Woman surfer loses in men's event

Phil Mercer
BBC, Sydney

In Australia, the first female surfer to compete in a senior men's event has been eliminated in the first round.

Women's world champion Layne Beachley came last in her heat at Newcastle beach, north of Sydney.

Layne Beachley blamed conditions and poor tactics for her defeat

There was criticism of her participation by the reigning men's champion, Andy Irons.

The American said women did not have the ability or the strength to compete with the men.

Layne Beachley blamed the conditions and poor tactics for her defeat.

Thousands of fans turned up to see the 31-year-old Australian do battle with Andy Irons.

But it ended up being a bad day for the world champions, as both were eliminated in the first round, although the American will take some comfort after finishing ahead of his female rival.

Not all the surfers were as disparaging about women surfers' abilities.

The winner of the heat, Bede Durbidge, said he enjoyed competing against the world's best woman.

"It was just like having one of the guys out there because she's such a fierce competitor," he said.

Layne Beachley is Australia's most successful surfer. She has won the world title six years in a row and said that she would be happy to take part in a men's event again.

She said the atmosphere during the competition was relaxed and despite her defeat, she was convinced she had the ability to give the men a real run for their money in the future.