The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, the final stop in the 2011 ASP World Title Series, will commence its waiting period on Thursday, December 8, with a solid swell expected to see competition get underway in the opening days of the window.
With Kelly Slater (USA), 39, having clinched an historic 11th ASP World Title at the previous event in San Francisco, the focus for this Billabong Pipe Masters will be the Vans Triple Crown Title and the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers.
Pipeline Masters Teaser 2011 from Billabong on Vimeo.
John John Florence (HAW), 18, a newcomer to the elite ASP Top 34 after the September rotation, is currently leading the hunt for the 2011 Vans Triple Crown Title after an impressive win at Sunset Beach but faces stiff competition from Michel Bourez (PYF), 25 – the runner-up in last week's competition.
Bourez dedicated his performance to his late friend, Malik Joyeux, and, with the Billabong Pipe Masters in honour of Andy Irons who died last year, the world's best surfers will hope to put on another show worthy of the former world champion.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, and defending Billabong Pipe Masters champion Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, have withdrawn from competition due to injury and have been replaced by C.J. Hobgood (USA), 32, and Adam Melling (AUS), 26.
Due to the expanded competition at Pipeline, the ASP has awarded two wildcard spots to surfers next in line on the ASP World Rankings, Kolohe Andino (USA), 17, and Willian Cardoso (BRA). Both surfers will receive ASP World Rankings points for their campaigns at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.
VANS TRIPLE CROWN TOP 3
1. John John Florence (HAW) 9,780 pts
2. Adam Melling (AUS) 9,650 pts
3. Michel Bourez (PYF) 8,480 pts
ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 5
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 63,350 pts
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 48,600 pts
3. Owen Wright (AUS) 47,900 pts
4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 43,700 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 42,200 pts
Watch highlights from the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach:
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