Abubo first in Portugal surf

Advertiser Staff

Megan Abubo of Waialua won the women's division of the Figueira Pro yesterday at Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

Abubo defeated Australian Samantha Cornish in the one-on-one final, which was completed in 1- to 2-foot waves.

"I'm so stoked," said Abubo, 24. "It's been a hard week and the waves have been really small ... but it's a major confidence boost for me since I haven't been doing too well on tour this year."

Abubo took control of the 30-minute final early, earning scores of 6.0 and 7.25 on her first two waves. She finished with a total of 17.75 for her three best waves to Cornish's 16.50.

"I knew the waves were going to get worse throughout the whole heat," Abubo said. "(Cornish) is such a good surfer, but I got lucky to find those waves at the start."

Earlier in the day, Abubo defeated four-time defending world champion Layne Beachley of Australia in the semifinals.

Abubo earned $10,000 for the victory, and moved up six spots to No. 8 in the women's World Championship Tour standings.

Through four of six events on this year's tour, Melanie Redman-Carr of Australia is ranked No. 1 with 2,560 points. Abubo and Keala Kennelly of Kaua'i are tied for eighth with 1,750.

The men's division did not run heats yesterday. Hawai'i surfers Andy Irons and Kalani Robb remain in contention in the fourth round.