KEALA CROWNED OP PRO CHAMPION other
Bruce Irons wins men's repercharge; moves back into competition.

JUNE 20

Keala Kennelly was crowned the OP PRO other women's champion today, after defeating Rochelle Ballard in head high surf at Macaroni's. Kennelly continually positioned herself for clean, deep and long tuberides. Rochelle rode long waves as well, but wasn't able to get the lengthy tube sections. "I'm just really stoked to have won the OP PRO today," said Kennelly. "I was honored to surf with you guys (the other girls). You all ripped."

Kennelly received $20,000 for her victory. Added to the $2500 that she won a few days ago in extremely powerful 8' left barrels, Kennelly's total take for the OP PRO other was $22,500. "That day was awesome," explained Kennelly, referring to the big day. "At first I was getting really angry at myself. I kept eating it. I knew there were a lot of xpectations on me in the big stuff, because of my reputation at Teahupoo and in Hawaii. Finally, after I asked for an extension in the heat, I just told myself to calm down. Then I made one really insane one, and from then on out, I was on it."

But that was another day, and today offered up rippable lefts at Macaroni's for the men as well. In the "2nd chance" repercharge heat, Bruce Irons took out the competition in much the same way as Kennelly. The younger Irons
secured his spot in the men's semi-final with Andy Irons and Mark Occhilupo by finding himself on dry end of the biggest and best barrels. Tim Curran and CJ Hobgood tied for 2nd, with Shane Dorian getting last in the heat.
Bruce earned himself a cool 5 Gs for effort.

Tomorrow, all signs point to another day of competition. The armada is sailing towards HTs tonight. With a cooperating swell and wind, the men's semi-final and final may be held. An "expression session" heat may also be
held (time permitting), with the $5000 winners check being donated to the Mentawai people via Surf Aid (www.surfaid.com).

Official results from day 10:

WOMEN'S FINAL

1.      Rochelle Ballard-$20,000
2.      Keala Kennelly

MEN'S REPERCHARGE

*       1)Bruce Irons-$5000
*       2)Tim Curran
*       2)CJ Hobgood
*       4)Shane Dorian

--Scott Bass

BLUETORCH TV on FOX SPORTSNET TV schedule for the OP PRO MENTAWAIS
Tentative exact dates:

*       SEPTEMBER 10-snow at 4pm and 2am
*       SEPTEMBER 24-28 at 4pm and 2am

Check out event coverage on OP.COM

For more information go to http://www.surfermag.com

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