THE SPOILER

FRED PATACCHIA, 25, Hawaii

Vitals: 45% win rate in ’06. Average event result of 22.

Behind the Numbers: But for his second-place finish in Tahiti, the first half of the year was a write-off, which is why Patacchia dropped three slots in the ratings from ’05. Yet he pulled it together in the second half of the year, and the momentum has turned positive.

Heading into 2007: Patacchia was let down primarily by his backhand early in the season, but the feisty competitor will not let that happen again—not without a fight. Like a skilled coach at halftime, he’ll review the errors and fix the game plan. Look for a refined and more dangerous attack this year, resulting in one or two more solid finishes. That’s not to say he won’t hit storms, because he certainly will, but he’s got the attitude and talent to deal with them. Patacchia is all about the fun.

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