By Press Team - Published on 9th October 2008

MANLY BEACH, Australia (Thursday, October 9, 2008) – Small surf in the one-to-two foot (0.5 metre) range on offer at Manly Beach today prompted event organizers at the Beachley Classic to postpone commencing until at least tomorrow with a possible site relocation in the coming days.




“We’re still early into the waiting period so we’re certainly not panicking,” Matt Wilson, Beachley Classic Contest Director, said. “This afternoon, we’ll be looking at the swell forecasts and assessing backup options should we decide to go mobile in the coming days. We have plenty of time and will be working to ensure that the girls compete in the best possible conditions.”

Stop No. 5 of 8 on the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Beachley Classic saw the Oakley Trials ran this morning with Tyler Wright (AUS), 14, defeating Arini Mason (NZL), 18, to earn a spot into the main event where she will draw reigning ASP Women’s World Champion and two-time defending event winner Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 20, in Round 1.

“Steph (Gilmore) is my favorite surfer and I’m excited to get the opportunity to compete against her,” Wright said. “I don’t know if they’re going to run competition again today but hopefully the waves improve.”

Event organizers will meet at 7am tomorrow to assess conditions at the main site at Manly Beach to determine a possible start to the 2008 Beachley Classic.

Layne Beachley (AUS), 36, former seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion and Beachley Classic event organizer will battle compatriots Rebecca Woods (AUS), 24, and Nicola Atherton (AUS), 22, in Heat 4 of Round 1 when competition commences.

Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 25, former ASP Women’s World Champion and just a scant 12 points behind current ratings leader Gilmore, will see Hawaiian stylist Megan Abubo (HAW), 30, and Serena Brooke (AUS), 32, in Heat 4 of Round 1.

Kicking things off for Round 1 of the Beachley Classic will be current ASP Women’s World Tour No. 5 Amee Donohoe (AUS), 27, up against Sydney-sider Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), 22, and Dream Tour veteran Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS), 33 when competition commences.

The Beachley Classic will be webcast LIVE via www.aspworldtour.com and www.swellnet.com.au/beachleyclassic08

BEACHLEY CLASSIC Round 1 Match-Ups:

Heat 1: Amee Donohoe (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
Heat 2: Samantha Cornish (AUS), Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Karina Petroni (USA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Rosanne Hodge (ZAF), Tyler Wright (AUS)
Heat 4: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Megan Abubo (HAW), Serena Brooke (AUS)
Heat 5: Layne Beachley (AUS), Rebecca Woods (AUS), Nicola Atherton (AUS)
Heat 6: Silvana Lima (BRA), Melanie Bartels (HAW), Julia De La Rosa Toro (PER)