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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 16, 2005

SURF SPOT
Conditions look swell for Pipeline, Billabong

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

After almost a week of flat conditions on O'ahu's North Shore, waves are expected to rise again this weekend for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is expected to resume this weekend at the Banzai Pipeline.

Two more days of competition are required, and waves are predicted to arrive on O'ahu's North Shore today through Monday. Contest officials will run the event on the two days when conditions are best.

The Pipeline Masters completed its first round last Saturday, but has not run since.

Among the surfers in the contest are seven-time world champion Kelly Slater of Florida and Hawai'i standouts Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Sunny Garcia and Pancho Sullivan.

The Pipeline Masters is the third of three events in the Triple Crown series. Sullivan, who won the first event at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach, is the current leader in the Triple Crown standings. Australia's Jake Paterson, who won the second event at Sunset Beach, is second in the Triple Crown standings.

The Triple Crown championship is awarded to the best overall performer in the three North Shore events.

For daily status of the contest, call 596-7873 or visit triplecrownofsurfing.com.

WOMEN ALSO SET TO RESUME ON MAUI

The Billabong Pro Maui women's contest also is expected to run this weekend at Honolua Bay.

The 2005 women's world championship will be determined at the contest. Australia's Chelsea Georgeson and Peru's Sofia Mulanovich are the two surfers in contention.

The Billabong Pro Maui needs only one more day of competition.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.