Munro beats Irons to win Rip Curl Pro - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Munro beats Irons to win Rip Curl Pro

31/03/2005 07:13:28 PM Comments (0)

After nearly four years without a tour win, journeyman Australian surfer Trent Munro managed the dream double on Thursday - Bells and a victory over reigning world champion Andy Irons.

Munro, from New South Wales, stunned Irons in the final of Australia's most prestigious surfing event, the Rip Curl Pro, held at Phillip Island instead of its usual home Bells Beach.

With Irons brilliant throughout the day in winning his fourth round, quarter-final and semi-final, the Hawaiian was hot favourite going into the final against last year's world No.30.

But the 26-year-old from Scotts Head on the NSW north coast got the rides in when they counted, with an 8 and an 8.57 halfway through the round leaving Irons needing a nine to win with the clock ticking.

The Hawaiian was unable to respond in his final ride, leaving Munro with wave priority - which he used to let the final seconds run out.

"It was pretty nerve-wracking, especially with Andy. He can get a nine so easily," Munro said.

"I just kept thinking `hurry up, hurry up' for the siren (to end the final).

"It's been a dream of mine to win Bells - I couldn't even believe being in the final.

"To win is unexplainable really."

Munro pocketed $US30,000 for Thursday's win - his first world championship tour win since his first year on the tour, 2001.

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