Mon Mar 16 2009 08:15:00

NOOSA HEADS, Australia (Monday, March 16, 2009) - Top seeds dominated the ASP Pro divisions at the GSI Noosa Festival of Surfing today with French surfer Antoine Delpero and Australia’s Chelsea Williams both comfortably advancing to tomorrows Quarterfinals

Delpero won his Round 3 heat of the Golden Breed Men’s Pro displaying his smooth style through excellent nose rides and a full array of powerful on face manoeuvres.

On a final heat total of 15.75 out of a possible 20, he defeated wildcard surfer Ian Bell (AUS) on 14.90.

“It’s a fun wave at first point but I think all the pros are hoping for a swell increase for the final day as it can be very inconsistent out there," Delpero said.

Christian Wach (USA/Cal/San Clemente) was the highest-scoring Round 3 heat winner and he is more than happy for conditions to remain the same after posting the events only perfect 10 point ride along with an outstanding heat tally of 18.50 out of a possible 20.

“I’m a nose-riding specialist and my primary focus here is the Noserider Pro division but when the waves are small and perfectly peeling like today I’ll ride the nose forever and definitely have an advantage," Wach said.

Biggest upset was the elimination of the event’s No. 2 seed Harley Ingelby (AUS), who placed 4th in his heat behind Tony Silvagni (USA)and Jesse Jerrems (AUS).

Ingelby struggled all heat to find a wave that linked together and with inconsistent conditions was never in contention.

Chelsea Williams relied on her outstanding 9 point ride to see her through to the Quarterfinals of the Banana Boat Pro.

Williams was under pressure mid heat, but found a long walling wave and surfed it superbly with long clean noserides which were rewarded with a 9-point ride.

Despite that score, Williams still only advanced to the Quarterfinals in second place behind fellow Tweed Coast, NSW surfer Tessa Davidson who won the heat on 12.65 to Williams on 12.60.

“I was lucky to get that wave which gave me the score to advance," Williams said. “I’m confident I can win here if the waves pick up a little, when it’s this small and you’re surfing quarters or semi finals it almost gets down who picks off the better wave."

Defending Banana Boat Pro champion Jennifer Smith (USA/Cal/San Diego) overcame a shaky start to her Round 3 heat to comfortably advance.

Tomorrow’s Quarterfinals across both divisions will begin early morning to take advantage of the clean dawn wind conditions with a slight swell pulse hoping to see the finals surfed at First Point Noosa Heads.

The backup venue is near the Noosa Heads rivermouth but has not been required as yet.