Run a finger down the Australian Open of Surfing entry list and some big names leap out – the event’s six-star rating and it’s timing, right at the beginning of the 2012 season, has drawn the big guns to Manly Beach. 

The top three seeds are all Aussies – world number two Joel Parkinson, world number three Owen Wright and world number four, Taj Burrow - head a list of local talent that have 2012 world title aspirations and are kick-starting their year at the Australian Open of Surfing. 

Five other surfers from Down Under are currently ranked in the elite Top 34 and will be doing battle at Manly; they are Josh Kerr (world rated number 8), Adrian “Ace” Buchan (world rated number 16), Matt Wilkinson (world rated number 20), Adam Melling and Kai Otton (world rated number 26). 

Heading the list of international entrants is the world tour’s biggest and heaviest surfer, South African powerhouse and aerial wizard, Jordy Smith. 

Stepping off the plane and onto the sand behind Smith, is two-time US Open winner Brett Simpson (USA), the incredible Gudauskas brothers, Brazilian Miguel Pupo, Portugal’s favourite surfing superstar Tiago Pires and 17 year-old Californian wunderkind, Kolohe Andino.  

And the list goes on … all in all, 144 contestants in the men’s division alone. Just one reason why the Australian Open of Surfing is billed as the biggest surf event Down Under. 

Says co-contest director and ASP Men’s World Tour competitor of 22 years, Luke Egan: “It’s great to have pro surfing back in Sydney again. For such a hardcore surf city it’s been too long. I remember growing up as a kid and there were all these huge contests in Sydney, but then they kind of dried up just as I got on tour. It’s great to finally have another big contest down there after all this time. I can’t wait!”  

For a peek at who we reckon might walk away with the surfing silverware come Finals day, check out some of the more in-depth athlete profiles here

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