Sunny Garcia 2000 World Champion. 14 years after his debut, Garcia achieved the ultimate surfing accolade, dominating the ASP WCT from the start of the campaign, winning the first two events in Australia and clinching the title in Brazil. On to Hawaii, having won the G-Shock Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach and his 5th Triple Crown title, Garcia was hoping to become the first surfer in history to claim all three events by winning the Mountain Dew Pipe Masters. Winning all three consecutive Vans Triple Crown events would have been the ultimate cap to a stellar World Championship year, Sunny was defeated by Pancho Sullivan in round two of the Mountain Dew Pipe Masters, but his performace throughout the year was incredible and will never be forgotten. Respect.
At the Pipe Masters, Garcia held control of the heat for the first 25 of 30 minutes but, purely on scores, each surfer's ride was as good as his opponent's. Sullivan just needed to find a third ride stronger than Garcia's. It came, in the form of perfect, long Backdoor barrel and he didn't falter, proving himself to be a threat no matter which way the waves ran.
"I had really mixed emotions going into the heat because I wanted to see Sunny go a lot further in this event. He's had an incredible year and I have a tremendous amount of respect for his surfing as well as him as a person. I really wanted to advance but at the same time you never want to see your idol lose out." Respect.
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