2003 Nova Schin Festival

2003 World Championship Tour (WCT)

October 29, 2003 (Joaquina, Florianopolis, Brasil)

The Nova Schin Festival WCT Brasil again went mobile today, relocating to nearby Caldeirao beach. Remaining round one heats of the US$250,000 ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) were completed, before the first three heats from the 'losers' second round unfolded. Remaining heats were then postponed as storm clouds moved in and drenched the thousands who had also made the journey to watch.

Onshore winds and stormy 3-4 ft (1.3m) surf was again on offer at the main site of Joaquina this morning, but after evaluating the surrounding area, organizers opted for Caldeirao - further south at the tip of Florianopolis Island. Good 4-6 ft (1.3-2m) peak conditions greeted competitors.

Reigning world champ Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) today survived a close 'losers' round match-up against local wildcard Fabricio Machado. The Kauaian fell a number of times and selected some poor rides, before finally locking in the low scoring heat's best ride for a 6.0 near its end. His opponent only required an equally small score during the final 2-minutes, but was unable to catch a thing. Despite the win, Irons was still visibly disappointed with his performance.

"I don't know what's happened, the good luck from last year has turned bad this year," began Irons, after the nerve-racking heat. "That was a really close one and I'm just glad he didn't catch a wave at the end, since he only needed a little bit. The waves were good, kind of like Duranbah (Aus) and really wedgey. I just hope I can get some rhythm going. I've felt kind of shaky lately, so I want to get back on a good roll.

"It's the only board I have left," he explained, of the equipment he rode which seems to be giving him problems. "I brought three boards here, but broke one and buckled the other already. All three were new and I haven't liked the feel of them. They have the same dimensions as I usually ride, but have just felt weird in Brazil. I'm going to try and borrow a board for my next heat.

"It's all good and makes for good press," he added, of the ratings lead swinging last week in Spain. "Just seeing my name next to Kelly Slater's name in surfing is kind of like being compared to Michael Jordan in basketball, so I think it's a compliment. It's a good race and hopefully it goes down to the last contest (in Hawaii)."

Californian Taylor Knox also emerged victorious after a tight battle with reigning two-time national Brazilian champ Leonardo Neves. The lead swung toward the end, but Knox was able to secure a round three berth and keep his Nova Schin Festival WCT Brasil campaign alive.

"I guess I waited around a lot while he got a couple on the inside," said Knox. "I'd been watching it earlier and thought I knew where it was breaking. At the end I was getting frustrated, especially when he took the lead, but I made sure I caught another ride."