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Boardfolio.com >> ASP World Tour News >> Irons & Giant Killer Holmes Primed For Classic Rematch

South African wildcard Sean Holmes ready to battle Andy Irons in Round 3. Billabong Pro (July 15-25 July 2003) www.billabongpro.com Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) www.aspworldtour.com World Championship Tour (WCT) Press Release Irons & Giant Killer Holmes Primed For Classic Rematch Wednesday July 16, 2003 (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) Reigning world champion Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) and South African wildcard Sean Holmes are primed to surf a highly anticipated third round rematch in the Billabong Pro. The US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) resumed this morning with remaining round one heats, and then five heats of the second elimination round were completed. Offshore winds and 4ft (1.3m) surf was on offer at Supertubes this morning, but as the wind subsided, glass-like conditions and perfect waves rolled through the lineup on another warm, sunny day at Jeffreys Bay. Holmes - from nearby Wilderness - actually failed to secure a spot in the main event after placing third in his Von Zipper Trials heat yesterday. Following the withdrawal of an ill Kalani Robb (Haw) this morning, however, fortune favored the 25-year-old since he was next in line. After racing the two-hour drive to Jeffreys from his home, he went to battle against Brazilians Guilherme Herdy and Danilo Costa, quickly establishing a commanding lead. The powerful natural footer appeared at ease; selecting superior waves and surfing confidently to advance directly into round three for a classic rematch with Irons. Against the Kauaian in last year's Billabong Pro, Holmes put aside nerves to display an all-class act, progressing through to the quarterfinals where he was eventually stopped despite opening with a perfect 10-point ride. Nonetheless, the South African gained plenty of attention and all eyes will again be focused his way as he attempts to better the result in 2003. "I raced back down this morning as it's obviously very exciting for me," explained Holmes after the win, of receiving news he was back in. "It all seems a little over-hyped to me right now, since I've only made one heat, but it's good for a South African to make it. I just have to put everything aside, as there's a lot harder heats to come. "These guys are surfing events all the time and are in the competitive state of mind," he added of the international field. "For me to come into this event, it takes a couple of heats just to get into that sync and up to the same level. Once I'm there I feel fine and confident. There's nobody here I don't feel I could beat. It'll be nice to surf with Andy again. Now that he's the world champ he's the guy to beat, and if you're going to, why not here at Jeffreys? Hopefully I can put it all together and just enjoy surfing out there." Irons, who was beaten in round one yesterday, eliminated VZ Trials wildcard Warwick Wright (Durban, SAfr) in round two and thus ensured a rematch with Holmes. Respectful of his upcoming opponent, the Kauaian offered nothing but praise for Holmes and added his own excitement in trying to peg one back for last year. "I'm really happy to just make that heat," began Irons. "I'm sure Sean will be a really hard guy to beat. He's probably one of the top guys in this competition to win it, so it'll be an all out affair. Hopefully I catch good waves and surf smart, and don't make many mistakes. "He got me last year really good," he continued. "He surfs really well out here, but I just have to take it as another heat. Anything can happen, but I'll be out there with an open mind and take it wave for wave. He's a cool guy and super nice. A full gentleman and I've known him for a long time. Should be a good heat and I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully it brings my surfing up, as I know he'll be on fire." WCT 'rookie' Luke Stedman (Whale Beach, Aus) caused an upset this morning by defeating six-time world champion Kelly Slater (Fl, USA) and Brazilian Neco Padaratz (Florianopolis) in round one. The Australian has been surfing great all year, but until now was yet to progress through a heat. The 26-year-old remained calm against his daunting opponents, however, and laid down some great maneuvers. Padaratz came on strong toward the end, but ultimately wasn't able to catch 'Steds'. "To win against someone like Kelly - a six-time world champion and one of my favorite surfers - it's a heat to remember for sure," said Stedman. "It's amazing just to be here at Jeffreys. It's one of those places you're so excited to go to, especially after seeing it on TV the past couple of years. Finally making it this year and drawing Kelly and Neco and winning... I can't explain the feeling. It's awesome (laughs)." Slater - who missed a connecting flight out of New York due to increased airport security and arrived a day late for the Billabong Pro - made up for the early loss this morning by posting the best scores of the event his following round two clash against VZ Trials wildcard Adrian Buchan (Avoca, Aus). The Floridian only caught three waves, but posted a 9.07 on his second, and then a near-perfect 9.6 on his third and final ride for the highest combined tally so far with 18.67-points. "I was connecting via New York on my way here," explained Slater of his absence yesterday. "My bags were late off the first flight and I was cut off for the International flight. There was nothing I could do. And after my first heat this morning I was just thinking it was going to be a nightmare trip. Thankfully it turned around. I switched boards after my last heat, and this one was a bit looser and easier to surf in the pocket on smaller waves. Those waves came together really nicely for me and offered a lot of wall. "My foot feels good now and is probably at 80 percent," he continued, of the injury he's been nursing the past couple months. "I don't really have all my strength back there, but it feels OK. After a heat like that, I'm stoked to be here, despite the 54-hours it took from leaving LA (laughs). Waves like that make it worth the effort. My last big turn felt great, so it all worked out." Brazilian Flavio Padaratz was another standout today, posting an 8.5 and then heat-sealing 9.5 right at end of his match with Chris Davidson (Narrabeen, Aus) and Shea Lopez (FL, USA). The goofyfoot had fallen on a number of rides midway through the heat, put kept his cool when the final set wave approached. "It was amazing to get that last wave," acknowledged Padaratz. "I got that 8.5 at the start and then tried to get another decent wave to stay in front, but I kept falling off. Then 'Davo' was ahead near the end, so I just closed my eyes and started praying to get a wave I wouldn't fall on (laughs). Thankfully I didn't make a mistake." World #6 Mick Lowe (Windang, Aus) - who finished runner-up in last year's Billabong Pro - accounted for close friend Greg Emslie (East London) in the day's final match. The former WCT campaigner earned a spot through the VZ Trials yesterday, and despite excellent surfing, fell victim to an inconsistent ocean and Lowe's strong backhand attack. "Greg and I have traveled for the past four or five years together," said Lowe. "He had one great wave, but I was lucky enough to get another good one before the waves stopped. After making the final here last year, J-Bay's probably my favorite stop on tour, or at least second after Fiji (where he won a WCT last year). I love coming here as it's such a great surfing town and incredible wave." Following in the footsteps of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo in Tahiti, the Jeffreys Bay tournament will once again be a three-camera webcast with live streaming footage, live scores and commentary available on www.billabongpro.com or www.aspworldtour.com.

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