(May 11, 2002)

Redman-Carr Continues Winning Form
 Billabong Pro Teahupoo (May 7-18)

TEAHUPOO TAHITI (May 11, 2002) Current ASP rating's leader Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) continued her recent form to dominate from the outset in the women's 2002 Billabong Pro Teahupoo. Round one and two of the World Championship Tournament (WCT) were completed, while the men's competition was postponed.

Surf remained 4ft (1.3m) with strong crosswinds, though wave faces were relatively unaffected from their southeast direction. Only one day is now required to finish the women's event.

Redman-Carr faced Megan Abubo (Haw) and wildcard Laurina McGrath (Aus).  Having won last weeks' WCT in Fiji, the 26 year old confidently posted round one's highest total of 20.6-points to leave both opponents needing a combination of scores. Afterwards, she admitted not being too concerned with the ratings at this stage.

"I'm always more confident during the first few rounds," said Redman-Carr.  "Coming up against some of the better barrel riders is usually a bit daunting later on here.

"Most of the girls are playing their own game and are not concerned about anyone in particular," she added of the ratings. "I've just been concentrating on doing the best I can. It's good to get an early lead and I'd like to do well here."

Four-time world champions Layne Beachley (Aus) and Lisa Andersen (USA) contested a great match, with Prue Jeffries (Aus) replacing fellow countrywomen Neridah Falconer after she was admitted to hospital last week with viral meningitis. Beachley, the defending Billabong Pro Teahupoo winner, came on strong toward the end to seal their 30-minute clash.

"I'm a little rusty out here at Teahupoo this year," began Beachley. "I found some rhythm toward the end of the heat and did enough to win. I'm not surfing as well as I want to, but the idea is to gain momentum throughout the event and save the best for last.

"I'm defending champ out here, but I think I've put too much pressure on myself during the past two events to perform as a four-time world champion, as opposed to just performing," she continued, of her opening two WCT results. "I'm trying not to set unrealistic goals, which should allow me to surf better and get myself back up in the top five, or so, and then work the year out from there."

Hawaiians Keala Kennelly and Rochelle Ballard controlled the day's opening heat with Australian Serena Brooke. Kennelly, 23, who has won two previous events at Teahupoo, overcame a strong start by Ballard to claim victory.  Both advanced directly into the third round, while Brooke won the first 'loser's' second round heat to also progress.

"I saw Rochelle get an 8.0 and knew there was no way I was also going to get one in those conditions, so I just tried to get as many medium to high scores I could," said Kennelly. "It's sad there weren't any barrels out
there. This is kind of my contest, so I hope we get some so I can show my special skills out here."

Australian WCT newcomers Chelsea Georgeson and Amee Donohoe both advanced with wins today. Georgeson, 18, defeated experienced opponents Heather Clark (SAfr) and 1993 world champion Pauline Menczer (Aus) to win her first ever heat at Teahupoo.

"I'm stoked to win my first heat at Teahupoo," said Georgeson afterward. "A lot of the time I've forgotten I was here for a contest, I was having so much fun watching the guys get the most insane waves I've ever seen in my whole life.  "If we have it in bigger waves it will be good to see some barrel riding," she continued. "That's what this wave is all about."

Brazilian Maria 'Tita' Tavares put on a great performance to win the final heat of round one. While Kate Skarratt (Aus) and Jacqueline Silva (Brz) both secured good rides, it was the diminutive surfer who handled the windy conditions best.  "I'm very happy with my start to the contest," said Tavares. "The wind was very strong, but I got some good waves and scores. I just tried to stay relaxed and now I'll wait for round three."

Silva, who was delegated to round two in third position, went on to post the day's highest total heat score for 22.15-points. Against equal ratings' leader Lynette MacKenzie (Aus), as well as replacement surfer Jeffries, the Brazilian picked up the pace and will now meet Andersen in round three.  "I lost in my first heat, but then I got good waves and made the highest score of the day, so I'm really happy and ready for the next day," explained Silva. "I feel really comfortable and will try to do my best here to win the
contest."

Only two women were eliminated from the Billabong Pro Teahupoo event today.  Abubo and Jeffries both placing third in their second round heats, finishing equal 17th overall.

Official results of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo Women Round One
H1: Keala Kennelly (Haw) 18.45; Rochelle Ballard (Haw) 16.4; Serena Brooke (Aus) 12.25
H2: Chelsea Georgeson (Aus) 19.85; Heather Clark (SAfr) 19.7; Pauline Menczer (Aus) 15.2
H3: Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus) 20.6; Laurina McGrath (Aus) 11.8; Megan Abubo (Haw) 11.4
H4: Layne Beachley (Aus) 18.65; Lisa Andersen (USA) 16.25; Prue Jeffries (Aus) 7.95
H5: Amee Donohoe (Aus) 12.45; Samantha Cornish (Aus) 11.9; Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 10.85
H6: Maria Tavares (Brz) 20.55; Kate Skarratt (Aus) 19.9; Jacqueline Silva (Brz); 14.85

Round Two (3rd place finishes equal 17th and receives US$2,000)
H1: Serena Brooke (Aus) 13.3; Pauline Menczer (Aus) 12.85; Megan Abubo (Haw) 12.0
H2: Jacqueline Silva (Brz) 22.15; Lynette MacKenzie (Aus) 13.5; Prue Jeffries (Aus) 3.0

Further Information: www.aspworldtour.com & www.billabongpro.com
On-site numbers: +689 573 524; Fax 689 573 524, Mandy McKinnon - Billabong Media: mandymac@ozemail.com.au, Action photo's available free of charge courtesy of Pierre Tostee/ASP, Tostee@aspworldtour.com

[Jesse Faen - Media Director, ASP Int'l, jesse@aspworldtour.com, http://www.aspworldtour.com/ ASP Office (Aus): +61-(0)-755-991-550]