Australias surfing world championship leader Matt Wilkinson has come off second best against dangerous qualifier Bruno Santos on the opening day at Teahupoo in Tahiti.Brazilian Santos, who won the 2008 Teahupoo title as qualifier, proved too strong for Wilkinson and Stuart Kennedy in their heat, advancing direct to round three and relegating the Australian pair to sudden-death second round competition.I love Tahiti, not just Teahupoo, said Santos.It is my favourite wave for sure, but I love this place, the people and my family here. I feel confident in Tahiti because all my best results have been here.When you come from the trials, it is like a warmup and you feel better and stronger.Kai Otton, Adrian Buchan and Adam Melling were the only Australians to win first round heats.They were joined, among others, by 11-times world champion Kelly Slater, Hawaiis John John Florence, Brazils Gabriel Medina and defending champion Jeremy Flores (France).Melling closed out the round with the days second highest heat score of 17.67 which included the highest single-wave score of the day, a near-perfect 9.67.Second in the championship standings, Florence stole the show with a blistering display of tube riding, earning a near perfect 18.40 points for two rides.That score gives me a lot of confidence, Florence said.I do not feel any pressure at all. To go surf these open, perfect barrels with only three guys out is insane. If anything, I am more excited than pressured.Third in the standings, Medina dominated his heat against rookies Conner Coffin (USA) and Alex Ribeiro (BRA).Flores was too good for Julian Wilson (AUS) and Nat Young (USA).Otton defeated reigning world champion Adriano de Souza and another Brazilian, Miguel Pupo. Cheap Nike Dunks For Sale . -- Its been a long road back for Sean Bergenheim. Nike Dunk Shoes Online . A statement from the worlds top-ranked player says all checks "were satisfactory and showed positive evolution" regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne. http://www.nikedunkcheap.com/ .Y. - Jerome Samson scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the St. Nike Dunk Cheap Wholesale . Bjorn, who had a 36-hole total of 8-under 134, made a testing six-foot putt to save par on the 16th and a birdie on the 17th before bogeying the final hole after a misjudged approach shot. American Kevin Streelman was in second place after shooting a 69. Nike Dunk Cheap China . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rex Ryan hasnt jumped out of any airplanes this offseason. And the Buffalo Bills coach hasnt munched on dog biscuits, or issued any bold proclamations of building a bully.That was last year.It was a season which began with hype-driven, sky-high expectations following Ryans hiring, and ended with an enormous thud following an 8-8 finish and his reputation as one of the NFLs top defensive minds questioned.If the experience had a sobering effect, Ryan wouldnt acknowledge it: Nah, not a chance, he said.Even though hes reined in his larger-than-life personality, Ryan remains defiant, perhaps even more than ever.What stings is not the criticism he attracted for how his pride-and-joy defense unraveled because of on-field miscommunication and players openly questioning his approach. What gnaws at his core, Ryan told The Associated Press this week, is realizing for the first time in 11 years as an NFL coach or coordinator he wasnt true to himself.Nope, not even close. And it hurt, Ryan said, noting he made the mistake of attempting to twin his philosophy with the Jim Schwartz-coached scheme the Bills high-priced defense thrived under the previous season.I wish I had to do it all over again, but the fact of the matter is we dont, he said. But this years a brand new one. And like Ive said, I have a funny feeling well be a lot better.Theres actually nothing funny about it. Ryan has put aside his colorful antics and directed his attention to what happens on the field.Its evident in the changes Ryan made to his defensive staff, with the most notable offseason addition being his twin brother Rob, who was hired as assistant head coach.And its evident in the offseason roster moves the Bills have made to better suit Ryans aggressive 3-4 philosophy that relies on keeping opponents guessing.Sent out the door was high-priced defensive end Mario Williams, Ryans most vocal locker room critic. Most of the newcomers -- players Ryan can groom -- arrived with Buffalos top-three draft picks in linebackers Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland, and defensive tackle Adolphus Washington.It makes little difference to Ryan that Lawson will miss at least the first six weeks of the season recovering from shoulder surgery, or that Ragland sustained a season-ending knee injury in training camp. Ryaan insists the defense will be better after finishing 19th in the NFL in yards allowed.dddddddddddd.I own whatevers there, but I also own the other years that Ive coached in this league, which everybody seems to forget, Ryan said, referring to his track record of overseeing six defenses that have finished fifth overall or better.Some of the greatest defenses in the history of this game have the Ryan name on it, he said, including his brother Rob and father, Buddy. So guess what? Its back to Ryan defense.The challenge is personal because the task of maintaining the Ryan legacy now falls on him after his father and mentor died in June.Its like anybody who loses your father or something like that youre close to. Obviously, its going to have an effect on you, Ryan said. But for me, it even drives me more if thats possible.Bills players see few changes in Ryans approach. And yet, they believe Ryan was betrayed by the criticism stemming from his players.I dont think there was any doubt, defensive tackle Kyle Williams said. Some of the things said shouldve been said not to (the media). They shouldve been kept between players and coaches.As a result of the bickering, guard Richie Incognito said a group of leaders has emerged to reduce distractions and have players speak with one voice.We had some people kind of pulling in the opposite direction, and as people in this locker room and as coaches we didnt know how to handle it, Incognito said. I think what youre seeing here is the growing of a very strong. veteran presence.Ryan said the blame for everything that went wrong falls solely on him.Ive got broad shoulders, I can take it, he said. I can take most every damn hit known to man.His voice began to rise in detailing past challenges hes overcome, including earning a masters degree despite being dyslexic.Its easy to be a (chicken) and dont say anything, and then maybe after the fact you can boast, Ryan said, using a profanity for emphasis. But to me, I guess I grew up saying, `You know what, Im going to be great. And Ill dare to say it. And Ill dare to do it.That part hasnt changed about Rex Ryan.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '