Surfer eliminated from pro tour

Umina surfer Drew Courtney has been eliminated from the Association of Professional Surfers World Tour after finishing out of the top 32.

Courtney needed to secure a place in the top 32 in order to earn a spot for the remaining four events of the year.

The local surfer failed to secure a place in round three of the Billabong Pro Tahiti event late last month, bowing out in round two against fellow Australian Chris Davidson.

Courtney managed to earn a spot in the second round after competing against Hawaiian Dusty Payne and fellow Australian and Central Coast resident Adrian Buchan of Avoca in the first round.

Hawaiian surfer Andy Irons went on to win the event.

The defeat has seen Courtney eliminated in the ASP's field reduction and relegated back to Prime and Star events.

He is one of nine Aussies to fail to qualify for the remainder of the word tour and one of 13 surfers from the starting pack.

Courtney has also been selected to represent Australia in the world amateur titles to be held in Peru later this year and is one of only two Australians who will compete in the event.

Website, 21 Sep 2010 Association of Surfing Professionals