2003 Boost Mobile Pro at Lowers

September 4, 2003 (Lower Trestles, CA, USA) Californian Taylor Knox today set the pace in the Boost Mobile Pro of Surf presented by Quiksilver. Round one of the US$250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) was completed, with the first two heats of the second elimination round also decided this afternoon.

Clean 4ft (1.3m) surf was on offer at the famed Californian break, with a good right and lefthand peak setup. A beautiful sunny day greeted the start of mainland America's most important surfing event.

Knox, who grew up surfing Trestles and the surrounding area, displayed great form over Flavio Padaratz (Florianopolis, Brz) and Lee Winkler (Coffs Harbour, Aus). The powerful natural footer finished equal third in the last WCT at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, and continued his good run by locking in a 9.0, followed by another 8.83 to secure the day's highest combined two-wave total of 17.83-points. His smooth arcs had those present cheering him on, and served as strong warning to all contestants.

"It was just one of those heats," laughed Knox, after fellow competitor Nathan Hedge (Aus) congratulated him on the great performance. "When I got my first wave and it had a glassy face, I was pretty stoked and knew I could get a big score. I grew up surfing this wave - since I was 15 - and it's one of my favorite spots.

"Yeah, that got me on a good run, even though there's been a long break," he added, of his semifinal finish last month. "I was a little nervous today as all my friends were on the beach, but my daughter showed up and it made me feel really comfortable."

Keiren Perrow (c) Bass

One of the day's most anticipated clashes proved worthy as Jake Paterson (West Australia) held off reigning world champion Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) and wildcard Rob Machado (Cardiff, CA). In somewhat of a rematch of their 2000 final at Trestles in which Irons won, Paterson unleashed his trademark forehand carves and even landed a small backhand aerial on his best lefthander for the win. The Kauaian required an 8.57 toward the end, and while he managed his best ride next, it scored slightly short of the mark for an 8.33.

"I had nothing to lose out there against Andy and Rob, and the waves were pumping," explained Paterson. "I knew I needed two bombs, so I just waited. Luckily I got an 8.0 on my first ride, and then did a little backside boost on a left, so I was just going for it. It's always good to beat Andy and he's so hard."

Irons then eliminated Machado in their second round 'losers' heat this afternoon. The pair sat for twelve and a half minutes without either catching a wave, so the heat had to be re-started. When it was, the Kauaian wasted no time picking off a great lefthander and belted it for the top score of 7.83. While Machado caught more rides and was surfing with his usual flow and finesse, he was unable to increase scores past a 7.1 for the lead. Irons, meanwhile, played it smart and held priority until the end, ensuring he would catch the better ride if it came.

"Yeah, definitely," acknowledged Irons, of being nervous. "He's such a fierce competitor. I just had to be smart and not make a lot of mistakes. We had to have a re-start, and I've never been in one of those, so it kind of freaked me out at the beginning. But then it came down to the wire. I knew if he got a good wave near the end he could get a big score. I just had to hold him off as best I could.

"I'm feeling good and psyched," he added. "It was probably good to have an extra heat out here and get more used to the lineup. I can't wait for my next round."

Six-time world champ Kelly Slater (FL, USA) was another standout, defeating explosive wildcard Bruce Irons (Kauai, Haw) and good friend Pat O'Connell (CA, USA). The Floridian won the last WCT in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, to move into #2 on the current ratings and today posted a 9.07 and the second highest combined total for 17.67-points. Irons turned on toward the end of the match and collected an 8.93 with a huge frontside air, and then another 8.13 to narrowly finish runner-up.

"I literally hadn't surfed a wave for three weeks until that heat, but Trestles is one of the easiest waves in the world," explained Slater. "I didn't feel I surfed great then, but after a few weeks off there's obviously going to be some warming up to do. I'm still riding the same board I had at J-Bay. I wasn't that prepared for the heat, but hopefully the waves continue to be like this or better."

Brazilian Neco Padaratz created an early lead and maintained it over Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, Aus) and young Quiksilver wildcard Dane Reynolds (CA, USA). The 27-year-old collected two high scoring rides at the outset, and though both opponents also landed some aerial maneuvers and kept the pressure on, Padaratz ultimately advanced.

"It's always tough against Parko and the wildcards," said Padaratz. "The young guys coming up are really hungry and want to show everyone what they can do, so I knew it would be really hard. I just tried to stay relaxed and knew all the set waves would be good. I'm really happy."