2006 Boost Mobile Pro of Surf Presented by Hurley

“It’s kind of hard to judge,” said Morrison. “I just waited and there wasn’t much that could have been done I don’t think. Maybe had I gone on some other waves in that heat I might have done better but I knew I had to wait to get the good ones... but I don’t know.”

The third place finish is a “keeper” for Morrison and he’ll use the confidence gained here to launch a full on assault on the next Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour event in France.

"Even after I lost that heat I just put it behind me,” said Morrison. “ When you look at it the scheme of things I still got a good result and I’ll look forward to France."

For Burrow, the result was a big disappointment. His hopes of meeting Slater in the final in a rematch situation of the first tour event this year held on the Gold Coast, Australia, were dashed.

After being arguably the form surfer of the event and a huge crowd favorite, his roll was ended at the hands of Durbidge when he failed to complete the few quality waves he caught with his usual mind blowing flair.

"It was hard. I’m devastated,” said Burrow. “I did everything wrong and Bede [Durbidge] did everything right. He waited and got that one good wave and got the job done. I panicked and there were hardly any waves that allowed you to get any turns in. I’m just devastated. I’m so bummed. I wish I’d just calmed down and tried to pick those ones – there’s not many so you have to be selective.”

Burrow was desperate for an event win so he could stay in touch with Slater hence the emotional scenes of slapping the water with frustration when his semi was completed.

"It’s not often that I’m angry with third but it’s all about winning,” said a determined Burrow. “It’s especially tough too when Kelly’s in the final and in form. But then again it’s better than Kelly winning and me getting last so I’ll just have to move on to the next one."

The “next one” is of course the Quiksilver Pro France, held at the very scenic Hossegor in the country’s south from September 22 to October 1.

Looking at the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour ratings Slater still holds the lead with Burrow and Irons hotly contesting in second and third.

The win for Durbidge has seen him jump into the top 10.

See full ratings below.

For all the athlete quotes, audio downloads, TV feed details and heat-by-heat reports head to the media centre of www.aspworldtour.com or www.boostmobilepro.com

Results:

Round Four:
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.17 def. Danny Wills (AUS) 11.17
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.00
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.14 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 15.67
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.60 def. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 15.33
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.06 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 10.70
Heat 6: Chris Ward (AUS) 14.83 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 12.50
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.73 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.23
Heat 8: Victor Ribas (BRA) 13.83 def. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 13.10

Quarterfinals:
Quarterfinal 1: Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.50 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.67
Quarterfinal 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.13 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44
Quarterfinal 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.83 def. Chris Ward (USA) 13.27
Quarterfinal 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.10 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 9.84

Semifinals:
Semifinal 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.10 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 7.74
Semifinal 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.00 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 8.67

Final:
Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.83 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 10.84

Current Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour top 10 ratings after event number seven:
1. Kelly Slater 6141
2. Taj Burrow 5558
3. Andy Irons 4965
4. Bobby Martinez 4643
5. Taylor Knox 4470
6. Joel Parkinson 4384
7. Damien Hobgood 4367
8. Mick Fanning 4309
9. Tim Reyes 4175
10. Bede Durbidge 3939