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Monday, October 23, 2000
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Brazil -- It was a historic day for Hawaii surfing here yesterday. World title to Garcia,
meet title to RobbStar-Bulletin wire services
Hawaii's Sunny Garcia clinched the 2000 Association of Surfing Professionals world title. The 15-year veteran fulfilled his dream by finishing equal third after watching closest rivals leading into the event -- Australians Luke Egan and Jake Paterson -- both eliminated in the fourth round yesterday.
Hawaii's Kalani Robb then added to the historic day by defeating 1999 Rio Surf International champion Taj Burrow of Australia in the final to win his first World Championship Tour event.
Garcia, 30, began his 2000 campaign winning back-to-back tournaments in Australia as the season commenced in March, then dominated throughout the year with consistently high results.
His extreme determination and focus saw him reach the quarterfinals, or better, in eight of 12 events, climaxing yesterday with the ultimate goal.
After winning his fourth-round match against Brazilian Fabio Gouveia yesterday, the Garcia nervously watched Egan and Paterson contest the same round, in a situation almost mirroring Australian Mark Occhilupo's position last year, when he became world champion.
Egan was first to lose, being eliminated by eventual contest winner Robb.
"I don't even know what to say," admitted an emotional Garcia surrounded by media and fellow competitors. "It's been 15 years on tour and after I lost the title in '95 I didn't think I would have another shot.
"To hold on and keep trying has been really hard, and I've just been very fortunate to have the success I've had this year.
Robb, who jumped from 18th on the ratings to 11th after securing his best result of seven years, shared Garcia's elation.
The last time he'd reached a final (1999 in Australia) was also against Burrow, but in their 30-minute decider at Barra beach the result went his way.
"I'm so happy," Robb said after his win. "I can't believe it. He was surfing so good the whole week that I knew I'd probably meet him here in the final. He usually beats me, so I'm just so stoked. I was nervous the whole time and actually thought I was going to puke. You can't expect to win when you're against Taj. You've really got to be on it, and have some luck.
"This is the best day of my surfing career," he continued. "I'd never won a WCT and Sunny won the world title. I get to share a world title with a Hawaiian and just be stoked."
Defending event champion Burrow started this year's final strong, but after breaking his board midway through the heat, was forced to use a fellow competitors' board since he had broken his spare during round four.
Although disadvantaged, the Australian had his work cut out for him regardless, especially once Robb posted an 8.0 -- the highest of the final.