[His earlier event match-up with Andy Irons (HAW) in the quarterfinals has been claimed as being one of the best heats of all time.
Occhilupo was obviously disappointed in not going all the way, given he was so close to a shot at ringing the bell, but commented that he is still eager to compete in this event even if he decides to retire at the end of the 2006 season of the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour.
“I was a bit disappointed because I was having some problems with my equipment out there,” said Occhilupo. “But I’ve really enjoyed surfing out here today and I reckon it won’t be the last time I come back to Bells for this event. It was a great result for me at this stage of my career.”
Occhilupo was clearly the sentimental favourite of the Rip Curl Pro and huge cheers went up every time he paddled for a wave.
He even took out the Ford Ute Wave Of The Event Award for his efforts in the quarterfinal and claimed an extra $AUS1,000 for his troubles.
When he left the water after his semi he was mobbed by all and sundry as they tried to get close to their hero.
“The support from the crowd here today has been amazing,” said Occhilupo. “They’ve been behind me all the way and I’m also a little disappointed I couldn’t give them something back. I love coming here… I’d like to congratulate Kelly and Joel and thank all the crowd for coming down here today.”
All eyes will now turn to the next event on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, The Billabong Pro which kicks off in two weeks time in Tahiti.
Results:
Quarter Finals
Heat 1: Luke Stedman (AUS) 14.67 def Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 14.23 Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.40 def Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.57 Heat 3: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 18.83 def Andy Irons (HAW) 11.77 Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.00 def Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.40
Semi Finals
Heat 1: Slater 14.44 def Stedman 12.93 Heat 2: Parkinson 15.34 def Occhilupo 14.83
Final Slater 15.44 def Parkinson 13.83
Ratings after event #2 on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour:
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 3. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 4. Bobby Martinez (USA) 5. Andy Irons (HAW) 6. Taylor Knox (USA) 7. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 7. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9. Mick Fanning (AUS) 9. Damien Hobgood (USA)
