Irons advances at
Teahupoo surf meet
TEAHUPOO, Tahiti >> Reigning world and defending Billabong Pro Teahupoo champion Andy Irons of Kauai dominated the field with a near-perfect Round 3 performance yesterday at the $250,000 World Championship Tournament.
Irons faced local wildcard Hira Terinatoofa in one of the day's most anticipated clashes. The lead swung following opening rides, but Irons posted scores of 9.7 and 10 for the highest combined tally so far with 19.7 out of a possible 20.
Irons will next face 2001 event winner Cory Lopez.
Hawaii's Conan Hayes had the day's biggest upset, eliminating No. 2 Joel Parkinson of Australia.
Other Hawaii surfers advancing were Kalani Robb, whose posted 18.77 points in defeating Brazil's Paulo Moura, and Shane Dorian, who beat Taylor Knox.
Billabong Pro