The Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines, the final event of the 2007 ASP Women’s World Tour as well as the Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown, is set to begin its waiting period on December 8th, 2007, and Honolua Bay will not only be crowning an event champion, but the ASP Women’s World Champion as well!

Current ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), former ASP Women’s World Champ Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and South American phenom Silvana Lima (BRA) are the only three surfers remaining in contention for the 2007 ASP Women’s World Title, and the pressure will be on at Honolua Bay to determine who will walk away with surfing’s most prestigious title.

Gilmore, who has already recorded one of the best rookie seasons in ASP history with three wins in 2007, will be the front-runner heading into the Billabong Pro Maui, but she knows that Mulanovich and Lima will give her a run for her money: “I’ve been trying to approach every event the same way,” Gilmore said. “It can be very easy to get caught up in all the world title talk, but I’m just focusing on Round 1 at Honolua.”

This will be Gilmore’s first event at the infamous righthander, and the stylish natural-footer is one of the favorites heading into the Billabong Pro Maui because of her tenacious forehand attack and explosive repertoire. “It’s a perfect wave, and I’ve been looking forward to surfing it with only two girls out all year,” Gilmore said. “I’m really amped to get some good barrels and just enjoy myself because it’s the last event of the year.”

Although Gilmore currently leads the ratings, Mulanovich is holding a 17th place finish in her scoreline which, if replaced in Maui, will see her jump ahead in the ratings leaving Gilmore and Lima playing catch up.

“I have a lot of confidence after my win at the Roxy Pro and I am really looking forward to getting over to Maui,” Mulanovich said. “Steph and Silvana are incredible surfers and I know they want this bad – I’m just going to stick to my gameplan and focus.”

Given the three’s reputation in hollow righthanders, expect an exciting showdown to ensue as we countdown to the crowning of the 2007 ASP Women’s World Champion.

The Billabong Pro Maui will begin its waiting period on December 8th, 2007 and have until December 20th to complete the event. Only two full days of competition are required to complete the event, and event organizers will look to run in the best conditions possible.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via the ASP website.