Reigning world women's surfing champion Chelsea Georgeson has tipped Layne Beachley to pose the biggest threat in the Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast if the Sydneysider can overcome a neck injury.

Beachley's preparation has been shortened to just one week for the opening event of the world championship tour due to a neck complaint which has troubled the six-time world champion for the past year.

But Georgeson, who will meet close friend and Roxy Pro defending champion Stephanie Gilmore in the first round, probably on Wednesday, has warned it would be foolish to write off the 33-year-old Beachley's chances of an upset victory.

"Hopefully her neck injury is 100 per cent and she's not pushing herself too much," said Georgeson at a press conference.

"If she's 100 per cent she's definitely going to be a threat.

"Layne's more determined than anyone on tour. She's been on tour for many years now and I'm sure she's looking to back up six world titles.

"For Sophie (Mulanovich of Peru) and I, she had a lot to do with us pushing for a world title (last year)."

Beachley is confident she can still mix it with the younger generation of surfers but overcoming Georgeson and Mulanovich will be a huge effort.

Gilmore, 18, stands in the way of Georgeson beginning her campaign to win back-to-back world titles on the right note.

It shapes as an epic clash in the opening heats as the pair surf together at Snapper Rocks and know each other's moves inside out.

Ask whether she had Gilmore covered, Georgeson, 22, replied: "I think winning the world title, I can feel pretty good.

"I do notice that Steph has been surfing really well and it's going to be a good challenge for sure."

Gilmore, who beat Mulanovich as a wildcard last year, said she wanted to simply enjoy herself and was full aware of the talent of her opponent.

"She's the best in the world so what can you say? It's going to be a difficult task," added Gilmore, who is still in qualifying for the 2007 WCT but has been granted automatic entry into the Roxy Pro.

"I don't know too many kids who get to surf with their hero every day.

"I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully we get some good waves, hang out and go barrel for barrel."

In the men's Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast boy Mick Fanning will defend his title while victory for American star Kelly Slater could decide if he opts to shoot for an eighth world championship.

"I did get really excited about a couple of weeks ago about fully applying myself again this year," said Slater, who has been toying with the idea of retirement.

"That's what I expect to do this week. I'm going to take every event as it comes.

"I'm definitely going to surf all the events I love to surf ... but my life is changing and I'm definitely towards the backside of my career.

"If I start out loving the tour and having a great time, I'll do the whole thing but right now I couldn't give you an answer."

Three-time world champion Andy Irons insisted he was not seeking revenge after Slater claimed his world title last year.

"It's not revenge. Just like Mick (Fanning) and the 42 other competitors that are on tour I want to win as well," said Irons.

"It's definitely made me that much more hungrier this year. I had tripped a couple of times in a couple of events last year and hopefully I won't make the same mistakes twice."

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