Billabong Pro Maui 2007 Kicks Off Today

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007) - The Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines is scheduled to kickoff competition today with the six-woman Trials hitting the two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Honolua Bay at 9:15am.

"We're going to be starting with the six-woman Trials in which the winner will receive a slot into the main event," ASP Head Judge Richie Porta said. "There are a few waves out there and we'll look to get into Round 1 and possibly Round 2 depending on what the swell does. We'll be monitoring things closely to ensure that we don't send the girls out in marginal conditions."

The six trialists vying for the one coveted seed into the main event are Nicola Atherton (AUS), Alana Hendrickson (HAW), Paige Alms (HAW), Monyca Byrne-Wickey (HAW), Lipoa Kahaleuahi (HAW) and Alana Blanchard (HAW).

Following the completion of the Trials, Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Maui will kick off seeing ASP Women's World Title contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) all battling it out at Honolua Bay.

Keala Kennelly (HAW), who was originally scheduled to compete in the Trials, has been seeded into the main event with the injury withdrawal of Caroline Sarran (FRA).

The final event of the ASP Women's World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui carries with it the added weight of deciding both the 2007 ASP Women's World Champion as well as the Vans Triple Crown Champion.

After the first two events of the 2007 Vans Triple Crown, veteran competitors Megan Abubo (HAW) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER) are out in front in the race for this season's title, having won the Reef Haleiwa Pro and Roxy Pro Sunset respectively.

The Trials for the Billabong Pro Maui will begin at 9:15am.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

Source: ASP

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