Honolulu,Hawaii, Nov. 27--MediaNet International/AsiaNet
Andersen Applies for Women's 2002 WCT Wildcard
(NYSE: ZQK) - Six-time Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Champion Kelly Slater today announced his intent to shoot for a seventh world title in 2002, during a 'comeback' press conference staged on the North Shore of Oahu. After a three-year hiatus from full-time competition, Slater's return to the World Championship Tour is being hailed as "the best thing" to happen to pro surfing in years.
Quiksilver, Slater's sponsor of 12 years, will host the first event of 2002 - the Quiksilver Pro at Kirra, Queensland, Australia, in March, and Slater wasted no time in stating that his first step to a return world title would be a win there.
"It's simple," Slater said of his comeback."I'd like to win another world title. I plan on giving myself this next year to really get back into feeling out the competition. I'd like to be involved in that level of surfing and be able to push it to give my two cents towards the ASP and world surfing."
Slater, 29, from Cocoa Beach, Florida, is the sport's most decorated athlete. Winning his maiden world title in his first season on tour in 1992, Slater became the youngest surfer to ever win the world championship at the age of 20. By his semi-retirement at the end of 1998, Slater had amassed a record six world titles and had become the highest prize money winner of the sport.
Also present at today's press conference was four-time women's world surfing champion Lisa Andersen, who is also from Florida. Andersen, 32, has applied to the ASP for a full-time wildcard return to the women's professional surfing circuit in 2002. A decision by the board is pending.
"I never wanted to retire," Lisa said."When I finished the tour in September last year, I'd just won an event and I was pretty much on top of everything - then I fell pregnant.I really wanted to come back again and this was the best time for me. Seeing how Layne (Beachley) could be tying my record, I'd love to make it harder for her."
Quiksilver Press Contacts:
USA - Andrea Feldberg (310) 710-0633
International - Kirk Willcox (808) 638-5237
For full press release and media feed co-ordinates visit www.quiksilver.com/media