Tahiti Pro could begin today

LIHU‘E — Small surf between one and two feet forced event organizers to call another lay day for the Billabong Pro Tahiti on Tuesday, but a slightly improved forecast for later in the week could see the world’s best surfers attacking Teahupoo in the coming days, states an ASP press release.

Event No. 5 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti is a crucial venue for the ASP Top 45. The ASP’s midyear field reduction from the Top 45 to the Top 34 (Top 32 finishers plus two wildcards), means this event holds huge importance for the world’s best surfers.

“The surf has dropped since yesterday as predicted and we’ve called competition off for the day,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “The forecast has improved slightly for the end of the week, but we’ll be back again tomorrow at 7 a.m. to assess conditions.”

Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, are calling for small scale southwest swell to ease through mid week. A longer period southwest swell will slowly build in Thursday and Friday, which will offer a slight increase in size and power. The coming weekend and week of the 30th also look quite slow, but also slightly better than the past couple days.

A full breakdown of ASP World Title Rankings possibilities, including the ASP midyear field reduction, for the Billabong Pro Tahiti are available at ASPWorldTour.com

When competition commences, up first will be American Damien Hobgood, Hawai‘i’s Kekoa Bacalso and Australia’s Jay Thompson in the opening heat.

Kaua‘i’s Roy Powers will be in the sixth heat with Australia’s Bede Durbidge and American Tim Reyes.

Heat No. 10 will see Andy Irons paddle out alongside Kelly Slater and Heiarii Williams.

The Billabong Pro Tahiti will be webcast LIVE via http://www.billabongpro.com/tahiti10/

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com.