Posted at 4:37 p.m., Friday, December 14, 2007
9 Hawaii 'Pipeline Specialists' ousted in third round
Advertiser Staff
One day after dominating the second round of competition in the Billabong Pipeline Masters men's surfing contest, Hawai'i's "Pipeline Specialists" struggled in the third round today.Nine of the 12 specialists in the third round were eliminated. The third round was run in wind-blown wave-faces of 5 to 10 feet at the Banzai Pipeline.
The three Hawai'i specialists advancing to the fourth round were Ian Walsh, Mikala Jones and Gavin Beschen.
Prior to the contest, 16 surfers who are considered experts at surfing the Banzai Pipeline waves were invited to compete against the world tour surfers.
In the second round on Thursday, the specialists won 12 of their 16 heats.
Among the specialists eliminated today were Roy Powers and Makuakai Rothman. They were the top Hawai'i contenders in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third event in the Triple Crown series.
Other Hawai'i surfers advancing today were T.J. Barron, and Fred Patacchia. Barron is in the event as a wildcard (sponsor's exemption); Patacchia is a world tour surfer.
World champion Mick Fanning of Australia and two-time defending Pipeline Masters champion Andy Irons of Kaua'i received byes today.
