Round 2 Of The Rip Curl Pro At Bells Beach
April 14, 2009 – 12:47 am PT by MikeTags: ASP World Tour, Bells Beach, Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning Kelly Slater, Minnesota Lynx, Rip Curl Pro, Royal Rumble —
I knew it. This ROYAL RUMBLE styled surfing event just may be he downfall of the ASP World Tour if they continue to have events like this. During this second event out of ten of 10, the Rip Curl Pro saw the elimination of 16 of the world’s best surfers in Round 1 last week, and today’s action will see the top seeds hit the water for Round 2. But let’s be honest. That’s like watching the early rounds of any good sporting event. Like the Clippers Vs. The MINNESOTA LYNX. Just kidding. Surfing is good no matter who’s involved. Hopefully.
“The surf has arrived and we’re seeing consistent sets in the six foot (2 metre) range and we’ll be commencing Round 2 at 7:30am at Bells Beach,” Damien Hardman, Rip Curl Pro Contest Director, said. “We are monitoring nearby Winkipop should conditions improve over there, but at present, Bells is pumping and the boys will start out there.”
Round 2 of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will see the top seeds of the ASP battle it out with dynamic match-ups such as former ASP World Champion and past Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner (2001) Mick Fanning (AUS), 27, against Tiago Pires (PRT), 29, reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, taking on lethal wildcard Owen Wright (AUS), 19, and current ASP World No. 1 Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, up against 2009 Dream Tour rookie Michel Bourez (PYF), 23.
Swellnet, official forecasters of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, are calling for surf to maintain throughout the day with swell on offer throughout the week.
Up first today will be former ASP World Champion C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, against Mick Campbell (AUS), 34, in the opening heat of Round 2, beginning at 7:30am.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach pres. by Snickers will be webcast LIVE via www.live.ripcurl.com
RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Mick Campbell (AUS)
Heat 2: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 3: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Tim Boal (FRA)
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Adam Robertson (AUS)
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 12: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 14: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dean Morrison (AUS)
Heat 16: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. David Weare (ZAF)