Surrounded by security guards, who forge a path through the ensuing crowd of crazed papparazzi and hysterical fans, a small but confident brunette makes her way to the beach. But, this is no A-list, tabloid-bothering celeb: instead it's Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich, wetsuit clad, surfboard in hand and on her way to compete in the Movistar Classic in Mancora, Peru - presented by Rip Curl - which kicked off yesterday.
In Peru, native Sofia - current number one on the ASP ratings - is treated like a rockstar. So it's not surprising that the former World Champion's confidence is high at this number six of eight Women's World Tour Contests.
So could she win back her crown away from the current title holder Aussie super star Stephanie Gilmore (pictured above on day one)? Perhaps - but the results will hinge on the Movistar, with all three top seeds (Sofia, Stephanie Gilmore, Layne Beachley) competing in the Quarterfinals - which begin today at the relocated location of Lobitos, after small surf in Mancora.
Roseanna Hodge lost her quiver somewhere in Brazil, but managed to come 2nd in her Round one heat on a borrowed board - progressing her straight to Round 3
Jessi Miley-Dyer was knocked out in ninth place at round three by Rebecca Woods
Images: ASP Cestari/Covered Image
For images live results and more log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.beachbyte.com.br/eventos/mancora08
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