It was one of the most poignant moments in women's surfing history as six-time world champion Layne Beachley, winning the finals of the Roxy Haleiwa Pro, passed on the torch to 21-year-old Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich by riding in to the beach side-by-side with their hands clasped in glory. Sofia made history today by becoming the first South American surfer, male or female, to win the ASP world title.

In a surprising and unprecedented move, Roxy/Quiksilver executives Danny Kwock and Randy Hild announced mid-way through the 35-minute championship heat that Roxy was going to double the final round prize money, thereby establishing the largest purse in women's surfing history at $86,500.

With the surf pushing the solid 6- to 8-foot range and double overhead, the four finalists -- Beachley, Mulanovich, Australia's Chelsea Georgeson, and Brazil's Tita Tavares, stepped up the level of performance, unleashing huge maneuvers to match the high stakes. In world champion style, Beachley picked off the biggest set waves, riding them with authority to capture the win over defending Haleiwa champion Sofia Mulanovich, who happily settled for second place. Sofia needed to attain third or better to cement the championship crown.

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