Day 1: The ladies had some of the best conditions today as the sun set over the Atlantic, and the wind swinging more side shore on cleaner and bigger waves. Still standing at the semi-final stages, are 2006 World Champion, Iballa Moreno (North), her twin sister, the 2006 Guincho winner Daida Moreno (North), all-rounder Karin Jaggi (F2 / North) and tough Japanese competitor Junko Nagoshi (F2 / Simmer).

Day 2: There was a classic Jaggi vs. Daida Moreno final after Swiss legend Jaggi won a high quality encounter against 2006 World Champion Iballa Moreno (North). On the other side of the draw Junko Nagoshi, a starboard tack specialist and stylish competitor, did not have enough in her arsenal to beat Daida Moreno who was outstanding in the gusty conditions. Daidas performance earned her a berth in the first final of the womens wave tour season.

Daida: "The final was pretty good. Karin and I tried to do our best, as the conditions were marginal and onshore. I was on a 5.0 and a 78-liter board. I was confident I did well - also I landed a perfect backloop, and 2 good waves - I also heard she had one perfect wave ride. This result is good for me as each time the results come out I try to celebrate as much as possible as the level is so high now in the girls that I am not sure how long I can stay on top of the podium. To take the final here in Guincho is positive, it is the first event of the year. And, of course its not over, but its given me confidence and I am praying for more wind. Its also nice to start the season well and that my gear and my approach are working as planned. I am also happy to do well on starboard tack as I have sailed nothing but port tack for 6 months!"

Karin spoke of the final from her side of the fence. "I was on a 5.0 and the current was strong. We had to re-sail the final as the wind was a little light earlier, but in the final encounter it was real onshore, but I was satisfied with my waveriding. Jumping-wise I was Ok and I knew that would be tough as I had not trained much on this tack, so I think I might have done better on my jump scores."

Iballa Moreno was sure to beat Nagoshi in the losers final to secure 3rd overall so far for the event.There was no wind later in the day to start the double elimination. (text: PWA / Brian McDowell)