Irons ‘near perfect’ in Tahiti

TEAHUPOO, TAHITI – Reigning world and defendingBillabong Pro Teahupoo champion Andy Irons today dominated the field with a near-perfect round three performance.

Amazing surfing unfolded throughout the day, and organizers of the $250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) expect a swell increase overnight to produce epic waves for the completion of this year’s event tomorrow afternoon.

Clean 4-6 foot surf was on offer at Teahupoo, with an ideal south direction providing long barrels along the shallow reef break.

Irons faced local wildcard Hira Terinatoofa in one of the day’s most anticipated clashes. The lead swung following opening rides, but the Kaua’ian then emerged from a superb backhand barrel ride and executed a searing cutback to receive a 9.7 and lead he retained.

While his Tahitian opponent continued to bridge the gap with long forehand tubes, Irons’ then posted the second perfect 10 of the 2003 Billabong Pro Teahupoo for the highest combined tally so far with 19.7 out of a possible 20-points. Terinatoofa, who celebrates his 24th birthday today, escaped one extremely difficult tube ride to get the local crowd cheering, but ultimately required a combination of scores worth 11.7-points.

Irons will next face 2001 event winner Cory Lopez (FL, USA).

“That’s going to be a killer heat,” added Irons of the upcoming bout. “I can’t wait.

Cory and I have had a few match-ups, but we’re really good friends. He’s super dangerous and has won out here before, so hopefully there are a lot of waves for us.”

Air Tahiti Nui VZ Trials runner-up Conan Hayes (Haw) then created the day’s

biggest upset, eliminating world #2 Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, Aus). The

Hawaiian – a former WCT member – picked off the first five rides of the

decider to create a strong lead. ‘Parko’ tried his best at a comeback, but

the ocean didn’t co-operate with waves of the same quality.