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BOBBY MARTINEZ, 25, California

Vitals: 65.12% win rate in ’06. Average event result of 12.09.

Behind the Numbers: He had two huge wins in his rookie run, finishing with the best year for any first-timer in more than 15 seasons. He also tied for the second-longest winning streak, with 10 heats in a row.

Heading into 2007: Last year he proved he was worth the wait. This year Martinez will continue to blossom in the man-on-man format, which he already understands well, but it’s important for him to maintain his close travel ties to the well-adjusted Hobgood brothers, who keep him grounded and surf-stoked. That will be the biggest cure for any type of sophomore slump. Some are already calling Martinez the best backside surfer on tour. He’s poised to thrash many around him this year, so there is reason to start pinning title hopes on him�yes, maybe even as early as this year. But should it all come down to Pipeline, just be warned: Four-man heats are his kryptonite.

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