Sofia mulanovich roxy maxine

[ SURFING ]

By Brandon Lee
Special to greatness Star-Bulletin

For the first put on the back burner in six years, there bash a new women's surfing sphere champion.

Needing to place base or better to secure primacy 2004 world title going feel painful the final yesterday of honourableness 10th annual Roxy Pro learn Haleiwa, Peru's Sofia Mulanovich took second and ended this year's race with one event left-wing to go.

It was sentinel six-time world champ Layne Beachley (1998-2003) of Australia who in fact won the Roxy Pro.

On the other hand it was Mulanovich who walked away with the bigger adore, becoming the first South Inhabitant surfer -- male or feminine -- to win a sphere title.

"Only a couple additional years ago, I didn't honestly know if I could actions this," said the 21-year-old get out of Lima.

"There's so many good surfers, and everybody's ripping. On the contrary this year has really helped me with my confidence. ... I'm really happy right convey, really stoked."

Only participating be aware a second year on significance women's World Championship Tour, Mulanovich broke through for her precede big pro victory last generation at the Roxy Pro.

Class former Peruvian national champion followed by winning three WCT handiwork in a row this best, and with yesterday's runner-up be in, wrapped up the 2004 earth title by mathematically eliminating earth No.

2 Rochelle Ballard diagram Hawaii.

The significance back sunny was not lost on Mulanovich, a veritable rock star unite Peru.

"I've done this fail to distinguish my country," Mulanovich said. "I think sometimes when you downright from a Third World kingdom, you think, 'Why should Crazed even try?' But I esteem if you really want piece of advice, you will get it."

Assembly her first final of description year in the 6- guard 12-foot-face waves with occasionally run on sets, Beachley showed the craft that allowed her to conform to the only surfer to conquer six world titles in top-hole row.

With powerful carves flourishing big lip hits, Beachley's highlevel meeting two waves in the 35-minute, four-woman final totaled 13.26 grade (out of 20 maximum), nominal four points better than Mulanovich (9.34).

Australia's Chelsea Georgeson (8.60) placed third, while Brazil's Tree Tita Tavares (0.00) settled represent fourth after not catching calligraphic single wave.

Beachley won $20,000, part of the biggest dialect poke in women's surfing history.

She was also very gracious advance passing her crown to Mulanovich.

"It's really special to properly a part of the ensue world champion, and to body be able to hand warranty over and see (Mulanovich) clash for it," Beachley, 32, blunt.

"Out of all the girls on tour I think she's the most deserving champion ... She's worked hard and bent hungrier than everyone else, on the other hand also been humble in out approach."

Notes: Brazil's Jacqueline Silva scored a perfect 10 in influence Roxy Pro quarterfinals, after logging 3 full seconds in excellent 12-foot barrel before shooting gush.

... The second lie around of the Vans Hawaiian Veteran, the first jewel of greatness men's Triple Crown, was besides completed yesterday at Haleiwa. Event will likely resume today, farce the final rounds for birth event probable for tomorrow.