This year again, all eyes will be on what is considered to be a crucial event in the ASP World Title race! The Billabong Pro is back in the small fishing village of Mundaka. The $340,000 USD Billabong Pro Mundaka is the 8th of 10 events on the ASP World Tour (Association of Surfing Professionals), considered as the first league of surfing. The Billabong Pro Mundaka will officially start on October 5th, with the inaugural ceremony, and will run whenever conditions allow until October 17th at the latest.Held at Europe's best left-hand wave in the fishing village of Mundaka. Mundaka is renowned worldwide for its long and hollow waves barrelling over 200 meters in the mouth of the Guernika river. As last year, the nate site will be set up on the beach of Sopelana. The site is only a few car-minutes away from the center of Bilbao. The decision to surf either at Mundaka or Sopelana will be taken on a daily basis by the contest director, after assessing the conditions in both sites with the surfers and the ASP officials. WHO: 45 of the worlds best surfers charging Europe's Best Left. Billabong team riders Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Tiago Pires will compete against other stars like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and co. Alongside the world elite, three “Wildcard” surfers will be invited to compete in the Billabong Pro Mundaka: local chargers Hodei Collazo and Marcos San Segundo (Basque Country) as well as rising star Dean Bowen (Australia). The EventThe Billabong Pro Mundaka is one of three stops of the 2009 Men's ASP World Tour held in Europe. Other Billabong events on the ASP World Tour include Teahupoo in Tahiti, Jeffrey's Bay in South Africa and the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii. The first Billabong Pro/AM in 1989 was the first major competition organised at Mundaka and set the reputation of the left-hander worldwide. The Mundaka wave is also known for behaving like a “diva”. It's fickle but when it's “On”, it is without a doubt one of the best left-hand waves in the world. The Billabong Pro Mundaka has played a crucial part in deciding world champions over the years. Big names like Mark Occhilupo, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons became World Champions after winning this event.Joel Parkinson (Australia) will be also in the line up of this year's Billabong Pro. Halfway through the 2009 season, Parko is leading the ASP Tour ratings and is a top contender for the World Championship title. As last year's runner-up, this fast barrelling left-hander is a great opportunity for him to flash high scores. The Wave : In 2005, the wave had “disappeared” following dredging in the river. In 2006, it was back owing to mother nature's hand and the 2006 Billabong Pro was staged in classic Mundaka conditions.

Check all the action live at: http://www.billabongpro.com/mundaka09/live.php