Posted on: Saturday, April 14, 2001

Garcia gains fourth round of Rip Curl Pro

Advertiser Staff

Three Hawai'i surfers advanced to the fourth round of the Rip Curl Pro yesterday in 3- to 4-foot waves at Bell's Beach, Australia.

Andy Irons, Sunny Garcia and Shane Dorian all won third-round heats yesterday.

Garcia, the defending world champion, defeated six-time former world champ Kelly Slater, 23.65-23.30. Garcia, surfing with a partially torn ligament in his right knee, led from start to finish after opening the heat with a ride that received a score of 9.25 (out of 10) from the judges. Garcia will face Australian Mark Occhilupo, the 1999 world champ, in today's fourth round.

Irons and Dorian advanced with impressive victories over Brazilians: Irons defeated Fabio Gouveia, 21.15-18.65; Dorian eliminated Rodrigo Dornelles, 20.50-16.25.

Kalani Robb was the only Hawai'i surfer eliminated yesterday, losing to Australian Greg Emslie.

In the women's Sun Smart Classic, Hawai'i surfers Rochelle Ballard and Megan Abubo advanced to the quarterfinals.