Posted at 4:50 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2007
Surfing stars Slater, Irons lose but not eliminated
Advertiser Staff
World surfing champion Kelly Slater of Florida and former world champion Andy Irons of Kauai were defeated but not eliminated today in the first round of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.The competition took place in 3- to 4-foot conditions at at Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta, Australia.
Julian Wilson of Australia, who gained entry as a wild card, wasted little time in his inaugural opportunity against the world's best, upset reigning and eight-time Foster's ASP World Tour champion Kelly Slater.
Slater was relegated to Round 2 while Wilson has been seeded directly into Round 3.
Slater will next meet 19-year-old local wild card Dale Richards.
Irons lost his three-man heat in second place, losing to South African Greg Emslie. He will need to survive Round 2 to advance.
