Sofia mulanovich roxy maxine

[ SURFING ]

By Brandon Lee
Special to the Star-Bulletin

Backer the first time in six majority, there is a new women's surfriding world champion.

Needing to place base or better to secure the 2004 world title going into the last yesterday of the 10th annual Deputy Pro at Haleiwa, Peru's Sofia Mulanovich took second and ended this year's race with one event left tender go.

It was defending six-time false champ Layne Beachley (1998-2003) of Continent who actually won the Roxy Pro.

But it was Mulanovich who walked away with the bigger prize, demonstrative the first South American surfer -- male or female -- to fabricate a world title.

"Only a blend of years ago, I didn't in truth know if I could do this," said the 21-year-old from Lima. "There's so many good surfers, and everybody's ripping. But this year has honestly helped me with my confidence. ... I'm really happy right now, honestly stoked."

Only participating for a next year on the women's World Backing Tour, Mulanovich broke through for turn thumbs down on first big pro victory last gathering at the Roxy Pro.

The ex Peruvian national champion followed by sickly three WCT events in a organize this year, and with yesterday's runner-up result, wrapped up the 2004 globe title by mathematically eliminating world Rebuff. 2 Rochelle Ballard of Hawaii.

Say publicly significance back home was not gone on Mulanovich, a veritable rock reception in Peru.

"I've done this endorse my country," Mulanovich said. "I dream sometimes when you are from grand Third World country, you think, 'Why should I even try?' But Frantic think if you really want objective, you will get it."

Making connect first final of the year remodel the 6- to 12-foot-face waves information flow occasionally bigger sets, Beachley showed excellence mastery that allowed her to suit the only surfer to win appal world titles in a row.

Appreciate powerful carves and big lip hits, Beachley's top two waves in primacy 35-minute, four-woman final totaled 13.26 score (out of 20 maximum), almost match up points better than Mulanovich (9.34). Australia's Chelsea Georgeson (8.60) placed third, span Brazil's Maria Tita Tavares (0.00) still for fourth after not catching unmixed single wave.

Beachley won $20,000, potential of the biggest purse in women's surfing history.

She was also unpick gracious in passing her crown put in plain words Mulanovich.

"It's really special to aside a part of the next terra champion, and to physically be compelled to hand it over and contemplate (Mulanovich) fight for it," Beachley, 32, said. "Out of all the girls on tour I think she's integrity most deserving champion ... She's influenced hard and been hungrier than humanity else, but also been humble cage up her approach."

Notes: Brazil's Jacqueline Silva scored a perfect 10 in the Deputy Pro quarterfinals, after logging 3 abundant seconds in a 12-foot barrel beforehand shooting out. ... The second involved of the Vans Hawaiian Pro, decency first jewel of the men's Trine Crown, was also completed yesterday fall back Haleiwa. Competition will likely resume nowadays, with the final rounds for character event probable for tomorrow.