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January 16, 2001
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
6:15 pm Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Brazilian Guilherme Tamega Wins the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games
Guilherme Tamega created history today by winning the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games. The event, final stop of the 2001 tour was offering a handful of riders the chance to take home three different titles; Super Tour, World Qualifying Tour and Pipeline Champion. With the win here today, Tamega takes home all three titles and unprecedented feat in the sports history.
The final day was held in 3-6 feet surf accompanied by clean conditions. The smaller surf allowed competitors many chances to execute aerial acrobatics, synonymous with todays radical bodyboarding level. The smaller wave conditions also allowed riders to take waves over Backdoors shallow reef, which made contest strategy an important factor.
Many big names started falling from the start of the day. Kainoa McGee, a five time runner up at Pipeline couldnt find waves that suited his style, Mike Stewart and Andre Botha were called for a double interference, thus eliminating both of them and Hawaiian hopeful Spencer Skipper fell short one wave of advancing.
The event was offering valuable ranking points for the WQS and Super Tour. Riders competing under WQS rankings were trying to earn enough points to qualify them to next years Super Tour.
Some extremely radical riding took place all through the quarter final round. Hawaiian Jeff Hubbard took his aerial show to town and dominated his heat, one where title hopeful Joe Jordanoff wishes he could do all over. Jordanoff surfed great but fell just short and could only manage third in his heat. Heat three, with Guilherme Tamega, Alistair Taylor, Naoshi Grady and Graham Miller was the tightest of all. All four gave more than their all, but the ARS maneuvers of Tamega and deep tube riding of Grady were the edges that the judging panel were looking for.
A change of pace took place with the specialty drop knee heats. Twenty four riders would each be given the chance to surf twice and two of their best waves of each session would count towards their scores. The rider with the highest aggregated score would turn out winner. In the end David Hubbards four rides edged Kainoa McGee by just a half point. Thomas Richard of the Reunion Island finished third.
As the tide started to change waves improved and the eight remaining riders kicked up the level a couple notches. Ryan Hardy used Backdoors long tubes as his ticket to the finals, while Rui Ferreira aggressively hit section after section to launch ARSs and air rollos. Jeff Hubbards run ended as his waves never materialized enough for him to perform his airs and tubes that he perfectly executed earlier in the day. Just before heat two started, Tamega had this look on his face, the same one he would put on when he was virtually unstoppable five years ago. From his first ARS, rollo, spinner, rollo combo it was clear that he was on a roll. Ben Player found two really clean tubes, much to the judges and crowds delight. He would join Tamega, Hardy and Ferreira in the final.
The best way to describe the final is that it was an ARS Fest. Every section that had a waiting lip was used as a launching pad. Rui Ferreira managed to paddle into one good wave and it looked like he would roll from there, but nothing else really happened for him. He would end up in fourth place. Hardys smooth style that worked in previous heats had to take a back seat to Player and Tamegas constant barrage of aerial antics. Hardy continued to attack Backdoor. It was close between the Australian and Brazilian but Tamegas experience in crunch situations made the difference. He put more height to his airs, more speed to his spins and went just a bit farther on each wave. The mark of a true champion.
Tamega now possesses a fifth world title and the first of the inaugural Super Tour. Hes had his sights on regaining his crown after losing it four years ago.
This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of Rockstar Games, Bob Thomas and his family, the judges and officials, Warren Hoohuli and the thousands of spectators that came down to witness the greatest show on earth.
All latest results, interviews, heats and more can be found at https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/ or you can contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com for further information.
January 15, 2001
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
12:00 pm Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Nearly Flawless Conditions Continue as Round Two Ends at the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games
Just as heat one of round two paddled out through earth shaking liquefied slabs of death, sunbeams poked its way over the hills, which added another element of beauty to the already perfect surf at the Banzai Pipeline.
Mother Nature had saved her best face for day three of competition and as of this writing it is only getting better and better. Waves in the eight to twelve feet range with an occasional second reef monster at fifteen feet are being met with a slight trade wind.
So far heat winners include Australians Mitch Hall, Tate Martin, Troy Kneeves and Graham Miller. Californian Brian Wise easily won heat four, as did Naoshi Grady of Hawaii, in heat five. Henkus Lobsure and Sasha Specker two South African standouts in previous rounds were both eliminated. Eddie Solomon, injured with torn knee ligaments couldnt turn down the chance of riding epic, clean Pipeline and was a crowd pleaser performing a death rollo and followed that up with a late take off that led into a great wipeout. He finished third.
Round three is underway with names such as Andre Botha, Mitch Rawlins and Sean Virtue. Due to time restraints only two heats of round four will be held today.
Stay tuned for more results and as usual you can find all your informational needs at our event web site https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/ and, you can view a live web cast by clicking on the provided link on the events home page. The web cast is being brought to you by the people at Pixelworld.net and the final event of the 2001 Tour has been made possible thanks to the generosity of Rockstar Games, makers of video games and cool stuff. Check them out at http://www.rockstargames.com for a truly interactive experience.
For further information you can contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com
January 12, 2001
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
7:30 am Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Small Surf Postpones Day Three of the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games
Waves in the three to four feet range, not conducive to high performance bodyboarding has prompted contest director Bob Thomas to postpone the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games.
Forecasts are calling for a new swell to arrive Monday accompanied by favorable winds. Day three will feature round two of the main event, where the 33rd through 48th seeded riders are placed. They will try to fight off hungry trialists that have upset many seeds during the precedent round. Main event rounds three and four will most likely be held as well. While the level of riding has already been high, this is where the worlds crme de la crme enters and where serious shifts in rankings will take place.
The event is the last stop of the 2001 tour and will crown two champions. It acts as a Global Qualifying Tour event and Super Tour stop. Some riders are trying to gain points on the GQT to qualify for next years Super Tour. Currently, Australians Jason Hazle and Joe Jordanoff lead both tours.
A live broadcast of the event will be available via the Internet. Along with the live broadcast, the public will be able to celebrate the crowning of the tour champions at the event wrap up party that will take place at Hawaiis infamous World Caf. For further information on the live broadcast, party and all your informational needs log on to the events web site at https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/ While youre at it visit our event sponsor at http://www.rockstargames.com the very people that have been extremely generous and behind this great event from the beginning. You can also contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com for further information.
January 11, 2001
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
7:15 am Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Clean Conditions Blesses Day Two of the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games
Competitors, fans and spectators will witness day two in consistent surf between eight to twelve feet at the infamous Banzai Pipeline, lieu of the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games. Sunny skies and light trade winds should make for a beautiful day of competition, starting with the final round of the heavily contested trials round. Competition begins at 8:15 am local time.
Action should be heavy all day long especially with many big names entering competition. Main event round one features Californian Brian Wise who is considered one of the best big wave riders in the world. David Hubbard and Vaj Lederer will be flying the Hawaiian flag and will be joined by 2000 drop knee world champion Xavier Canneson from the island of Martinique, in the West Indies.
Each rider will compete in heats that are nineteen minutes long and will be scored on their three best waves. They are allowed to catch a maximum of ten waves per heat. With short heat periods, strategy and wave selection will be critical. So far the highest score of the event has gone to Michael Avila of Venezuela.
The event is the last stop of the 2001 tour and will crown two champions. It also awards valuable points for both the Super Tour and Global Qualifying Tour. Australians Joe Jordanoff and Jason Hazle are currently leading the rankings. About a half dozen riders in each race can take home the title, thus making this year the tightest race ever. This will also add to the events excitement.
Contest results and reports will be posted on the contest web site so make sure to log on for further information. https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/
For further information please contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com
January 10, 2002
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
7:21 am Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games Postponed Due To Unfavorable Conditions
Yesterdays rapid rising swell that battered the North Shore of Oahu quickly dissipated to victory at sea when afternoon sea breezes picked up steam. Winds out of the southwest calmed down around nine pm local time then picked up again during the night, chopping up whatever swell was left. Currently it is victory at sea.
Contest organizers have already completed day of a scheduled four days. While the events waiting period runs until the 17th, contest director and forecasters are predicting for much cleaner conditions later today and a good chance of resuming competition tomorrow, starting with the final round of trials and early rounds of the main event.
The Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games is the last stop of the 2001 tour and will crown two champions. It is acting as both Super Tour and Global Qualifying Tour event, which both havent crowned their champions but are being led by Australians Joe Jordanoff and Jason Hazle. There are at least a dozen contenders for the titles, so action should be hot and tightly contested in what is the closest and most open race in tour history.
Check out the events web site for more details, updates, interviews, madness, message board and more.
For further information please contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com
January 9, 2002
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
7:21 am Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games Postponed
A rapidly rising swell accompanied by stiffening winds out of an unfavorable direction prompted contest director Bob Thomas to postpone day two of the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games.
In just the span of fifteen minutes waves picked up from ten feet to fifteen. Ten minutes later the first signs of twenty feet plus sets came through on Pipelines third reef. This swell is expected to reach heights of twenty-five feet and higher.
According to DB Dunlap this storm front is about twelve hours ahead of schedule and should maintain its intensity through tomorrow. Winds look like they will pick up through the day and also maintain an unfavorable direction. Thomas thinks Friday will be the next day with any real chance of re-starting competition.
Day two will feature the fourth and final round of the mens trials and rounds one and two of the main event. Some big names such as Brian Wise, Dave Hubbard, Jarrett Lau, Lanson Ronquillio and Cedric Dufaure will be featured in those rounds.
Log on to our website at https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/ for more information, interviews, stories, message board and more.
For further information contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com
January 8, 2002
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
7:41 am Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games is on in perfect conditions
Waves ranging from twelve to sixteen feet face on a consistent basis grace the first day of the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games.
Round one of the men's trials will take place starting 8 am local time.
For the first time in the events history the highly contested trials are being held at Pipeline. Competitors from Hawaii, South Africa, Europe, Australia and as far away as the Reunion Island are here to compete. The event offers both Super Tour points and Global Qualifying Tour points. Australians Joe Jordanoff and Jason Hazel currently lead both tours respectively.
Stay tuned for more information as it develops.
You can always log on to https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/ to check out the latest news, results, message board and more.
For further information contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com
January 7, 2002
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
8:00 am Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games postponed for today
Waves as far as the human eye can see lined up the entire North Shore, on the island of Oahu, closing out at certain breaks. The area normally known as Pipeline where the event is to take place was nothing but mountains of white water. Waves up to 40 feet face are expected throughout the day and continue.
Contest director Bob Thomas has made it clear to everyone that they should be ready to ride some of the biggest surf, starting from the trials as surf forecasts predict more swells of the same nature in coming days.
150 riders from nations as remote as the Reunion Islands are present to compete in this 21st edition of what is considered the crown jewel of bodyboarding events. Current Global Qualifying Tour leader Jason Hazel of Australia and four-time world Champion Guilherme Tamega will battle it out for the GQT title. Hazels compatriot Joe Jordanoff currently leads the highly regarded Super Tour ratings and looks to hold that title.
Stay tuned for more updates as they develop and you can always log onto the events web site at https://mspipepro.tripod.com/mspipepro/ for more information, rider profiles, interviews, photos, interactive message board and more.
For further information contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com January 6, 2002
Pipeline, Oahu, USA
Keith Sasaki Creations USA 1
7:31 pm Hawaii Standard Time
For Immediate Release
Top names check in to the Mike Stewart International Pipeline Pro presented by Rockstar Games
The worlds best bodyboarders gathered at Ehukai Beach Park on the North Shore of Oahu to check in to the last event of the 2001 Global Organization of Bodyboarders Tour. Roughly 150 riders from the United States, Hawaii, Europe and as far away as South Africa will be competing at the world famous Banzai Pipeline.
The event acts as a Global Qualifying Series (GQS) and prestigious Super Tour stop. Four-time world champion Guilherme Tamega of Brazil currently leads the GQS and has a good shot at adding a fifth world title to his resume. Super Tour leader, Joe Jordanoff of Australia hopes to stay ahead of the highly energized Tamega and capture his first major title.
Sixteen riders off each tour have been seeded into at least the second day of competition. Familiar names such as Mike Stewart, Jeff Hubbard, Kainoa McGee, Steve MacKenzie and last years winner Andrew Lester are part of this list.
Competition is scheduled to start January 7th through the 16th. Admission to the event is free.
A web site dedicated to the contest will be launched. Stay tuned for its URL.
For further information contact Keith Sasaki at mspipepro@yahoo.com
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