Simon Alexander reports:

The World Junioy Championships were first held in November, 1998, on the West Side of Oahu, Hawaii.

In 2001 the tournament moved to Phillip Island, in Australia, and while it was not staged last year, Billabong have announced its intention to stage the event until 2006 at least.

Showcasing the world's top junior talent from around the globe, the Championships are the ideal springboard to a successful surfing career.

Previous winners include reigning ASP World Championship Tour champion Andy Irons in 1998, and world number two Joel Parkinson in both 1999 and then again in 2001.

Billabong Marketing Manager Andrew Flitton was extremely pleased to announce their commitment to the finals, adding homage to Narrabeen as the birthplace for such tournaments: "We are stoked to take a prestigious International event back to North Narrabeen.

" For years Northy played a huge part in Australia's development of younger surfers. We're proud to continue in that tradition to showcase the world's best junior talent there and hope we can start the career of another future world champion."

A field of 32 international surfers will contest the Trials on January 1st, with two hopefuls advancing into the main event to do battle with those selected through regional junior circuits in 2003.

Current ASP Australasian Junior Champion Luke Munro has been granted a wildcard spot directly into the main event.

Given his outstanding performance in a year the championships were not held, organisers agreed he had already earned a shot at the prestigious crown.

Three other global wildcard positions will be presented to distinguished junior surfers otherwise not in the draw.

In total, the 48-man field will utilize the same format adopted on the men's WCT.

An age limit of 19 and under as of December 31 the previous year applies to all contestants, who are selected from regional qualifying events.

Six surfers from each region are allowed, with another six wildcard positions being granted.

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