Posted on: Thursday, April 15, 2004

Irons moves to No. 1 in surf rankings

Advertiser News Services

Two-time defending world champion Andy Irons of Kaua'i did not win the Rip Curl Pro yesterday, but still moved into the No. 1 ranking on surfing's 2004 World Championship Tour.

The final day of the contest was completed in 4-foot waves at Bells Beach, Australia.

Irons won his quarterfinal heat over Australia's Toby Martin, but was eliminated in the semifinals by Australia's Joel Parkinson.

Parkinson scored a perfect 10 ride in the victory over Irons, then went on to defeat Taj Burrow in the final to win the $30,000 top prize.

Irons received $10,000 and took over the top spot in the overall ratings. Yesterday's contest was the second of 12 on the 2004 tour.

Irons has 1,908 points. Parkinson is second with 1,800.

"The tour is a marathon, not really a sprint," Irons said. "I just want to keep the momentum flowing throughout the year and keep it up."