Among the top entries are defending world champion Ben Player of Australia, nine-time former world champion Mike Stewart from the Big Island, and Kaua'i brothers Jeff and David Hubbard.

Many of Hawai'i's top professional surfers are expected to enter, including the Pipeline "specialists" such as Jamie O'Brien, Tamayo Perry, Jamie Sterling, Kalani Chapman and Makua Rothman.

The top performers from the Monster Energy Pro are expected to receive invitations to the prestigious Pipeline Masters contest in December of 2007.

The contest features divisions for shortboard surfing, longboard surfing and bodyboarding. It is the only women's contest held at the famous Pipeline break.

BODYSURFING CANCELED

The Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic was denied a permit to run at the Banzai Pipeline in January 2007, so it has been canceled for the year.

The contest has been held at the Pipeline every year since 1971. It is considered one of the most prestigious events in the world for bodysurfing because it offers a rare opportunity for bodysurfers to ride the famous Pipeline waves.

JUNIOR TITLES AT STAKE

The Billabong World Junior Championships are scheduled to run Jan. 1 to 8 at North Narrabeen, Australia.

The contest features surfers age 21 and younger, and the winners are recognized as junior world champions by the Association of Surfing Professionals. Only 48 males and 18 females are invited to participate in the contest.

Eight Hawai'i surfers are in the junior men's division: T.J. Barron (O'ahu), Casey Brown (Big Island), Mason Ho (O'ahu), Ola Eleogram (Maui), Hank Gaskell (Maui), Granger Larsen (Maui), Torrey Meister (O'ahu) and Dusty Payne (Maui).

Two Hawai'i surfers are in the junior women's field: Coco Ho (O'ahu) and Leila Hurst (Kaua'i).

Mililani's Kekoa Bacalso won the junior men's division last year.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.