Loading NTSC PS2 Saves with a PAL Game

When I heard Soul Calibur 3 was out I couldn't wait for Australia to catch up so I downloaded it. When it came out here I finally purchased a copy but found it won't read my saved games from the burnt NTSC copy. Is there any way to get the save loaded?

This is what happens when you are impatient.

What's wrong with just continuing to use your downloaded copy?