but not beaten, the younger Irons collected twoseven plus scores and the lead.
Andy then caught three quick rides and fell, before the ocean went flat for an agonizing 15-minutes. With a couple of minutes to go, he grabbed a final wave requiring a 6.33, but could only post an even six and was forced to accept defeat.
Irons advanced to round four where he defeated Brazilian Paulo Moura.
Hanalei surfer Andy Irons is in first place in the world tour standings. His main competition for the 2003 world title is Cocoa Beach, Fla. surfer and six-time world champion Kelly Slater.
Slater defeated Luke Stedman of Australia in the third round of the contest and moved into the quarterfinals.
The Boost Mobile Pro Presented by Quiksilver is the seventh of 12 events on the 2003 ASP World Contest Tour featuring the top 44 ASP surfers in the world and four wildcards. The prize purse totals $250,000 with the winner earning $30,000.
The contest is expected to be concluded by Monday, after a day off today.
