Von Zipper Hinano Trials
Billabong Pro
Teahupoo, Tahiti
Association of Surfing Professionals
World Championship Tour
May 3 - 5th other

TAHITIAN SURFERS DOMINATE OPENING DAY OF TRIALS AT TEAHUPOO

Tahitian surfers dominated the opening day of competition in the VZ Hinano Trials, sealing 5 of the 6 quarter final berths decided before the tournament was placed on hold due to the 1.5 metre waves of Teahupoo, Tahiti, becoming too inconsistent for competition.

Local favorite, Manoa Drollet displayed his intimate knowledge of the world renowned break, with a spectacular back-side attack on the fast-breaking waves to keep his hopes a of sealing one the three Billabong Pro wildcards on offer to the trialists alive.

The 23-year-old, who finished third in the 1999 tournament to former world champion Mark Occhilupo, is regarded as 'King of the Teahupoo break' and posted the highest heat and individual wave score of today's action.A modest Manoa slotted into a 1.5 metre double barrel to score a near perfect 9.25 ride and a total heat score of 25.20 out of a possible 30.

"I was very lucky in that heat, as there was not too many waves," said Manoa.  "I managed three good rides and that made the difference.  I do surf Teahupoo a lot, in particular the last few weeks."

"I want to take this heat by heat and hope for the best.  Last year, I lost in the quarter finals of the trials so this year I will just see how it goes."

Australian surfers Brenden Margiesen (Gold Coast) and Koby Abberton (Maroubra), were out-pointed by their more experienced Tahitian
counterparts to be eliminated from the 48 man Teahupoo specialist field. Abberton, a former event winner fell victim to the expertise of former top 44 surfer Vetea 'Poto' David (Tahiti) who progressed into the quarter finals.

Byron Bay's Kieren Perrow advanced through his round one but will now take on the .  The only other remaining Australian Dylan Longbottom (Kiama, NSW) who enters in round 2.  The pair will go up against Tahitian surfers Henry Paez and Hiro Toromona when competition re-commences tomorrow morning.

Other surfers through to the quarter-finals are Hawaii's Tamayo Perry and
Tahitians Heifara Tahutini, Alain Riou and Nicolas Leetham.

Organizers are hopeful of finalizing the three wildcards tomorrow, who will
then take on the worlds top 45 surfers in the World Championship Tour (WCT) Billabong Pro.  The main event has a waiting period from May 8th to waketh.

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