The second stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) got underway today with the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro Trials and press conference in advance of the first day of competition.
Trial winners Nathan Hedge (Sydney/AUS) and Laura Macaulay (WA/AUS) as well as Yadin Nicol (WA/AUS) take the event wildcards and join the ASP Top 34 and Top 17 to complete the field for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
Nicol will face 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and Bede Durbidge (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 5 and Hedge will match up against reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 6. Women's trials winner Laura Macaulay will face reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and Alessa Quizon (HAW) in Round 1 Heat 3.
“Everyone seems really refreshed and fired up for this event. The level really stepped up at the Gold Coast,†said Mick Fanning. “Both the men and women took it through the roof even though there were tricky conditions that caught a few people out. I'm really excited about this year.â€
“I've been here before a couple of years ago and it was good. My win at the Gold Coast has given me confidence for this year but I know it's just the beginning; there are lots of events still to come. It feels weird to be up there on top,†said Gabriel Medina.
Taj Burrow said “it's great to be here with my friends and family, to be sleeping in my own bed and competing in a home event. I'm really excited about this year, I've had a great start and I'm looking forward to it.â€
“I had a terrible start at the Gold Coast but I'm so happy to be here in Margaret River and surfing in this event. I love it here,†said John John Florence.
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Laura MacCaulay took out the Women's Trials and will face off against the Top 17 for the first time in her career.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari / ASP
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MacCaulay celebrates the career milestone.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari / ASP
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International standout Felicity Palmateer was unable to find her way in to the main event.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari / ASP
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Young Australian Mitch Parkinson was an early round standout, but was unable to surpass his more seasoned competition.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari / ASP
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Hedge unloading a powerful backhand gouge on his way to a Trials win at the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Western Australia local and former ASP WCT talent Yadin Nicol earned a spot in to the main event via his trials performance.
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Hedge, fired up to take on the ASP Top 34 at the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari / ASP
“Margaret River is a great addition to the Tour. It's a tricky wave and you have to place your maneuvers in just the right part of the wave. The event really adds variety and I'm really excited to be back here,†said Carissa Moore.
“I need to find my groove again after a win at the Gold Coast. I've put in a lot of hard work and will do the best I can here. It's important to stay consistent; you can win the first event but quickly lose that advantage,†said Stephanie Gilmore.
“With six foot waves and good wind it's perfect here at Margaret River. It's good fun and there's lots of options,†said Tyler Wright.
Event Wildcards Decided for Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
WSL
The second stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) got underway today with the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro Trials and press conference in advance of the first day of competition.
Trial winners Nathan Hedge (Sydney/AUS) and Laura Macaulay (WA/AUS) as well as Yadin Nicol (WA/AUS) take the event wildcards and join the ASP Top 34 and Top 17 to complete the field for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
Nicol will face 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and Bede Durbidge (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 5 and Hedge will match up against reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 6. Women's trials winner Laura Macaulay will face reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and Alessa Quizon (HAW) in Round 1 Heat 3.
“Everyone seems really refreshed and fired up for this event. The level really stepped up at the Gold Coast,†said Mick Fanning. “Both the men and women took it through the roof even though there were tricky conditions that caught a few people out. I'm really excited about this year.â€
“I've been here before a couple of years ago and it was good. My win at the Gold Coast has given me confidence for this year but I know it's just the beginning; there are lots of events still to come. It feels weird to be up there on top,†said Gabriel Medina.
Taj Burrow said “it's great to be here with my friends and family, to be sleeping in my own bed and competing in a home event. I'm really excited about this year, I've had a great start and I'm looking forward to it.â€
“I had a terrible start at the Gold Coast but I'm so happy to be here in Margaret River and surfing in this event. I love it here,†said John John Florence.
“Margaret River is a great addition to the Tour. It's a tricky wave and you have to place your maneuvers in just the right part of the wave. The event really adds variety and I'm really excited to be back here,†said Carissa Moore.
“I need to find my groove again after a win at the Gold Coast. I've put in a lot of hard work and will do the best I can here. It's important to stay consistent; you can win the first event but quickly lose that advantage,†said Stephanie Gilmore.
“With six foot waves and good wind it's perfect here at Margaret River. It's good fun and there's lots of options,†said Tyler Wright.
Laura Macaulay
West Australia's Laura Macaulay has successfully charged one of the world's heaviest waves.
Defending World Junior Champion wins first QS6000 of 2015.
Sally Fitzgibbons posts high scores to top local standout Laura Macaulay in Round 2 Heat 3 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
Reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion Carissa Moore takes out her Round 1 Heat 3 win at Margaret River.
Laura Macaulay earns a wildcard spot for the women, while Yadin Nicol and Nathan Hedge take the two spots for the men.
Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
Championship Tour surfers scored big during the 2014 Drug Aware events at Margaret River.
Sally Fitzgibbons notches a nine-pointer in the dying moments of Quarterfinal 4.
Sally Fitzgibbons posted two excellent-range scores in Round 2 to avoid early elimination.
Tyler Wright dominates her Round 3 matchup, belting a 9.13
Carissa Moore talks about the importance of equipment and wave selection as she heads to Bells Beach.