Maldives Promotion House – From the Four Seasons Surfing Champions Trophy, at Sultan’s Point, Mark Occhilupo, better known as Occy, has triumphed in the Single Fin division. The former world surfing champion from the Australian Gold Coast defeated Layne Beachley, in off-shore, one metre waves.

The inaugural event was coloured by historic match-ups between six former world champions, who all drew clean lines across the reef break waves, showcasing the single fin surfing style of the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Among the six surfers who own an impressive 20 world titles between them, the 45 year old Occy, dominated the final with his trademark backhand top to bottom turns to leave the 39 year old, seven-time world champion Beachley, requiring a near perfect 9.57 on the final siren.

“I felt pressure for sure,” Occy said. “Layne beat Damien in the semis and she was surfing great on that single fin. She got a couple of good waves in the final too, but I was lucky to get the better ones.”

 “It really has been the best couple weeks I have ever had,” said Occy. “My last surf before the Maldives was in eight to ten feet Chopes. Then to come straight to the Maldives and win the single fin event when I haven’t surfed on a single fin in about 25 years is just incredible.

“I’m so stoked my shaper Jason Stephenson ‘JS’ shaped me a really good board. I’m ecstatic right now and feel primed to take out the entire event,” Occy noted.

The only female competitor among the six, Beachley, proved her talent in the class field, finishing second overall and causing the elimination of two time world champion Hardman in a close fought semi-final.

“It was such a pleasure to be competing against my idols,” Beachley said. “The only female in an all male crew and to make the final against Occy was just awesome, he is one of my heroes.”

“I just hope Dooma (Damien Hardman) talks to me at dinner tonight,” Beachley humoured. In the second semi Occy eliminated the 30 year old 2006 world longboard champion Josh Constable, after a tight tussle in a wave-challenged semi. Constable was holding priority in the dying minutes and only required an achievable six-point ride to advance, but poor positioning robbed him of the opportunity.

The 2011 Surfing Champions Trophy by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives and Tropicsurf is the single most important surfing event of this year. The event is co-sponsored by HSBC, Billabong, Wataniya Telecom Maldives, Surfing World and Singapore Airlines.

Single Fin Division Results

Final Match – Mark Occhiupo (15.66) defeated Layne Beachley (11.67)
1^st Semi Final – Layne Beachley (14.23) defeated Damien Hardman (14.00)
2^nd Semi Final – Mark Occhilupo (14.07) defeated Josh Constable (10.84)