Layne Beachley's perfect 10.

[Go_The_Mighty_Magpies]

Beachley scores perfect 10

December 12, 2003 - Fox Sports

AUSTRALIA's Layne Beachley, taking a relaxed attitude into one of the most nerve-racking events of her career, recorded a maximum ten-point score to begin her quest for an unprecedented sixth consecutive world surfing championship in perfect fashion at the Billabong Pro at Maui today.

Beachley sent an ominous warning to the four women attempting to steal her title of the sport's leading lady by ducking into a head-high barrel for a good five seconds to survive a potentially hazardous first round against former world No.1 Pauline Menczer and local wildcard Helena Suehiro.

Her combined two-wave score of 16.75 out of 20 was the highest of the day at Honolua Bay, dwarfing the efforts of Hawaii's ratings leader Keala Kennelly, Sydney's world No.3 Chelsea Georgeson, South Africa's Heather Clark and Peru's Sofia Mulanovich as they headed towards a thrilling climax to the championship race.

Georgeson managed only 8.75 points, Kennelly 12.75, Mulanovich 12.9 and Clark 13.9 to lose their first-round clashes.

They all lived to see another day, however, joining Beachley in round three because they avoided finishing last in their respective three-woman heats.

"It's my first perfect 10 in a contest, and what a place to score it," said Beachley.

"I was so excited. Not just because of the barrel, but more that I scored my first 10."

Asked about the prospect of world title No.6, Beachley said: "I've actually taken my mind off of it.

"I've stopped performing for a result and am now actually just performing for fun. It worked for me at the Roxy Pro at the start of the year and hopefully it will work for me at the Billabong Pro at the end of it."

Glorious conditions – sunshine, offshore winds and three-metre waves – are forecast for tomorrow for the completion of the event and this year's women's tour.

Mulanovich wasn't too concerned about her average display.

Worse things could happen, like drowning or having your favourite boards stolen.

"This morning I almost drowned when my leg rope got stuck on one of the reefs and yeah, two of my boards were stolen before coming over to Maui," she said.

"I didn't really have a good start to this contest.

"It's okay and I just have to get those things out of my mind. I should be surfing good, since there's a chance of winning the world title.

"I was just hesitating out there too much, but the waves were so good, the best ever, and that's why I'm kind of bummed since I didn't get any barrels. Hopefully next time."

With 1200 points up for grabs, Kennelly leads the rankings on 3120 points from Beachley (3084), Georgeson (3060), Clark (2844) and Mulanovich (2424).

Competition was again postponed at the men's Pipeline Masters, where the patience of six-time king Kelly Slater and defending world champion Andy Irons was being stretched to the limit as they awaited their two-man battle for No.1.

[Donny]

Beachley cruises to quarter final

Fox Sports

LAYNE Beachley has cruised through to the quarter-finals of the Billabong Pro in Hawaii.

Chasing her sixth consecutive world surfing title, she beat American Julia Christen, while fellow Australian Kate Skarratt went down by less than one point to current world number one Hawaiian, Keala Kennelly.

Gold Coast surfer Chelsea Georgeson is yet to contest her round three heat.

Today's competition in clean 1.5 metre waves will decide the women's ASP world surfing title.

[Donny]

Beachley's six in a row - Fox Sports


AUSTRALIAN surfer Layne Beachley has won an unprecedented sixth consecutive ASP world surfing title after advancing into the final of the Billabong Pro on the Hawaiian Island of Maui today.

The 31-year-old Sydney surfer retained her title with an amazing performance under pressure in the perfect 1.5 metre waves of Honolua Bay.

Beachley headed into this year's final World Championship Tour event behind Keala Kennelly who was eliminated in the second semi-final by Samantha Cornish, from Crescent Heads in NSW.

Beachley will go up against Cornish in the final of the tournament later today.