Gudauskas and Conlogue are Third Place Finishers at World Junior Championships

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, January 11, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professioinals (ASP) crowned Kai Barger (Haiku, HI), 19, and Pauline Ado (Hendaye, FRA), 18 2008 ASP Pro Junior Champions earlier this week at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships in Narrabeen, Australia, marking the pinnacle of ASP Pro Junior surfing competition. North America’s top finishers Tanner Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 20, and Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana, CA), 16, donated repeat third place finishes in the event, finding themselves amongst the highest pedigree of up-and-coming professional surfers.
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships marks the culmination of each region’s season, where surfers from several countries combine to form a contingent of global surfing talent in a chance to take out the ASP World Junior title.
Gudauskas, who was a third place finisher at last year’s ASP World Junior Championships, had a repeat performance this year, matching his result from 2007. Gudauskas ousted international standouts Alejo Muniz (Santa Catarina, BRA), 18, and Tamaroa McComb (Huahini, PYF), 16, before bowing out to Jadson Andre (Nepal, BRA), 20.

“I’m doing the ASP WQS this year again with my brothers,” Gudauskas said. “It’s a great start to the year even though I didn’t better the third that I got last year. It’s my last year as a junior and it’s into the big ocean for me now.”

The San Clemente sensation has proven himself amongst the top surfers of his age and is now looking to take his competitive experience to the next level, where he plans to make a full fledged attack on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS).

Conlogue, who finished third in the world in the women’s pro junior division this year also matched her 2007 result. The Orange County local claimed the event’s high heat total of an 18.23 out of a possible 20 in the Quarterfinals, defeating 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, before losing out to Ado in the Semifinals.

“I’m bummed, but when you look at it, it’s a great result even though I got the same as last year,” Conlogue said. “I’m happy with my result. It’s a great start to the year, but the Final would have been even better. Hopefully now I can follow through and have a strong year.”

At 16 years of age, Conloge still has four more years to earn an ASP World Junior Championship title before she will have to graduate to full-time ASP WQS status.

Marc Lacomare Finishes ASP World Junior No. 3, Huscenot Reaches Quarterfinals

CAPBRETON, France (Wednesday, January 7, 2009) – Marc Lacomare (Hossegor, FRA), 18, placed equal 3rd in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships at North Narabeen last night, finishing his great run in the Semifinals of the prestigious event where he lost to Kai Barger (HAW). Lacomare, who secured the best result of his Pro Junior career, was the best European surfer in the event and flew the French flag until the final day equalling last year’s best European surfer in the event Charles Martin (GLP) with his World No. 3 rank.
Lacomare, who finished the year ranked No. 2 on the ASP European Junior ratings, showed how strong his surfing was for his second appearance at the ASP World Juniors getting through four rounds and defeating top seeds Owen Wright (AUS) and Jayke Sharp (AUS) respectively in Round 3 and 4 before besting fellow French surfer Maxime Huscenot (REU) in the Quarterfinals.
At 18 years old only, Lacomare stands as one of Europe’s best competitors and confirms his few stellar performances including his equal 9th place at the ASP WQS 6-Star Prime Rip Curl Pro Hossegor/Seignosse in 2007. Lacomare’s equal 3rd place finish at Narrabeen still earns him the preferred seeding into several ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) events in 2009, an opportunity to cut his teeth against the world’s best surfers chasing a qualification for the coveted ASP World Tour.
“I’m going to stay in Australia for one month and do a few Pro Juniors in Queensland and then maybe some ASP WQS here as well,” Lacomare said. “I may be able to get the wildcard because I think Jadson (Andre) and Tanner (Gudauskas) may not need it so it is handed down to me. So I’m not exactly sure what is going on for me this year.”
Maxime Huscenot (REU), 16, was stopped by Lacomare in the Quarterfinals of the event but still placed equal 5th, a very promissing result for the Reunion Island born surfer competing for the first time against the world’s best Under-21 surfers. Huscenot, reigning ASP European Junior Champion and one of the youngest surfers in the event, expressed his talent during the 3-day event getting through tricky heats against Brazil’s Alex Ribeiro and Hawaiian surf phenomenon Dusty Payne (HAW), a contender in this year’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
“I knew it would be hard to beat Dusty (Payne) because he is one of the best guys in the event,” Huscenot said. “I was very nervous during the heat but I got a bomb and it helped me stay calm. I was stoked to win that heat and I am happy with the overall result.”
Lacomare, Huscenot and ASP Women’s World Junior Champion Pauline Ado (FRA) flew the European flag high again at this year’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships and will be much expected to perform in 2009 on both regional and international tours. Ado will be awarded a wildcard to compete next to the ASP Women’s WQS top seeds and possibly make her way into the end-of-the-year Top 6 and become the third French and European female surfer to qualify for the ASP Women’s World Tour.

Men’s European Results

3rd, Marc Lacomare (FRA)
5th, Maxime Huscenot (REU)
17th, Medi Veminardi (REU)
17th, Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK)
17th, Charles Martin (GLP)
33rd, Pierre Valentin Laborde (FRA)
33rd, Jules Thomet (FRA)

Women’s European Results

1st, Pauline Ado (FRA)
9th, Alizee Arnaud (FRA)

Nation’s Results

1st, Hawaii
2nd, Australasia
3rd, South America
4th, Europe

Kai Barger Wins Billabong ASP World Junior Championships

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Wednesday, January 7, 2009) – Kai Barger (HAW), 19, has won the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, defeating fellow Finalist Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, to claim the ASP World Junior Title.

“I’m as high as Saturn’s kite baby!” Barger said. “Out of all the incredible surfers in this event, like Dusty (Payne) and Granger (Larsen) and Julian (Wilson), I probably had the least amount of confidence, but I guess this goes to show that every dog has his day and today’s mine!”

While Andre opened up the Final with two strong scores, Barger quickly rallied, grabbing a 6.67 before usurping the Brazilian with an explosive 8.67 for a series of forehand blasts on the Narrabeen lefthanders. The Hawaiian’s 15.34 out of a possible 20 would prove too much for Andre to overtake and would see Barger crowned the newest ASP World Junior Champion.

“To be honest, I can’t remember much of the Final with all the cameras and everything,” Barger said. “It’s a blur. I had so much fun. I’m tripping out right now. I never thought this would happen to me.”

Barger now joins one of the most prestigious clubs in professional surfing with his ASP World Junior Title. Past champions include Dream Tour stalwarts such as Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, Jordy Smith (ZAF), 20, Adriano de Souza (BRA), 21, and fellow Hawaiian’s Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23, and three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 30.

“To be part of such a crazy group of surfers feels amazing,” Barger said. “I really don’t have the words to express how it feels. It’s crazy, and to be given the preferred seed on the ‘QS is going to help so much.”

In addition to the prestigious ASP World Junior Title, Barger is also awarded preferred seeding into all ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) events in 2009 – a great advantage in the qualification quest for the elite ASP World Tour.

Andre, the No. 1 seed in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, put in an incredible performance at North Narrabeen today, including his acquisition of the event’s only perfect 10, but was unable to overtake Barger in the Final.

“I’m really happy with this result,” Andre said. “Second is amazing, but I would have loved to of won. For like 10 minutes, no waves came and I couldn’t get the score. I hope to have a great year on the ASP WQS and qualify for the Dream Tour.”

Tanner Gudauskas (USA), 20, equal 3rd place finisher, put in sensational performances on his forehand today, scalping Alejo Muniz (BRA), 18, and a red-hot Tamaroa McComb (PYF), 16, before falling to Andre and the Brazilian’s perfect 10 in the Semifinal. Tying last year’s equal 3rd place finish, Gudauskas puts the icing on his esteemed ASP Pro Junior career and will join his brothers on the ASP WQS in his quest for ASP Dream Tour qualification.

“I’m doing the ASP WQS this year again with my brothers,” Gudauskas said. “It’s a great start to the year even though I didn’t better the 3rd I got last year. It’s my last year as a junior is it’s into the big ocean for me now.”

Marc Lacomare (FRA), 18, carried the ASP European flag as far as possible today, taking down Jayke Sharp (AUS), 20, and Maxime Huscenot (REU), 16, before falling to Barger in the Semifinals. Despite failing to reach the Final, Lacomare’s equal 3rd place finish at Narrabeen still earned him the preferred seeding into several ASP WQS events in 2009.

“I’m going to stay in Australia for one month and do a few Pro Juniors in Queensland and then maybe some ASP WQS here as well,” Lacomare said. “I may be able to get the wildcard because I think Jadson (Andre) and Tanner (Gudauskas) may not need it so it is handed down to me. So I’m not exactly sure what is going on for me this year.”

Both Barger and Pauline Ado (FRA), 16, who claimed the ASP World Junior Women’s Title yesterday, will be honored at this year’s ASP Banquet in February alongside the likes of nine-time ASP World Tour Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 36, two-time ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 20, amongst others.

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) FINAL:

1 – Kai Barger (HAW) 15.34
2 – Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.67

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) SEMIFINALS:

SF 1: Jadson Andre (BRA) 18.00 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.34
SF 2: Kai Barger (HAW) 16.73 def. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 8.84

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) QUARTERFINALS:

QF 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 17.23 def. Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 14.50
QF 2: Jadson Andre (BRA) 18.30 def. Kiron Jabour (HAW) 12.60
QF 3: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 14.00 def. Maxime Huscenot (REU) 13.77
QF 4: Kai Barger (HAW) 17.60 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.16

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 13.17 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 8.57
Heat 2: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.60 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.33
Heat 3: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 13.16 def. Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 12.16
Heat 4: Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.50 def. Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.17
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 13.00 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 9.53
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 12.83 def. Jayke Sharp (AUS) 10.50
Heat 7: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 17.83 def. Nat Young (USA) 10.17
Heat 8: Kai Barger (HAW) 14.46 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 14.00

ASP REGIONAL POINTS BREAKDOWN:

1 – Hawaii 2,752 points
2 – Australasia 2,664 points
3 – South America 2,642 points
4 – Europe 2,428 points
5 – North America 2,296 points
6 – Africa 1,455 points
7 – Japan 900 points

ASP World Junior Men’s Champ To Be Crowned Today

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Wednesday, January 7, 2009) – The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships is scheduled to get underway this morning with Round 4 paddling out in punchy four foot (1 metre) waves at Sydney’s North Narrabeen beach with event organizers planning on completing the event and crowning a new ASP World Junior Champion by day’s end.

“The surf is bigger today in the four foot range,” Al Hunt, ASP Tour Manager, said. “The wind is back to the South but swinging Northeast today. We’re going to take advantage of the conditions on offer and run straight through to the Final this afternoon, crowning a new ASP World Junior Champion. Round 4 will begin at 8am and we’ve got some very dramatic match-ups. We’re anticipating a great day of surfing.”

Pauline Ado (FRA), 18, claimed the ASP World Junior Women’s Title over fellow Finalist Bethany Hamilton (HAW), 18. The men’s draw still boasts 16 of the world best junior surfers who will all be vying for the ASP Junior World Title today.

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 3: Lincoln Taylor (AUS) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW)
Heat 4: Granger Larsen (HAW) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) vs. Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 7: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

Pauline Ado Claims ASP World Junior Title at North Narrabeen

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Tuesday, January 6, 2009) – Pauline Ado (FRA), 17, has just made ASP history as the first non-Australian female to claim the undisputed ASP Junior World Title, defeating opponent Bethany Hamilton (HAW), 18, in a hard-fought Final at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

Clean three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves were on offer at Sydney’s legendary North Narrabeen beach today, and after completing Round 3 of the men’s division, the dramatic women’s action commenced with the Quarterfinals before culminating with the crowning of Ado as the newest ASP World Junior Champion.

“I’m speechless,” Ado said. “I am so stoked. This is a dream come true. I can’t believe that I won. When I woke up this morning, I never imagined that this would happen.”

While her opponent Hamilton exhibited patience throughout the day, Ado wasted no time in busying herself on both the lefts and rights in the Final, and although the lead flipped back-and-forth, it was the young Frenchwoman who sealed the deal with a solid 13.43 out of a possible 20.

“I didn’t watch Bethany on her last wave, but I could hear the crowd and the commentators in the background,” Ado said. “I thought she had won, but luckily for me, it wasn’t the case.”

Ado now joins the prestigious ranks of past ASP World Junior Champions Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), 22, Nicola Atherton (AUS), 22, and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 18 – all three past champions qualifying for the prestigious ASP Women’s World Tour within one season of claiming the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

“I have so much confidence now going into 2009,” Ado said. “I really want to do well in the ASP WQS and hopefully qualify for the ASP Women’s World Tour, but for now, I’m just stoked to be ASP World Junior Champion.”

In addition to being crowned ASP World Junior Champion, Ado will also receive a guaranteed seed into the second-to-last seeded round of all ASP WQS events in 2009, giving the young natural-footer a great advantage as she vies for a position on the elite ASP Women’s World Tour in 2010.

Hamilton, who suffered the loss of her left arm during a Tiger Shark attack at home in Kauai in 2003, put in an inspirational performance today, besting heavy event favorites Laura Enever (AUS), 17, and Leila Hurst (HAW), 16, before falling short to Ado in the Final.

“I’m really happy with my performance at this event,” Hamilton said. “To make the Final is really good for me. I haven’t had a good result in a while so hopefully this will give me some confidence for the rest of the year. I think my nerves got the better of me in the Final. I should’ve made a couple of turns where I fell. I’m kind of bummed about that last wave, but I guess that’s surfing.”

Courtney Conlogue (USA), 16, was in sensational form today, netting the event high heat total of an 18.23 out of a possible 20 in the Quarterfinals to dispatch of 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, before losing out to Ado in the Semifinals.

“I’m bummed, but when you look at it, it’s a great result even though I got the same as last year,” Conlogue said. “I’m happy with my result. It’s a great start to the year, but the Final would have been even better. Hopefully now I can follow through and have a strong year.”

Hurst joined Conlogue in their equal 3rd place finishes at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, and the young Hawaiian is looking forward to year of competition as she aims for a shot at the prestigious ASP Women’s World Tour.

“This year will be a big year doing all the ASP Pro Junior events and some ASP WQS events,” Hurst said. “I just got knocked in the last minutes when Bethany (Hamilton) got a 6, but it’s a great start to the year. This is my best result here at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships after three years.”

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) FINAL:

1 – Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.43
2 – Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 12.47

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.17 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.00
SF 2: Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 11.50 def. Leila Hurst (HAW) 10.07

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 16.33 def. Arini Mason (NZL) 11.87
QF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 18.23 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.33
QF 3: Leila Hurst (HAW) 11.17 def. Diana Cristina (BRA) 9.23
QF 4: Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 14.83 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 12.77

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 3: Lincoln Taylor (AUS) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW)
Heat 4: Granger Larsen (HAW) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) vs. Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 7: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

Event Favorites Eliminated at Billabong ASP World Junior Championships

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Tuesday, January 6, 2009) – The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships steamrolled through the men’s Round 3 today before crowning the women’s ASP World Junior Champion in rippable three-to-four foot (1 metre) surf on offer at Sydney’s North Narrabeen beach.

The deciding event in the quest for the undisputed ASP World Junior Title, the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships is the paramount junior event on the planet and today’s competition saw the biggest upsets of the week go down with some major favorites eliminated from competition.

Lincoln Taylor (AUS), 20, posted the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.60 out of a possible 10, for a vicious forehand assault, eliminating favored South African Rudy Palmboom, 20, from Billabong ASP World Junior competition.

“I was really lucky that I managed to get the two best waves come to me in that heat,” Taylor said. “At this level if you don’t get excellent scores on the set waves you’re going to quickly end up behind the eight ball.”

While several of Taylor’s fellow countrymen still in contention at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, the young goofy-footer is keen to claim the ASP World Junior Title for Australia – a feat that has yet to be repeated since current ASP Dream Tour stalwart Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, in 2001.

“I’m not trying to focus on anything else but doing well right now,” Taylor said. “I didn’t come in this event to finish last.”

Taylor will face Kiron Jabour (HAW), 17, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

Maxime Huscenot (REU), 16, reigning ASP European Pro Junior Champion, scored one of the biggest upsets of the day, eliminating ASP International Wildcard and event favorite Dusty Payne (HAW), 20, in Round 3 of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. The young natural-footer going as far as to post an impressive 9.00 out of a possible 10 in the last minute to cement the victory.

“Still no pressure after beating Dusty (Payne),” Huscenot said. “Dusty is such a good surfer up there with Julian (Wilson). I got a 9-point ride which was so good.”

Huscenot will face Alex Ribeiro (BRA) in Round 4 when Billabong ASP World Junior competition resumes.

Fellow European Marc Lacomare (FRA), 18, caused another major upset in the elimination of Australian Owen Wright, 18, from Billabong ASP World Junior competition. The Frenchman took command of the heat early on, collecting an 8.00 and an 8.50 in the opening minutes, posting what would prove to be an insurmountable lead for the highly-touted Australian.

“I feel so good to beat Owen (Wright),” Lacomare said. “He always beats me. We have surfed against one another about five or six times and he has beaten me most. Before the heat I was not that nervous because Owen is such a favorite. I’m just here do my best and see what happens.”

Lacomare will take on Jayke Sharp (AUS), 20, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 15.17 def. Tonino Benson (HAW) 9.66
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.17 def. Klee Strachan (ZAF) 8.73
Heat 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.00 def. Blake Jones (USA) 8.94
Heat 4: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.67 def. Alex Lima (BRA) 13.00
Heat 5: Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 18.10 def. Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 11.33
Heat 6: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.90 def. Medi Veminardi (REU) 8.90
Heat 7: Granger Larsen (HAW) 16.00 def. Travis Beckmann (USA) 12.14
Heat 8: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.33 def. Dean Bowen (AUS) 6.00
Heat 9: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 16.67 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.00
Heat 10: Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 16.00 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 13.34
Heat 11: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 16.50 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 12.50
Heat 12: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 12.33 def. Casey Brown (HAW) 9.50
Heat 13: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.50 def. Magno Pacheco (BRA) 10.34
Heat 14: Nat Young (USA) 9.23 def. Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK) 9.23
Heat 15: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 16.50 def. Nicholas Godfrey (ZAF) 12.17
Heat 16: Kai Barger (HAW) 13.17 def. Charles Martin (GLP) 9.84

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 3: Lincoln Taylor (AUS) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW)
Heat 4: Granger Larsen (HAW) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) vs. Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 7: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Arini Mason (NZL) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
QF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
QF 3: Leila Hurst (HAW) vs. Diana Cristina (BRA)
QF 4: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)

Men’s Round 3 ON at Billabong ASP World Juniors, Girls on Standby

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Tuesday, January 6, 2009) – Men’s action continues at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships with Round 3 commencing in clean three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Sydney’s North Narrabeen Beach this morning at 7:30am.

Yesterday’s high-scoring action saw the elimination of 16 of the world’s best juniors in their respective campaigns for the undisputed ASP World Junior Title, and today’s competition promises more of the same dramatic action with the men’s Round 3 up first with the women’s Quarterfinals on standby.

“We have the best day of surf yet today with south winds and three-to-four foot waves pulsing through Narrabeen and we’ll get underway with the men’s Round 3 at 7:30am,” Al Hunt, ASP Tour Manager, said. “We plan on completing all 16 heats of Round 3 with the women’s Quarterfinals on standby for a possible run this afternoon.”

Up first will be last year’s Billabong ASP World Juniors runner-up Tonino Benson (HAW), 19, up against a red-hot Tamaroa McComb (PYF), 16.

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Tonino Benson (HAW) vs. Tamaroa McComb (PYF)
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Klee Strachan (ZAF)
Heat 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Blake Jones (USA)
Heat 4: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs. Alex Lima (BRA)
Heat 5: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) vs. Lincoln Taylor (AUS)
Heat 6: Kiron Jabour (HAW) vs. Medi Veminardi (REU)
Heat 7: Granger Larsen (HAW) vs. Travis Beckmann (USA)
Heat 8: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Dean Bowen (AUS)
Heat 9: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Maxime Huscenot (REU)
Heat 10: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 11: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Marc Lacomare (FRA)
Heat 12: Casey Brown (HAW) vs. Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 13: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Magno Pacheco (BRA)
Heat 14: Nat Young (USA) vs. Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK)
Heat 15: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Nicholas Godfrey (ZAF)
Heat 16: Charles Martin (GLP) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Arini Mason (NZL) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
QF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
QF 3: Leila Hurst (HAW) vs. Diana Cristina (BRA)
QF 4: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)

Europeans Hold Back International Assault in Billabong ASP World Junior Championships

CAPBRETON, France (Monday, January 5, 2009) – The European contingent in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships (WJC) held back the international assault last weekend at Narabeen in Australia with five representatives securing a berth into Round 3 of the most prestigious Under-21 Pro Junior event in the world. Reigning ASP European Junior champion and youngest surfer of the crew Maxime Huscenot (REU), 16, managed to get through Round 2 after he defeated Ricardo do Santos (BRA) in a sudden-death battle joining fellow Reunion Island surfer Medi Veminardi in Round 3.
Huscenot, who ended up winning with a solid 15.00 point heat tally (out of a possible 20), used his consistent backhand attack to take advantage of the longer two to three foot (0.5 to 1 meter) lefthanders and eliminate his opponent.
“There were a couple of longer lefts at the inside and I had some good fun during my heat,” Huscenot said. “It’s my first time in the event so I have nothing to lose but I hope I can get a good result. I’ll go heat by heat and see what happens.”
Huscenot will face Hawaii’s wunderkid and 2008 Vans Triple Crown top surfer Dusty Payne (HAW) when his Round 3 battle hits the water.
Charles Martin (GLP), 18, last year’s ASP World Junior No. 3, was another European to advance through to Round 3 last weekend. Martin, who was awarded a wild card by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International into the event, lost no time to make his intentions clear winning his Round 1 encounter against two Japanese surfers, a win that rocketed him straight into Round 3 of the event.
“I am stoked I got the wild card to enter the WJC,” Martin said. “I did not do the Pro Junior events in Europe in 2008 because I had to finish High School. I am really happy to be here because I love the place and the waves are usually super fun and to get that Round 1 heat out of the way is even better.”
The young surfer from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe is seen as one of Europe’s best hopes towards a possible ASP World Tour qualification in the future and will be keen to improve his equal 3rd rank from last year at Narabeen. He will face Hawaiian powerhouse Kai Barger (HAW) next.
Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK), only Basque surfer in the event for the second consecutive year, and Marc Lacomare (FRA), were the two other Europeans to reach Round 3. Berasaluce, who convincingly won his Round 1 heat over Hawaiian standout and last year’s ASP World Junior No. 2 Tonino Benson and fellow European Jules Thomet (FRA), placed 4th overall on the ASP European Junior ratings in 2008, and has all required skills to go further in the event. He will face North America’s favorite grommet Nat Young (USA) in Round 3.
In the women’s division, Pauline Ado (FRA) is the last European surfer in the event. Ado, 18, who ended 3rd on the 2008 ASP European Women’s Junior ratings, replaced Lee-Ann Curren (FRA) in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships three weeks ago after the daughter of three-time ASP World Champion Tom Curren (USA) pulled out for personal reasons. Ado, two-time ASP European Women’s Junior champion and 2005 ISA Women’s Junior World Champion, managed to carve her way up to the Quarterfinals after winning her Round 3 battle against Sayuri Sashimoto (JPN).
“I think it was just about catching the better waves,” Ado said. “I caught two pretty good ones and it was enough to secure my spot into the Quarterfinals of the event so I am very happy.”
Ado, who came to Narabeen with fellow French competitor and reigning ASP European Women’s Junior champion Alize Arnaud (FRA), will be Europe’s last hope when Quarterfinals resume and Heat 1 paddles out for a much expected battle against Airini Mason (NZL).

EUROPEANS’ UPCOMING MATCH-UPS

Men’s Round 3

Heat 6: Kiron Jabour (HAW) Vs. Medi Veminardi (REU)
Heat 9: Dusty Payne (HAW) Vs. Maxime Huscenot (REU)
Heat 11: Owen Wright (AUS) Vs. Marc Lacomare (FRA)
Heat 14: Nat Young (USA) Vs. Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK)
Heat 16: Charles Martin (GLP) Vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

Women’s Quarterfinals

Heat 1: Airini Mason (NZL) Vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)

Massive Scores At Billabong ASP World Junior Championships Day 3

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Monday, January 5, 2009) – The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships recommenced this morning with the final seven heats of the men’s Round 1 before tearing into the dramatic elimination Round 2.

The deciding event in the hunt for the undisputed ASP World Junior Title, the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships enjoyed a full day of sunny skies and clean three foot (1 metre) waves at Sydney’s North Narrabeen beach in which world’s best junior surfers reveled, locking in the highest scores of the event.

Julian Wilson (AUS), 20, who gained entry into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships via his win at the VonZipper Trials, rebounded from a morning loss in Round 1 to absolutely decimate his Round 2 heat this afternoon, netting the event high heat total of an 18.50 out of a possible 20 to dispatch of Koki Nakamura (JPN).

“I had a pretty shaky start this morning in Round 1 but I feel way better after that one,” Wilson said. “The conditions are getting way better and I think the level of surfing is going to really lift in the coming days.”

Part of a star-studded Australian contingent, Wilson is keen to claim the ASP World Junior Title for himself, bringing the prestigious accolade back to Australia, where it hasn’t been held since current ASP Dream Tour standout Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, last claimed it in 2001.

“It’s been ages since an Aussie won this title,” Wilson said. “That spurs us all on…we want it back here in Oz!”

Rudy Palmboom (ZAF), 20, suffered an unfortunate loss in Round 1 two days ago, but made amends today, posting and impressive heat total of a 17.10 out of a possible 20 to eliminate Jules Thomet (FRA) from Billabong ASP World Junior competition in today’s Round 2 bout.

“I was a bit nervous at the start – as I am with most competitions – but because I have this high-scoring heat it has given me much more confidence,” Palmboom said. “Last year was my first year in this competition and I got 9th. I want to better that result taking it heat by heat and see what happens.”

Palmboom punctuated his impressive Round 2 victory with his own excellent single wave-score of a 9.10 out of a possible 10 for a series of vicious backhand blasts.

“I’m stoked with my 9-point ride in the last couple of seconds,” Palmboom said. “The other guy in my heat was in a good position so I made sure I got it. It had a nice wall and I got a good score on it.”

Alex Ribeiro (BRA) was another to flare in the dying conditions this afternoon, posting an incredible 9.00 out of a possible 10 for a series of impressive forehand fin wafts on the roping lefthanders.

“This is my first year in the event and Australia and I’m very happy so far,” Ribeiro said. “I’m just going to work as hard as I can to get through as many heats as possible. I think Brazil brought a great team but all countries have so good surfers the best people for possible.”

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 1 RESULTS:

Heat 10: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 12.67, Heifara-Peter Tahutini (PYF) 12.07, Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 10.67
Heat 11: Casey Brown (HAW) 11.90, Kai Barger (HAW) 9.67, Koko Nakamura (JPN) 7.87
Heat 12: Charles Martin (GLP) 13.83, Kaito Sekimoto (JPN) 10.33, Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN) 10.17
Heat 13: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 14.00, Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.60, Casey Grant (ZAF) 10.34
Heat 14: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.77, Nicholas Godfrey (ZAF) 12.23, Medi Veminardi (REU) 8.50
Heat 15: Nat Young (USA) 13.24, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 12.00, Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 9.60
Heat 16: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 13.47, Marc Lacomare (FRA) 12.60, Andrew Doheny (USA) 8.00

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 2 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.50 def. Heremoana Luciani (PYF) 11.34
Heat 2: Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.33 def. Heifara Tahutini (PYF) 6.90
Heat 3: Tonino Benson (HAW) 12.50 def. Andres Wurst (PER) 8.17
Heat 4: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 17.10 def. Jules Thomet (FRA) 10.60
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 15.00 def. Ricardo dos Santos (BRA) 11.17
Heat 6: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 12.77 def. Pierre-Valentine Laborde (FRA) 12.50
Heat 7: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.50 def. Koki Nakamura (JPN) 8.00
Heat 8: Travis Beckmann (USA) 13.67 def. Kaito Sekimoto (JPN) 8.86
Heat 9: Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 16.83 def. Casey Grant (ZAF) 12.10
Heat 10: Nicholas Godfrey (ZAF) 9.84 def. Cory Arrambide (USA) 7.26
Heat 11: Blake Jones (USA) 11.83 def. Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 10.17
Heat 12: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 12.67 def. Shota Nakamura (JPN) 9.84
Heat 13: Klee Strachan (ZAF) 12.34 def. Andrew Doheny (USA) 10.04
Heat 14: Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 14.67 def. Keito Matsuoka (JPN) 8.50
Heat 15: Medi Veminardi (REU) 13.43 def. Heath Joske (AUS) 9.67
Heat 16: Kai Barger (HAW) 14.17 def. Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN) 8.67

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Tonino Benson (HAW) vs. Tamaroa McComb (PYF)
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Klee Strachan (ZAF)
Heat 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Blake Jones (USA)
Heat 4: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs. Alex Lima (BRA)
Heat 5: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) vs. Lincoln Taylor (AUS)
Heat 6: Kiron Jabour (HAW) vs. Medi Veminardi (REU)
Heat 7: Granger Larsen (HAW) vs. Travis Beckmann (USA)
Heat 8: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Dean Bowen (AUS)
Heat 9: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Maxime Huscenot (REU)
Heat 10: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 11: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Marc Lacomare (FRA)
Heat 12: Casey Brown (HAW) vs. Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 13: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Magno Pacheco (BRA)
Heat 14: Nat Young (USA) vs. Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK)
Heat 15: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Nicholas Godfrey (ZAF)
Heat 16: Charles Martin (GLP) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Arini Mason (NZL) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
QF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
QF 3: Leila Hurst (HAW) vs. Diana Cristina (BRA)
QF 4: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)

Men Back On at Billabong ASP World Junior Championships

NORTH NARRABEEN, Australia (Monday, January 5, 2009) – The remaining seven heats of the men’s Round 1 of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are scheduled to hit the water this morning at 7am in excellent three-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Sydney’s North Narrabeen with the hotly-contested elimination Round 2 to follow.

The deciding event in the hunt for the undisputed ASP World Junior Title, the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships completed the first half of the opening men’s round two days ago before determining the women’s Quarterfinalists yesterday.

“We’re starting with the remaining seven heats of the men’s Round 1 this morning at 7am with Round 2 to follow,” Al Hunt, ASP Tour Manager, said. “No girls surfing for today. The swell is up and growing. Three-to-four feet and excellent conditions. We will be doing as many men’s heats as we can today.”

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS REMAINING (MEN) ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 10: Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Alex Ribeiro (BRA), Heifara-Peter Tahutini (PYF)
Heat 11: Casey Brown (HAW), Kai Barger (HAW), Koko Nakamura (JPN)
Heat 12: Charles Martin (GLP), Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN), Kaito Sekimoto (JPN)
Heat 13: Julian Wilson (AUS), Jayke Sharp (AUS), Casey Grant (ZAF)
Heat 14: Alejo Muniz (BRA), Medi Veminardi (REU), Nicholas Godfrey (ZAF)
Heat 15: Nat Young (USA), Lincoln Taylor (AUS), Shaun Joubert (ZAF)
Heat 16: Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Andrew Doheny (USA), Marc Lacomare (FRA)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Arini Mason (NZL) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
QF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
QF 3: Leila Hurst (HAW) vs. Diana Cristina (BRA)
QF 4: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)