SURFING AT OCEANSIDE : Beschen Parlays New Underdog Role Into Upset

Shane Beschen has felt the pressure of being a favorite on the Professional Surfing Assn. of America this year, so playing the underdog role at the Life’s A Beach surfing competition Friday was a welcome relief.

Beschen of San Clemente, seeded 31st, upset second-seeded Dave Maccaulay of Cowaramup Bay, Australia, 99.8 to 88, in the second round at the Oceanside Pier.

It was the second consecutive upset for Beschen, who beat 18th-seeded Glen Winton of Norah Head, Australia, in Thursday’s first round.

Beschen competes regularly on the PSAA’s U.S. tour, but has joined the Assn. of Surfing Professionals world tour for its stops at Oceanside this weekend and the Op Pro at Huntington Beach July 30-Aug. 4.

“Last year, I was an underdog on the PSAA tour,” said Beschen, who is third in the U.S. point standings. “No one expected me to do anything. But this year, I led the point standings for a while and the whole focus of the tour turned to me.

“When I come to these (world tour) contests, it’s like starting all over again. Nobody knows who you are.”

Ninth-seeded Richie Collins of Newport Beach was the only other Orange County surfer to advance to today’s third round. Jeff Booth of Laguna Beach and Matt Archbold of San Clemente were eliminated Friday. The finals are set for Sunday at noon.