Big names head to Margaret River for premier surfing events

18/2/03
Western Australia's premier surfing events - the Salomon Masters and the Sunsmart Classic at Margaret River - were officially launched today in Perth.
Ken Travers, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Tourism, said events such as these were a unique way of promoting regional WA as a vibrant and dynamic tourism destination.
"Last year saw the Salomon Masters upgraded to a six-star 'Prime' World Qualifying Series (WQS) Tournament for the first time and the event is now rated as the richest WQS tournament, both in prize money and ratings points," Mr Travers said.
"This ranking brought more than 200 world-class surfers to WA to take on the powerful waves at Margaret River and it is expected that this year's event will be bigger and better than ever.
"WA's own Taj Burrow and Jake Paterson will be among 270 of the world's top surfers battling it out for an increased prize purse of $230,000.
"We also have five time world champion Lane Beechley competing against WA's own Melanie Redman-Carr in the Sunsmart Classic.
"I am also pleased to announce that a television deal has been reached with TWI Trans World Media International. A one-hour program on the Salomon Masters will be produced and distributed to 42 international networks and will be seen by 782 million viewers worldwide.
"The footage will also be seen on 15 international airlines as part of an in-flight highlights package.
"Through this exciting global coverage, the Salomon Masters will showcase the best that the South-West has to offer - fantastic beaches, great surf, blue skies, old growth forests and of course, world-class wineries."
The Salomon Masters and the SunSmart Classic will be held from April 7 and 13.
Minister's office: 9222 9699