Posted on: Saturday, December 11, 2004

Women's world champ ousted at Honolua Bay

Advertiser Staff

Peru's Sofia Mulanovich was upset in the third round of the Billabong Pro Maui women's surfing contest yesterday at Honolua Bay, Maui.

The first and second rounds, and six heats of the third round were completed in clean 4- to 6-foot waves.

Wildcard entry Rebecca Woods of Australia upset Mulanovich, 11.0-8.25. It was Mulanovich's first event as world champion. She clinched the 2004 women's world title last month at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach.

Woods advanced through four heats yesterday, including the pre-contest trials round.

"Sofia's such a good surfer and the world champ, so I won't ever take anything away from her," Woods said. "I'm just really happy with how I surfed today. Honolua Bay is definitely one of my favorite breaks now."

Hawai'i surfers Rochelle Ballard, Melanie Bartels and Keala Kennelly have yet to surf in the third round. Ballard and Bartels will face each other, and only one can advance.

Megan Abubo of Waialua was eliminated in the third round by Australian Trudy Todd.

Six-time former world champion Layne Beachley of Australia had the best waves of the day, including scores of 9.5 and 9.0. She is the leader for the 2004 women's Triple Crown of Surfing championship.

The men's Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters was postponed yesterday due to stormy conditions.