Beyond Boarders

Kelly Slater, USA, has just won a record ninth ASP World Title, securing a sufficient points lead in the title rankings after advancing out of Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Mundaka, Spain, the ninth event of 11 on the 2008 ASP World Tour.

Slater defeated local wildcard Eneko Acero(EUK) in Heat 8 of Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Mundaka in excellent four to six foot (two metre) conditions. His success comes 16 years after securing his first ASP World Title at age 20. At 36 he now becomes the oldest and youngest surfer in ASP history to win a world title.

Labels: 2008, ASP World Tour, champion, Kelly Slater, World Champion

The title race was not resolved until the final event of the tour but Rookie Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) claimed the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour, as other contenders for the title fell in the third round of the 2007 Billabong Pro Maui. She then went on to celebrate her victory by claiming the Billabong Pro Maui Championship, defeating defending champion Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS). Her win, in small one metre waves at Honolua Bay, marks her fourth win of the 2007 season.

The final ratings on the 2007 ASP Women's World Tour are:

1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)


2. Sofia Mulanovich (PER)


3. Silvana Lima (BRA)


4. Samantha Cornish (AUS)


5. Layne Beachley (AUS)


6. Amee Donohoe (AUS)


7. Chelsea Hedges (AUS)


8. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)


9. Rebecca Woods (AUS)


10. Melanie Bartels (HAW)


11. Jacqueline Silva (BRA)


12. Megan Abubo (HAW)


13. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)


14. Karina Petroni (USA)


15. Serena Brooke (AUS)


16. Nicola Atherton (AUS)

Labels: 2007, ASP World Tour, champion, Hawaii, Maui, Stephanie Gilmore, surfing, women's

Australian Mick Fanning, clinched his maiden Foster's ASP World Title today. Fanning was in the water and about to surf a semifinal heat against childhood friend Joel Parkinson (AUS), when his only remaining title threat, Taj Burrow (AUS), was eliminated by Tom Whitaker (AUS).

It was a day for the Australians and after realizing his lifelong dream, Fanning surfed a signature heat to beat Parkinson 18.70 to 12.84 in Semifinal 1 before defending his Brazilian title by beating rookie Kai Otton (AUS) in the final to win the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil.

Americans Kelly Slater and Andy Irons have monopolized the World Title for the last five years but Mick's win today breaks the run and makes him the first Australian to clinch a men's ASP World Title since Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo in 1999.

Full report and pictures to follow.

Labels: 2007, ASP World Tour, Australia, champion, Mick Fanning, surfing