WHERES WARDO? Chris Ward Withdraws From World Tour Event One

Today, Chris Ward announced his withdrawal from the 2008 Quiksilver Pro held on the Gold Coast of Australia.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008)

­ ASP World Tour surfer Chris Ward (USA) has relinquished his spot in the first event of the year, the 2008 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, to replacement surfer Nic Muscroft (AUS).

Ward, who is currently facing criminal charges after an alleged altercation outside of a bar in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. last month, will not surf the season opener, but plans to compete at the second event on the 2008 tour in Bells Beach, Australia in March. He is also slated to surf in two events of the upcoming Australian leg of the ASPıs World Qualifying Series (WQS).

As per the original statement released last month, the ASP has investigated the matter and will await the outcome of the court case before making any decisions on Wardıs eligibility to compete on tour. At present, no court dates have been set.