Mick Campbell : photo Marz Vassallo

2006 Margaret River Pro
presented by O’Neill

ASP 4 Star WQS Mens Event
Surfers Point, Margaret Rive
27 March - 2 April 2006

Live webcast    |    Scores/Results/photos etc

International surfers dominate Day 3 of the Margaret River Pro 
Comeback surfers Padaratz and Campbell impressively win Round Three heats

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 29 March, 2006 : - - International surfers were the standouts on morning three of the Margaret River Pro presented by O’Neill, with good surf conditions surprising all and producing some excellent scores as the event progressed to Round Three heats, with the introduction of higher-seeded surfers from across the surfing world. 

New Zealand surfer Bobby Hansen wasted no time in securing a big win in his Round Two heat.  The talented 20-year-old surfer, who has been a strong world-rated junior surfer for the past three years, is tackling the open professional circuit with confidence this season.  He opened his heat early with a strong seven-point ride, and by mid-heat added a 7.83 to notch up the day’s highest scoring heat win. 

Satisfied with his performance today, Hansen said, “It was great to surf such good waves for an important event.  That’s one of the good things about Margaret River, we generally always get decent surf.  Hopefully there’s still a long way to go for me in this event.  It’s still early days, but it’s good to open with a winning heat.” 

American surfers Adam Virs, Dean Randazzo and Kellen Ellison all progressed through their heats this morning, with Virs the most impressive in his win over local surfer John Davies.  The only American surfer from today not to progress was Californian surfer Jeremy Ryan. 

Bobby Hansen : photo Steve Robertson

Japanese surfer Nakano Masato continued the good form of the internationals, claiming a comfortable win over New South Wales surfer Rique Smith. 

Of the Australians today, Gold Coast surfers Jarrah Tutton and Josh Dowthwaite were both impressive and moved through to Round Three.  Dowthwaite (Florida Gardens / Gold Coast) looked particularly comfortable in the larger surf, which at times produced sets of up to 1.75 metres (3 to 6-feet).  

The first four heats of Round Three were surfed also today, to take advantage of the excellent conditions. 

Previous event champion Michael Campbell continued his great comeback form, posting another impressive heat win.  The former world-number-two-rated surfer (1998) is gaining in confidence after each heat, and after his win today said, “I’ve hardly surfed a heat in two years and I was super nervous coming into this event, but I'm starting to feel more comfortable.  The whole competitive side of the sport seems to be coming back to me and right now I’m feeling really good.” 

Also progressing through was Yallingup local Jay Davies, who placed second in his heat behind Michael Campbell. 

Josh Dowaite : photo Stave Robertson

Brazilian surfer Neco Padaratz also continued his great form today, winning his Round Three heat.  Padaratz, who took out the Margaret River title in 2004 and placed equal third last year, is competing to reclaim a place on the World Championship Tour, following his forced withdrawal from the tour last year due to controversial drug-related circumstances. 

The event’s number one seed and Western Australia's favourite surfing son, Jake Paterson was at the event today for the official media conference and commented on the general feeling of the surfers here, saying, “All the surfers from around the world really love Margaret River because it’s such a beautiful region – the great surf culture, great waves.  Living down this way makes it a great event for me and I'd love to win it again.  I’ve spent quite a bit of time out here over the past month fully familiarising myself with the waves.  I’m looking forward to my opening heat, which looks like will be in good waves.”

Paterson, along with the legendary Mark Occhilupo, who arrives in town tomorrow, and current event champion Troy Brooks (both Queensland) will most likely surf their opening Round Four heats on Friday or Saturday, with the event’s final rounds running across the weekend.

As well as spectacular competition between the world’s top surfers, the event showcases the unique virtues of the State’s beautiful South West, including Margaret River’s stunning beaches, breathtaking natural settings and premium Western Australian food and wine.

ique Smith : photo Steve Robertson

To be held in conjunction with the Margaret River Pro will be the ninth annual ‘Mainbreak’ concert, on Saturday, April 1 at Margaret River Oval.  Mainbreak features a kaleidoscope of live sounds, including the multi-platinum king of pop n roll, Ben Lee in his only WA show, alongside international drum and bass superstars Pendulum, plus Bodyjar, Butterfingers, Cowtown, Raggabeats, Fdel, Armee, Cooker and Adema.  For tickets and full details, visit www.heatseeker.com.au.  

Contest runs from 7.00am daily.  Monday to Thursday (March 27 to 30) – entry is free.  Friday to Sunday (March 31 to April 2) – entry is $8 for adults and free for children under 12.  Industry VIP tickets are available for just $50, offering prime viewing from a licensed marquee - contact Surfing WA on (08) 9448 0004, email nadia.auletta@surfingwa.com.au or visit the Beach Life Surf Shop in Margaret River.  

For further information on the 2006 Margaret River Pro presented by O’Neill, or to watch the event live online, go to www.margaretriverpro.com.  For travel, accommodation and visitor information, contact the Margaret River Visitor Centre on (08) 9757 2911, email welcome@margaretriver.com or visit www.margaretriver.com. 

Major sponsors include Tourism Western Australia and new presenting sponsor O’Neill Australia, the world’s leading wetsuit supplier and a committed supporter of Australian surfing and ASP events worldwide.  Other sponsors include Nova 93.7, Department of Sport & Recreation, SunSmart, Brownes Chill, Tooheys Extra Dry, Odyssey 2020, Surftech, Coca-Cola, Leeuwin Estate, Chooks Fresh & Tasty, The Sunday Times, Margarets Beach Resort, Margaret River Law, FCS Fin Control Systems, Tracks, Surfersvillage, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Association of Surfing Professionals and Surfing WA.  

Previous reports:
# 1 : Big surfing names heading to 2006 Margaret River Pro.
# 2 : 2006 Margaret River Pro event schedule now available
# 3 : Young talent set to mount Margaret River Pro challenge
# 4 : Previous champs off to flying start at Margaret River Pro

# 5 : Local talent the standouts at Day 2 of Margaret River Pro
# 6 : Coming soon
# 7 : Coming soon
# 8 : Coming soon    

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Julie Cameron
julie@jewelspr.com.au

WQS Contests - Surfersvillage