New Zealand's Paige Hareb has been thrown into the deep end for her first taste of elite world surfing in Hawaii this week.
Following her recent qualification for next year's ASP women's world championship tour, Hareb earned a wildcard invitation for the final leg of this year's tour
- the Billabong Pro at Honolua Bay.
Poor surf this morning (NZ time) forced a lay day on the scheduled first day, with a new swell not expected until midweek.
When competition does get under way, Hareb will look horns with two quality rivals.
Sofia Mulanovich of Peru is second in this year's standings, boasting four podium finishes in the seven ASP tour events, while veteran Megan Abubo of Hawaii is 12th.
Hareb is one of 18 women competing, divided into six three-woman heats.
Regardless of the result, Australian Stephanie Gilmore has already retained her world tour crown.
Compatriot and seven-time world champion Layne Beachley will be surfing in her last regular ASP competition.
- NZPA
