RIP CURL CUP UPDATE

Heat three of the Rip Curl Cup was then rescheduled, allowing competitor Dean Morrison (Aus) more time to recover from his serious wipeout at Backdoor Pipeline yesterday. The Australian went headfirst into the deadly reef, splitting his head open and requiring an ambulance, as well as numerous staples to put him back together. While on-site this morning prepared to paddle out, it was agreed to push his heat with 1999 world champion Mark Occhilupo (Aus) and Paulo Moura (Brz) to the end of the round, and consequently grant him at least a day's rest now.

2000 world champion Sunny Garcia (Haw), who won last week's Van's Hawaiian Pro WQS event at nearby Haleiwa, collected another win this morning. Opponents Mick Fanning (Aus) and Rodrigo Dornelles (Brz) were both unable to catch more than a single ride, as opposed to the Hawaiians' three.

"I think it was unfair out there," explained an unimpressed Garcia afterward. "The guys in my heat couldn't even catch waves. We shouldn't have to surf these kinds of conditions, knowing that the waves are going to become too big during the day."

2002 World Qualifying Series (WQS) champion Jake Paterson (Aus) then won the final heat surfed, defeating fellow countryman Joel Parkinson and Brazilian Victor Ribas. While conditions become out of control during the match, both Australians picked off a couple of long rides and carved their way through the treacherous lineup. The 29-year-old advanced after using a new 7'6" surfboard for the first time.

"The wind is blowing into it now, which makes it really hard to turn on the bigger ones," said Paterson. "I had a good time, but was cleaned up some big ones (laughs). I love it.

"It got really big during the middle of our heat," he continued. "It's not really contestable now, as it's too big, but it was fun at the start. I knew the swell was coming, so I tried to get a couple straight away. I'm stoked to be in round three."

Current #2 Luke Egan, who remains Australia's best hope at stopping Andy Irons (Haw) claim his maiden world title, discussed conditions with the Hawaiian and together they encouraged organizers to postpone remain heats. With heat #7 (the sixth of the day following #3's rescheduling) already in the water, it was agreed to cancel the heat and wait for more controlled surf.