Billabong Pro, Stop No. 5 of 10 of the 2009 ASP World Tour hosted at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
9th – 19th July 2009

Elimination Round 1 Detonates in Pulsing Surf at Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay

Pictured: Sean Holmes (ZAF), 31, wildcard in the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, was phenomenal on the opening day of competition. Holmes will take on current ASP World No. 4, Taj Burrow (AUS), 31, in Round 2 of competition.
Credit: ASP/ CI/ SCHOLTZ via GETTY IMAGES

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Monday, 13th July, 2009) Round 1 and the opening two heats of Round 2 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay were completed today in clean three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) waves at the legendary South African pointbreak, with the worlds best surfers reveling in the opening day of competition.

Todays saw the new competition format of man-on-man elimination matches from the outset, completing 18 heats of competition, highlighted with some incendiary performances.

Sean Holmes (ZAF), 31, wildcard at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, has a storied history at the event, competing seven times prior, finishing as high as 5th (2002) and as low as 33rd (2005). Although Holmes, once considered the Jeffreys Bay nemesis of former-three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 30, hasnt competed for the past two years, the powerful natural-footer posted an emphatic win this morning in front of an ecstatic hometown crowd.

I was so nervous out there for the first ten minutes of my heat that I felt like I had stones for legs, Holmes said. About halfway through the heat, I loosened up and was able to collect some pretty good scores. For a natural-footer, the wave here at J-Bay is such a pleasure to ride. Although I havent competed in this event for a couple of years, I feel comfortable out here and Ill look to get through a few more rounds before Im done here.

Holmes not only announced his return to the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay this morning, but collected the highest heat total of the day, a 15.93 out of a possible 20, in his Round 1 win over 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Dustin Barca (HAW), 27. The South Africans navigation of the Jeffreys Bay lineup, executing everything from fully-committed forehand hacks to deftly-maneuvered barrels, went unmatched by the worlds best surfers throughout the remainder of the day.

Ive got a really good board under my feet at the moment its from my local shaper Geraghty, Holmes said. Its a 61 by 18 3/8, and it goes really, really well out there. Theres definitely more sand out there at the moment than I can ever remember in the past and its making it break a bit more hollow than normal. I think the guys who have been surfing out here a lot recently will have the upper hand for sure.

Holmes will take on current ASP World No. 4, Taj Burrow (AUS), 31, in Round 2 when the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay continues.

The only other wildcard (out of five) to survive Round 1 of competition was VonZipper Trials winner Heath Joske (AUS), 20, who defeated current ASP World No. 24, Dayyan Neve (AUS), 31, in a close opening round heat. Joske will take on current ASP World No. 1, Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, in Round 2 when competition resumes.

Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23, former ASP World Junior Champion (2005) and current ASP World No. 16, took down local favorite and wildcard Ryan Payne (ZAF), 26, in his Round 1 heat, the Hawaiian powerbroker accumulating an 8.33 and a 7.50 en route to his morning victory.

Oh man it is not easy out there with the cold and the paddle, Bacalso said. No jet-ski assist, massive paddle, freezing, but man, the waves are insane! Dream Tour for sure today. You lock into one and all you can see is this big wall down the line for you to tee off on. So much fun and hopefully the waves stay around for the next couple of days.

With his current ASP World No. 16 rating, Bacalso leads the rookie charge this season on the ASP World Tour, and will look to consolidate his already-impressive year with a big result at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.

Im having an okay year so far and have had some ups and downs definitely, Bacalso said. Im not really thinking about Rookie of the Year of anything like that. For sure, Id be stoked if I got it, but Im just focused on requalifying this year and concentrating on each heat. Maybe not the cold or the paddle, but I think the wave here at J-Bay suits my surfing pretty well and hopefully I can get through a few more heats.

Bacalso will face Kieren Perrow (AUS), 32, in Round 2 when competition resumes.

Nic Muscroft (AUS), 26, another 2009 ASP World Tour rookie, excelled in the rifling righthanders of Jeffreys Bay today, eliminating compatriot Josh Kerr (AUS), 25, in their Round 1 bout. Muscroft looked supremely comfortable in todays conditions, even netting one of the days highest single-wave score of an 8.67 out of a possible 10.

Ive been surfing Winkipop at lot at home in preparation for this event, Muscroft said. Its still a pretty challenging wave here though, especially with the sand build-up at the moment. Its really fast, but I felt like I got into a good rhythm out there and hopefully the waves stick around.

Muscroft will next battle reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, when Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay action recommences.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie, punctuated the days high-performance action with a last-minute victory over current ASP World No. 26, Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 23, (who had the days highest single-wave score of a 8.83 out of a possible 10) in their Round 1 match. Bourez, who trailed for the majority of the heat, paddled into a wide set within the last minute of the bout, hacking his way through several forehand maneuvers before finishing with a high-risk extended floater.

I was really frustrated out there because I was hunting for a score and just couldnt find a good barrel, Bourez said. I kept getting clipped and I needed a good score at the end. I saw the wide one come in and I told myself not to go for the barrel, focused on turns and then finished with a big floater. I am stoked to get through and looking to get a good result here.

Bourez will take on former ASP World Champion (2007) and two-time past winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2002, 2006), Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, in Round 2 when competition resumes.

Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling for the current pulse to increase slightly before tomorrow when the top seeds will hit the water for Round 2 of the event.

When competition continues, first up will be current ASP World No. 15, Jeremy Flores (FRA), 21, against Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, in Heat 3 of Round 2.

The Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships decider at La Cte des Basques, Biarritz, France 10th-14th July , 2009

Semifinalists Decided, ASP Womens World Longboard Champion Crowned Tomorrow

[Photo credit: ASP/ROXY/Aquashot] Justine Dupont (Lacanau, FRA) will match-up against fellow French surfer Coline Menard (REU) in the first Semifinal tomorrow, Dupont looking to clinch her maiden ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion tite and bette her runner-up finish from 2007

On Monday, 13th July, 2009 the ASP Womens World Longboard Championships entered its business end today with Round 2 and the Quarterfinals of the world title deciding event being completed in consistent three foot (one meter) waves at La Cte des Basques. Pressure was on all faces and competitors stepped-up to deliver spectacular surfing. The event favorites took a commanding lead over low-seeded surfers to advance through to the last four.

From low-scoring tricky heats to fantastic performances, Justine Dupont (FRA) was the woman of the day, the 17-year-old Lacanau resident posting the two best heat scores of the day to make her intentions clear towards her maiden ASP Womens World Longboard title. Dupont, who had to display her best moves to defeat Kelia Moniz (HAW) in Quarterfinal No. 1, waited until the last two minutes of their encounter to get back ahead, leaving the water relieved.

I am over the moon right now, Dupont said. It was a very tough heat against Kelia (Moniz) who surfed well, and she is on the event poster so it put more pressure (laughs). I got that good wave right at the start but then it went her way and I had to wait a lot which reminded me of the final two years ago where nothing came and I stressed out a little.
Dupont, who hasnt done worse than a 5th place finish since she started competing in the Roxy Jam two years ago, bettered her 2008 result today advancing through to the Semifinals for a shot at the title when competition resumes tomorrow. Duponts performances in both short and longboard divisions have made her a favorite at any event she attends, her Semifinal match-up against Coline Menard (REU) promising a good exchange.

Its still two heats to go before I can relax and the support I have is really great, Dupont said. I am stoked to surf against Coline (Menard) who is a good friend of mine and I am just going to go out there relaxed to have fun with her. I cant wait to surf tomorrow in the Semifinals.

Both Dupont and Menard will meet in a 100% French Semifinal first thing tomorrow, a guarantee for the cheering crowds to see a French representative in the 2009 final of the 2009 Roxy Jam, and possibly a first ever ASP Womens World Longboard champion from France.

Other favorite to make her intentions clear today was unstoppable Gold Coast resident from Coolangatta Chelsea Williams (AUS), 2008 ASP Womens World Longboard No. 2, who got through both rounds confidently besting Isabelle Braly (AUS) and Roxy team rider and favorite Kassia Meador (USA).

Williams, who remains the events best scorer with a 16.50 point heat result in Round 1, surfed well enough to secure her Semifinal berth and stay in the race for her maiden ASP Womens World Longboard title.

I am still hanging in there after the Quarters so I am pretty happy, Willaims said. Kassia (Meador) and I are usually relaxed and there wasnt any tension out there other than me being a bit nervous because I was waiting to hear a 7 or an 8 come through [for Kassia] in the end and it didnt happened, luckily.

Williams will match-up against Californian and 2007 ASP Womens World Longboard Champion Jennifer Smith (USA) when the Semifinals get underway on the final day. With both surfers being favorites for the 2009 crown, Semifinal No. 2 will be a much awaited and balanced clash of titans if the expected increasing waves deliver clean defined peaks at La Cte des Basques. Smith, who knows what it takes to clinch the prestigious crown and have her name next to surfings world champions, may have a solid game plan.

I know Chelsea (Williams) is able to score long nose-rides and that she can hang ten as well so I will definititely step up, Smith said. Ive had the title before and I wont be too disappointed I guess it goes wrong. I think this next heat that I am in is going to be a final, weve surfed each other in the past and she has beat me and I have beat her so it is going to really tight but definitely a great one.

The 2009 Roxy ASP Womens World Championships showdown is scheduled for a possible 11.15 AM start, tomorrow Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Freakfish Surf Shop Huge Summer Stock Sale Begins Today

Freakfish Surf Shop today offers its customer huge discounts on Harware and clothing.

The discounts are for one week only and are available in their on-line surf shop

Mens and Womens clothing are discounted up 60% with current season clothing discounted upto 30%.

Click Sale for full details about the sale

Hurry whilst stock last, and happy shopping!

Freakfish Surf Shop are based in Cornwall and sell surf gear from Balin, Creatures of Leisure, Dropzone, Element, Billabong, Bilbo, Sticky Bumps, FCS, Northcore, McNett, Lost, Frostfire, Mrs Palmers, Rip Curl, Rhino, Matunas, Nixon, and Surfco Hawaii.

Austin Ware and Patrick Gudauskas Finish Fifth in Brazil

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, July 12, 2009) Action on The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) continued this week when Austin Ware (Solana Beach, CA), 28, and Patrick Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 23, led their fellow Americans when they earned equal fifth place finishes at the ASP 6-Star Maresia Surf International at Praia Mole in Florianopolis, Brazil.

The worlds top up-and-coming competitive surfers are looking to finish within the top 15 on the ASP WQS at years end in order to qualify for the prestigious ASP Dream Tour. Once qualified they earn the chance to do battle against the worlds top 45 surfers in a chance to take the title of ASP World Champion.

After a solid result in the South Africa, North San Diego County local Austin Ware carried his momentum to South America, where he showed up to Brazil in devastating form, earning a fifth place finish and significantly helping his cause on The Grind.

I feel good, Ware said. I got some good waves and moved on. Compared to yesterday it is really, really windy and the swells direction is a little different, but there are still a lot of pockets and I really feel strong on my backhand.

Wares fifth place result at the ASP 6-Star event continues his climb up the ASP WQS ratings and the powerful regular-footer is now rated 10th overall amongst his international competitors.

Patrick Gudauskas matched Wares result of a fifth place finish at the Maresia Surf International when he bested a slue of international talent including a hungry pile of Brazilian standouts before he was topped by current ASP WQS No. 7 Matt Wilkinson (AUS).

I think I had a little bit of advantage on the backside, because there is a strong wind coming up the face,” Gudauskas said. The other guy (David do Carmo) was surfing really good all the event, so Im happy to move on. Everyone is surfing good and in these conditions anything is possible.”

The Quarterfinals finish by Gudauskas should be a keeper in his score line towards qualification for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour and the explosive regular-footer is sitting in the No. 8 spot overall after the Brazilian event.

Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA), 24, and Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA), 28, also donated notable performances when they marched through the tough competition on their way to ninth place finishes at the critical ASP 6-Star event.

As the ASP WQS approaches the halfway mark in the season, there are currently five Americans within the top 15 on the ratings. Tanner Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 21, who is fresh off of his win at the ASP 6-Star in South Africa, is leading the American charge and currently rated fifth overall. Brother Patrick Gudauskas is rated eighth overall, Simpson is sitting in ninth, and Ware is rounding out the run in 10th. Yeomans is topping out the Californian contingent and is sitting at No. 14.

The next critical event on The Grind will be the ASP 6-Star Rip Curl presenting Coca Cola Saquarema Pro, which is also held in Brazil and will be running from July 14-19, 2009.

Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 9 – 19, 2009

Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay ON, New Competition Format Activated

Pictured: Dayyan Neve (AUS), 31, current ASP World No. 24, will take on VonZipper Trials winner Heath Joske (AUS) in Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
Credit: ASP/ CI/ CESTARI via GETTY IMAGES

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Monday, July 13, 2009) The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will commence this morning at 7:30am in clean three-to-five (1.5 metre) surf at South Africas iconic pointbreak.

Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay has seen the ASP Top 45 survive through four consecutive lay days, but todays improved conditions will have the worlds best surfers in the water.

Weve got the beginning of what could turn into a really good day of waves out there this morning and well be getting underway at 7:30am, Mike Parsons, Billabong Pro Contest Director, said. Recent swell projections have prompted us to activate the new competition format so we can make the most of the conditions on offer, but we will not be running the dual-heat system today.

The new ASP competition format will see man-on-man, elimination heats from the outset of competition this morning, resulting in a day of dramatic match-ups.

First up this morning with be 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Tim Boal (FRA), 26, up against compatriot Michael Picon (FRA), 30.

The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay can also be followed via your mobile phone. Anyone with a 3G or GPRS enabled phone can log onto asptogo.com from their mobile browser. Content is updated real time as per the webcast – event status, results, live scores, news, photos and video highlights along with ASP World Tour ratings tables.

For more information go to http://aspworldtour.com/2009/aspmobile.asp

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Tim Boal (FRA) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 2: Jay Thompson (AUS) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 4: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 5: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Torrey Meister (HAW)
Heat 7: Dustin Barca (HAW) vs. Sean Holmes (ZAF)
Heat 8: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) vs. Ryan Payne (ZAF)
Heat 9: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Devyn Mattheys (ZAF)
Heat 10: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Heath Joske (AUS)
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 12: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 13: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 14: Jihad Khodr (BRA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 15: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Ben Dunn (AUS)
Heat 16: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 2: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. TBA
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. TBA
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBA
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 6: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 11: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBA
Heat 13: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 14: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 16: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA

Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships (WWLC)
ASP Womens World Longboard Title Decider
La Cte des Basques, Biarritz France
July 10-14, 2009

Reigning ASP Womens World Longboard Champion Monahan Exits Competition, Williams Flares

[Photo credit: ASP/ROXY/Aquashot] Chelsea Williams (Gold Coast, AUS) started her 2009 Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships campaign in excellent form today posting the day’s highest heat score

La Cte des Basques, Biarritz – France (Saturday, July 12, 2009) The Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships got underway today in Biarritz with Round 1 being completed in dramatic fashion as reigning ASP Womens World Longboard Champion Joy Monahan (HAW) was eliminated in Heat 8 by Summer Romero (USA). From major upsets to high performances, Day 1 of competition witnessed world class longboard action, the worlds best thirty-two surfers displaying a mix of classic nose-rides and well-executed maneuvers to win their Round 2 ticket.

Last years Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships runner-up Chelsea Williams (Gold Coast, AUS), 23, made her intentions clear halfway through the day, the Australian surfer finishing on top of the closest exchange of the day against Cori Schumacher (USA) with an impressive 16.50 point heat tally (out of a possible 20). Williams, who was cheered by the crowd while executing a five-second perfect hang-five maneuver on a set wave, left the water with serious confidence before she meets fellow Australian surfer Isabelle Braly (AUS) in Round 2.

It was a really hard heat, Williams said. Not many waves came through and Cori (Schumacher) is such a good surfer so I was lucky to get that one wave and post higher scores than hers. That one heat was the only one I worried about before the kick off and I dont even know who is on the other side of the draw so I am definitely feeling confident and more relaxed from now on.

Williams excellent performance included an 8.75 point ride (out of a possible 10), the days highest single wave score, the 23-year-old competitor finding a long righthander to secure an impressive nose-ride and take the lead over Schumacher.

I caught the wave from just a bit closer in and it walled up really good. I got a long nose-ride to start with, than a second one and it was a pretty good scorer.

The upset of the day came with defending Roxy Jam champion Joy Monahan (Oahu, HAW) exiting competition after losing to Summer Romero (California, USA), 27, in a surprising heat finish. Monahan, reigning ASP Womens World Longboard champion, was not able to counter Romeros solid surfing finishing with an average 11.50 point heat score. Romeros win over Monahan today was a big relief and confidence boost for her upcoming Round 2 match-up against other upseter of the day Coline Menard (REU).

To be honest I didnt think I was going to advance through today and didnt have any high hopes, Romero said. Maybe that was a good thing for me actually. Joy (Monahan) is one of my favorite surfers but to beat her in Round 1 feels pretty good. It is kind of unreal [to beat the world champion] and I am going to enjoy it.

Romero, a renowned longboarder who has had a successful career including a win in the prestigious Rabbit Kekai Invitational in 2004, will try and build momentum from her performance to keep going in the event.

Joy (Monahan) is a good friend of mine and she is really mellow as I am so it was good heat to be in. I am going to keep my mentality of having fun, Romero said. It is always amazing to be here and I am going to go as far as Biarritz lets me!

Day 1 of competition witnessed several close exchanges between event top seeds wearing the pink Roxy singlet and outsiders, the majority of the favorites making their way through to Round 2 which will feature eight One-to-one match-ups. Jennifer Smith (California, USA), 22, former ASP Womens World Longboard Champion (2007), was one the favorites to confirm her supremacy and secure her Round 2 berth confidently. Smiths 14.75 point heat score was enough to show her upcoming opponents she is in good form for her 2009 world title quest, the Californian stylish surfer scoring an 8.00 point ride en route to her heat win.

First I kept taking off on some small waves that were not going to give me any scores and I dont know what I was doing, Smith said. It took me a while to warm-up out there but finally I got a good solid wave and it felt good.

Smith, who will now face fellow American Kelly Nicely (USA) in Round 2, made clear she was a favorite today and possibly en route to reclaiming her ASP title after a year break.

I am taking it heat by heat definitely, Smith said. At this point, anyone I am matched-up against I will have to surf my best. I am going to paddle out there, give it my best and see what happens.

A new swell is supposed to deliver consistent three foot (one meter) waves when the remaining sixteen Roxy ASP Womens World title contenders meet with event officials to assess conditions tomorrow Monday, July 13, at 11 AM.

ROXY ASP WWLC ROUND 1 RESULTS
Heat 1: Justine Dupont (FRA) 9.75 pts Def. Johanne Defay (REU) 4.75 pts
Heat 2: Yoko Furuchi (JPN) 14.50 pts Def. Claire Karabatsos (FRA) 8.65 pts
Heat 3: Kelia Moniz (HAW) 13.25 pts Def. Claire Dereux (FRA) 6.40 pts
Heat 4: Leah Dawson (USA) 12.00 pts Def. Michelle Hill (ZAF) 7.05 pts
Heat 5: Rachel Barry (USA) 8.85 pts Def. Philippa Hill (ZAF) 4.00 pts
Heat 6: Geodee Clark (HAW) 12.50 pts Def. Jennifer Flannigan (USA) 9.65 pts
Heat 7: Coline Menard (FRA) 10.90 pts Def. Crystal Dzigas (HAW) 9.25 pts
Heat 8: Summer Romero (USA) 12.75 pts Def. Joy Monahan (HAW) 11.50 pts
Heat 9: Chelsea Williams (AUS) 16.50 pts Def. Cori Schumacher (USA) 15.10 pts
Heat 10: Isabelle Braly (AUS) 8.25 pts Def. Karina Abras (BRA) 7.60 pts
Heat 11: Kassia Meador (USA) 12.50 pts Def. Renate Moerman (NDL) 4.10 pts
Heat 12: Miku Uemura (HAW) 13.25 pts Def. Georgia Young (AUS) 8.40 pts
Heat 13: Jennifer Smith (USA) 14.75 pts Def. Rosie Lock (AUS) 7.75 pts
Heat 14: Kelly Nicely (USA) 10.75 pts Def. Cristiana Pires (BRA) 7.85 pts
Heat 15: Julie Cox (USA) 9.25 pts Def. Pandora Decoster (FRA) 7.00 pts
Heat 16: Yuko Shimajiri (JPN) 7.00 pts Def. Candice ODonnell (GBR) 4.80 pts

UPCOMING ASP WWLC ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS
Heat 1: Justine Dupont (FRA) Vs Yoko Furuchi (JPN)
Heat 2: Kelia Moniz (HAW) Vs Leah Dawson (USA)
Heat 3: Rachel Barry (USA) Vs Geodee Clark (HAW)
Heat 4: Coline Menard (REU) Vs Summer Romero (USA)
Heat 5: Chelsea Williams (AUS) Vs Isabelle Braly (AUS)
Heat 6: Kassia Meador (HAW) Vs Miku Uemura (HAW)
Heat 7: Jennifer Smith (USA) Vs Kelly Nicely (USA)
Heat 8: Julie Cox (USA) Vs Yuko Shimajiri (JPN)

Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships (WWLC)
ASP Womens World Longboard Title Decider
La Cte des Basques, Biarritz France
July 10-14, 2009

Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships Kick Off Tomorrow in France

[Photo credit: ASP/Aquashot via Getty Images] From left to right and bottom to top: Crystal Dzigas (HW), Anne Mollet and Maritxu Darrigrand / Kelia Moniz (HAW), Hlne Chabeaud (FRA), Coline Mnard (REU), Pandora Decster (FRA), Samantha Davies (GBR), Justine Dupont (FRA), Justine Mauvin (FRA), Leh Dawson (USA), Kassia Meador (USA), Rachel Barry (USA) / Candice O’Donnell, Jennifer Smith (USA)

La Cte des Basques, Biarritz – France (Friday, July 10, 2009) The Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships (WWLC) will start tomorrow Saturday, July 11, at the famous surf location of La Cte des Basques in Biarritz, the worlds best female longboarders getting their 2009 ASP Womens World Longboard title quest underdway. The event, which is running its fourth consecutive edition in the Basque town, will get straight into business implementing a new competition format with direct elimination from Round 1.

Thank you to Roxy and the city of Biarritz for their support of professional womens longboarding, ASP International CEO Brodie Carr said. The new format has been reduced from forty-eight to thirty-two entries, bringing sudden-death straight from Round 1 which will make the show more exciting, and with a new swell supposed to hit from Monday, the four-day waiting period will allow for a great event in Biarritz.

With womens longboarding evolving towards performance every year, the level displayed in the next few days will give the numerous French summer crowds some great action and intense battles as outsiders take on favorites. With major upsets being possible from Day 1 of competition, reigning ASP Womens World Longboard champion Joy Monahan (Oahu, HAW) and former event champion Jennifer Smith (California, USA) will lead a hungry field of competitors all looking to become the 2009 champion.

Having less surfers and sudden-death from Round 1 means more challenge, Roxy Summer Marketing Manager Anne Mollet said. Its great to have the worlds best back in Biarritz and we thank all competitors for their presence and expect some exciting action.

Round 1 will feature sixteen One-on-one match-ups with 2007 event runner-up 17-year-old Justine Dupont (Lacanau, FRA) taking over Roxy wildcard and 15-year-old Johanne Defay (REU) in Heat 1 when competition kicks off. A call has been made at 10 AM for a possible 10.30 AM start at La Cte des Basques by contest director Philippe Malvaux (FRA) if conditions allow it.

ROXY ASP WWLC ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS
Heat 1: Justine Dupont (FRA) Vs Johanne Defay (REU)
Heat 2: Claire Karabatsos (FRA) Vs Yoko Furuchi (JPN)
Heat 3: Claire Dereux (FRA) Vs Kelia Moniz (HAW)
Heat 4: Leah Dawson (USA) Vs Michelle Hill (ZAF)
Heat 5: Rachel Barry (USA) Vs Philippa Hill (ZAF)
Heat 6: Jennifer Flannigan (USA) Vs Geodee Clark
Heat 7: Crystal Dzigas (HAW) Vs Coline Menard (FRA)
Heat 8: Joy Monahan (HAW) Vs Summer Romero (USA)
Heat 9: Chelsea Williams (AUS) Vs Cori Schumacher (USA)
Heat 10: Isabelle Braly (AUS) Vs Karina Abras (BRA)
Heat 11: Kassia Meador (USA) Vs Renate Moerman (NDL)
Heat 12: Miku Uemura (HAW) Vs Georgia Young (AUS)
Heat 13: Jennifer Smith (USA) Vs Rosie Lock (AUS)
Heat 14: Kelly Nicely (USA) Vs Cristiana Pires (BRA)
Heat 15: Julie Cox (USA) Vs Pandora Decoster (FRA)
Heat 16: Yuko Shimajiri (JPN) Vs Candice ODonnell (GBR)

ONeill Pro Cordoama pres. by Nissan
ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 1-Star Mens event
Stop No. 4 of 11 on the 2009 ASP European Tour
Cordoama, Algarve – Portugal
July 9 to 12, 2009

Fontaine Wins ASP WQS 1-Star ONeill Cordoama Pro pres. by Nissan in Portugal
Gordon Fontaine (FRA), 20, won his maiden ASP sanctionned event today in Portugal.

CORDOAMA, Portugal (Saturday, July 11, 2009) Gordon Fontaine (Brittany, FRA), 20, has won the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 1-Star ONeill Pro Cordoama Pro pres. by Nissan in Portugal today, the Frenchman besting fellow finalists Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU), Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) and Luka Guichard (DEN) to claim his maiden ASP title. Fontaine, who was a standout throughout the three-day event, managed to find his way through the Quarterfinals and Semifinals finishing his run with good 13.50 point heat score out of a possible 20.

Fontaine, a longtime ASP European Junior tour contender, was at ease in the three foot (one meter) waves on offer during the event, posting several high scores en route to the final. With great determination and heat tactics, Fontaine finished on top of 64-man field led by many of Europes best rising competitors.

I am so stoked, I dont really realize Ive won the thing, Fontaine said. I havent won an event in years and to get this one is really special. It was my first WQS final and to win it makes it just the perfect ending!

With significant points counting for the ASP European WQS ratings and great confidence for his summer start, Fontaine will be looking to confirming his stellar start and build on his performance, a premiere in his young career.

My focus this year remains the ASP European Junior tour as I want to qualify for the ASP World Junior Championships (WJC) and it means a Top 4 finish this year, Fontaine said. I surfed relaxed throughout the event after my Round 1 loss in the Pro Junior event at the beginning of the week and it worked out pretty well so I will try and approach the next events the same way.

Event runner-up Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU), 18, was surfing his first ASP WQS final as well, the German Algarve resident finishing just behind Fontaine after leading the exchange for most of the 30-minute decider. Von Rupp, who was looking to better his best result in Cordoama, a Semifinal finish, achieved his goal by placing second and will use his experience and confidence in the upcoming Under-21 events.

I borrowed a board this morning as I was not feeling good on mine and it took me to the final, Von Rupp said. The waves were very hard to surf but I made the final which is already a great result. I was close to winning the thing though.

Von Rupp, a former ASP European Junior No. 2, remains a serious Under-21 regional title contender and is focused on it for 2009. With an average start thus far, Von Rupp will be looking to build momentum from his excellent run in Portugal.

I am looking to get back to my best level and do well at the Pro Junior events, Von Rupp said. It is my main focus this year and I havent had a good start yet so this is my priority now. Hopefully things will work out.

Last years runner-up Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) came close to equaling and bettering his 2008 result, the Portuguese showing the same consistency and solid tactics throughout the event to reach 3rd place and be the best Portuguese competitor in the event. At 22 years of age, Fernandes rises as a promising regional surfer.

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ASP WQS 1-STAR ONEILL PRO CORDOAMA RESULTS

FINAL
1st, Gordon Fontaine (FRA) 13.50 pts
2nd, Nicolau Von Rupp (DEu) 11.83 pts
3rd, Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 11.53 pts
4th, Luka Guichard (DEN) 9.80 pts

SEMIFINALS
Heat 1: Gordon Fontaine (FRA) 15.50 pts, Luka Guichard (DEN) 13.10 pts, Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK) 11.73 pts, Damien Chaudoy (REU) 7.88 pts
Heat 2: Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 12.70 pts, Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU) 12.07 pts, Abdel El Harim (MAR) 12.00 pts, Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA) 8.43 pts

QUARTERFINALS
Heat 1: Damien Chaudoy (REU) 14.40 pts, Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK) 13.50 pts, Borja Agote (EUK) 11.50 pts, Alexandre Ferreira (PRT) 7.60 pts
Heat 2: Luka Guichard (DEN) 13.17 pts, Gordon Fontaine (FRA) 12.47 pts, Miguel Ximenez (PRT) 9.47 pts, David Luis (PRT) 5.40 pts
Heat 3: Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 11.96 pts, Abdel El Harim (MAR) 11.63 pts, Miguel Mouzinho (PRT) 11.27 pts, Freddie Meadows (SWE) 10.13 pts
Heat 4: Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA) 16.33 pts, Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU) 11.06 pts, Mario Azurza (EUK) 7.44 pts, Mohamed Berrada (MAR) 4.93 pts

ONeill Pro Cordoama pres. by Nissan
ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 1-Star Mens event
Stop No. 4 of 11 on the 2009 ASP European Tour
Cordoama, Algarve – Portugal
July 9 to 12, 2009

Top Seeds Lead Charge Towards Finals of ONeill Pro Cordoama

[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com] Gordon Fontaine (FRA) was the man of the day with the highest heat score, the 19-year-old Frenchman lookin forward to his possible first ASP sanctionned event win tomorow

CORDOAMA, Portugal (Friday, July 10, 2009) The ONeill Pro Cordoama pres. by Nissan got closer to its climax today in Portugal, the good two to three foot (0.5 to 1 meter) waves giving top seeds the ideal set-up to express their skills and get their Quarterfinals berth. With seven heats only remaining before the 2009 champion is crowned, tomorrows finals will bring pressure and upsets for an exciting finish.

The second day of competition was dominated by rising surfers Gordon Fontaine (FRA), 19, and current ASP European Junior ratings No. 5 Luka Guichard (DEN), 19, both men posting solid heat scores to advance through to the Quarterfinals of the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 1-Star event. Fontaine, who has been on the Pro Junior tour for several years now, came up with a series of fins-out re-entries and vertical turns showing his opponents he was at ease in the small conditions.

Its good to make the Quarterfinals after losing Round 1 in the ASP Grade-1 Buondi Pro Junior at the beginning of the week, Fontaine said. I felt comfortable in the water, got the better waves but was pretty focused on blocking my opponents. I surfed a lot of waves during that heat and it ended up well.

Fontaines 15.10 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) was todays best result, the Frenchman and Brittany resident grabbing a serious confidence boost before tomorrows showdown. Fontaine hasnt won an event yet in his young career and the expected similar conditions tomorrow could give the man a serious opportunity to clinch a maiden ASP event crown.

I think I have a good understanding of the contest area and it definitely helps out with confidence when paddling out, Fontaine said. I am taking it heat by heat and looking forward to competing tomorrow.

Portugal resident and Danish surfer Luka Guichard came close to Fontaines solid performance with a 14.73 point total. Guichard, whose twin brother Joachim currently leads the ASP European Junior ratings, used his explosive vertical attack to oust his heat opponents and advance confidently through to the Quarterfinals.

I am pretty stoked to be in the Quarters as this is one my home beaches, Guichard said. It wasnt an easy heat and I stressed out a little as the time was running but that one good wave came at the end and I was able to grab that qualification spot.

Guichard, who is in his last year as a Pro Junior surfer, is looking to build his seeding points and a big result here would give him both a first win in an ASP sanctioned event as well as a great boost for the ASP European WQS Tour.

There are a lot of good surfers in the event and I know it is going to be hard, Guichard said. I am going to give my best shot tomorrow and I hope it works out well. Ill see how it goes.

ASP Grade-1 Buondi Pro Junior runner-up Damien Chaudoy (REU), 19, showed he was not on a break after his excellent run in the Under-21 division and finished the day with the highest single wave score, an excellent 8.83 point ride out of a possible 10. Chaudoy, whose fresh progressive style seems to please the ASP judging panel this week, will be another dangerous title contender when the event resumes Saturday, July 11, along with event best scorer thus far Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA), 18, and last years runner-up Eduardo Fernandes (PRT).

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ASP WQS 1-STAR ONEILL PRO CORDOAMA QUARTERFINALS
Heat 1: Borja Agote (EUK), Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK), Alexandre Ferreira (PRT), Damien Chaudoy (REU)
Heat 2: Gordon Fontaine (FRA), Miguel Ximenez (PRT), Luka Guichard (DEN), David Luis (PRT)
Heat 3: Abdel El Harim (MAR), Eduardo Fernandes (PRT), Freddie Meadows (SWE), Miguel Mouzinho (PRT)
Heat 4: Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU), Mohamed Berrada (MAR), Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA), Mario Azurza (EUK)

Buondi Pro Junior
ASP Grade-1 Pro Junior Men and Women event
Event No. 2 on the 2009 ASP European Pro Junior Mens tour
Event No. 1 on the 2009 ASP European Pro Junior Womens tour
Cordoama, Algarve – Portugal
July 6 to 8, 2009

Brazils Peterson and Frances Arnaud are the 2009 Buondi Pro Junior Champions

[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com] Thomas Perterson (BRA), 19, has won the ASP Grade-1 Buondi Pro Junior at Cordoama in Portugal today over runner-up Damien Chaudoy (REU) and takes the first event of the ASP European Junior summer tour

CORDOAMA, Portugal (Wednesday, July 8, 2009) Thomaz Peterson (BRA), 19, and reigning ASP European Womens Junior champion Alizee Arnaud (FRA), 18, clinched the ASP Grade-1 Buondi Pro Junior today at Cordoama in Portugal respectively in the mens and womens divisions. In three foot (one meter) consistent although wind-blown conditions, both champions carved their way up to the final where they left their opponents away from any title hopes, Reunion Island representatives Damien Chaudoy (REU) and Johanne Defay (REU) placing second of the 2009 edition.

Peterson, who had to battle through a close semifinal against Basque surfer Mario Azurza (Zarautz, EUK), ended up winning his first ASP Pro Junior event with an excellent 15.50 point score out of a possible 20, the Brazilian surfer finishing his run with the events fourth best heat total.
I am very happy with that win and I am sure my whole family is watching in Brazil, Peterson said. It was a very hard day and the conditions were difficult to read and surf. My semifinal against Mario (Azurza) was pretty close and very demanding so I quite relieved to take that title. I couldnt expect much more.

Peterson, who had left a first strong impression last April at the first ASP European Pro Junior event of the year in Carcavelos, Portugal, confirmed his promising talent today defeating regional favorites Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA), Joachim Guichard (DEN) and Damien Chaudoy (REU) en route to the title.

I want to win as much events as possible this summer in Europe, Peterson said. I am going to stay around and travel across Europe to take my chance, surf in some of the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) main events as well and see how things go.

Damien Chaudoy, whose runner-up finish in Portugal today is a career best to date, came short of 1.24 points only, posting a good 14.26 point heat tally in the final encounter but not enough to catch-up with Petersons result. The 19-year-old competitor, who has been training and living in Australia for a couple of years now, came up with solid surfing and progressive style to get through two rounds today, his result giving the man a significant confidence boost.

I almost missed the event due to car problems and to finish second is more than enough, Chaudoy said. I am pretty happy I made it to Portugal and surfed up to the final where I lacked one second good wave only. I am still happy with that result and I will be aiming at a Top 5 end-of-the-year spot this summer so its a good way to get things rolling.

Chaudoy, who has been part of Europes most promising Under-21 crew for a couple of years now, will be looking to build momentum on his first big result this year and keep his good form at the next event in San Sebastian, Basque Country.

Alizee Arnaud (Hossegor, FRA), 18, reigning ASP European Womens junior champion, opened her 2009 campaign with a the perfect start, the young woman clinching the first event of the year ahead of rising surfer Johanne Defay (REu), to take the regional ratings lead. Despite many of the ratings favorites not attending the event, Arnaud managed to get rid of event defending champion Cannelle Bulard (REU) who placed fourth in the final and Basque competitor Garazi Sanchez (EUK).

The conditions were pretty hard for me as there only lefthanders and I usually feel better on rights, Arnaud said. The current was strong as well and it was a struggle to get that win but I am very happy. It means a lot to me after losing my main sponsor and coming back from an injury. I am looking at a ratings Top 2 this year so Ill take this one win here and build my plan from that.

Arnauds win rockets her to No. 1 on the ASP European Womens junior ratings, a promising start towards a second consecutive regional title that would give her a berth into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships (WJC) next year in Narabeen, Australia.
The ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 1-Star ONeill Pro Cordoama pres. By Nissan will start tomorrow morning at the same venue of Cordoama for four days of intense action. Stay tuned

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BUONDI PRO JUNIOR MENS RESULTS
Final
1st, Thomaz Peterson (BRA) 15.50 pts
2nd, Damien Chaudoy (REU) 14.26 pts
3rd, Frederico Morais (PRT) 11.24 pts
4th, Mario Azurza (EUK) 10.73 pts

Semifinals
Heat 1: Thomaz Peterson (BRA) 14.00 pts, Mario Azurza (EUK) 13.37 pts, Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) 7.87 pts, Joachim Guichard (DEN) 7.57 pts
Heat 2: Frederico Morais (PRT) 16.17 pts, Damien Chaudoy (REU) 15.00 pts, Angelo Bonomelli (ITA) 10.70 pts, Felipe Jervis Pereira (PRT) 8.44 pts

BUONDI PRO JUNIOR WOMENS RESULTS
Final
1st, Alizee Arnaud (FRA) 10.17 pts
2nd, Johanne Defay (REU) 10.13 pts
3rd, Garazi Sanchez (EUK) 8.87 pts
4th, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 7.83 pts

Semifinals
Heat 1: Garazi Sanchez (EUK) 11.56 pts, Alizee Arnaud (FRA) 9.50 pts, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 6.03 pts, Anne Peres (FRA) 4.90 pts
Heat 2: Cannelle Bulard (REU) 11.67 pts, Johanne Defay (REU) 10.03 pts, Camille Davila (FRA) 7.90 pts, Maud Lecar (FRA) 5.17 pts