The 2010 Billabong Pro Tahiti will forever retain significance as the last event won by the late, great Hawaiian surfer, Andy Irons before his tragic and unexpected passing last November.
"AI's" triumphant march to the winner's dais at the break he commanded and won on multiple occasions was his first ASP World Tour victory in nearly three years and it appeared to ignite the same competitive hunger and confidence that took him to his three consecutive world titles.
It's fair to say many of the world's current top 32-ranked surfers will think of AI regularly during their annual Tahitian campaign. As close friend, training partner and rival, Joel Parkinson said during the Billabong Pro opening press conference: "Andy was all about balls-to-the-wall surfing out at Teahupo’o, I think he was probably the best out here. It will definitely be a special week and it will be emotional.”
This webisode includes interviews from the surfers who competed against Andy, interviews with his friends, vision of some Andy's most memorable and unforgettable Teahupo'o sessions and a look back at the highlights from his 2010 win.
The Billabong Pro Tahiti runs from August 20 – 31.
ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Ricardo dos Santos (BRA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Heiarii Williams (PYF)
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 10: Damien Hobgood (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Want more?
- Follow the Billabong Pro Tahiti at redbull.com
- Check out Billabong's Pro site
- Visit the official ASP World Tour site
- Go to RedBull.com’s surfing section
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