Bobby Martinez wins Billabong Pro Tahiti

In his first year on the tour, Bobby Martinez (USA) has turned the surfing world on its head by beating a host of established pro tourers to claim his first-ever major ASP event, winning the 2006 Billabong Pro Tahiti.
The win propels Martinez into second place on the ASP ratings and places him well within striking distance for a full on assault at the 2006 crown. Incumbent Kelly Slater, who suffered a massive wipeout in his quarterfinal and broke his ribs, said, "I probably won't go to Fiji if I feel this way a week or five days from now. That would give me a break until Mexico comes at the end of June so I'll just see how we go. Fiji can get pretty big waves, you get some serious thrashings at Cloudbreak, so I wouldn't want to be feeling like this and do more internal damage." Full report at Beyond Boarders.

Tavarua/Namotu-Fiji Globe is May 21-June 2, 2006.