Jason Duffy : photo Steve Robertson

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

Seeds tumble to young Australians on Day 4 of Margaret River Pro

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 30 March, 2006 : - - Australian surfers revelled in the fantastic two-metre (six-foot) surf at the Margaret River Pro presented by O’Neill, posting many excellent wave scores and eliminating a number of internationally-seeded surfers in the process.

Local West Australian surfer, Jason Duffy set the scene this morning by winning the opening heat of the day, defeating Hawaiian  Gavin Gillettte and Corey Garcia  (USA) . Super comfortable in the clean waves, Duffy was in second position for most of the heat, before finding a perfect larger wave and unleashing three powerful bottom-to-critical-top-turn combinations.  He was rewarded with an excellent 8.77 out of a possible 10, to take the lead and easily win the heat. 

After his win today, Duffy was looking forward to his Round Four heat where he’ll face Japan’s highest-rated surfer, Masatoshi Ohno and Hawaii’s Dustin Cuizon. “It’s exciting now because all the heats are super high quality.  Ohno is a fantastic surfer and I’ll have to be right at the top of my game against him, but I know these waves really well and figure I can match them all if I surf a smart heat.” 

Finishing second behind Duffy was young Hawaiian surfer Gavin Gillette, who, in the four-man heat format of the event, was able to progress through to Round Four. 

Seeded surfers suffered throughout the morning to the onslaught by many of the qualifying Australians.  USA surfers suffered the most, with Wesley De Souza, Corey Garcia, Justin McBride, Shaun Burrell, Tyler Fox and Josh Montgomery all eliminated in their opening heats. 

Of the multitude of Australians to progress, Clint Kimmins (Gold Coast, QLD), Rhys Smith (Newcastle, NSW), Rhys Bombaci (Kiama, NSW) and Joel Fitzgerald (Narrrabeen, NSW) were the standouts. 

The other highlight of the morning was the performance of New Zealand surfer Bobby Hansen, who was again in outstanding form, today posting both the highest-scoring single wave score (9.17) and the highest-scoring heat tally (17.17 out of a possible 20) in his explosive win over USA’s Daryl Goodrum. 

After his win, a relaxed Hansen said:  “The waves are great and I'm feeling good, but from here on in it gets serious with the highest-seeded surfers entering the event.  I’m really going to have to maintain and even build on my form to stay in.” 

Perfect weather and ideal conditions are setting the scene for a huge weekend at Margaret River, with crowds expected to be bigger than ever.  The Quarter Finals through to Finals will see attention focussed on the event’s highest seeds, which include WA’s own Jake Paterson, surfing legend Mark Occhilupo and contest defending champion Troy Brooks, all expected to surf their opening heats on Friday.

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.

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 : Padaratz/Campbell impress at Margaret River Pro day 3
# 7 : Coming soon
# 8 : Coming soon    

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Julie Cameron
julie@jewelspr.com.au

WQS Contests - Surfersvillage