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Erickson
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
podium
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
Sage Erickson
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
Erickson
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
Dupont
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
Mark Vines wins the US Indoors at Boise: 2nd Leg of Golden Grand Slam
Boise-Mark Vines of Lynchburg, Virginia won the USTA Mens 55 National Indoor Championship at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club on May 12th.
Vines beat Maxime Buyckx of Marietta, Georgia, 6-3, 6-2 in an efficient match that spanned just over an hour.
"I knew it was going to be a dogfight today and it was,” said Vines.
For the first time in 20 years, Vines will play in all four national tournaments and he has big plans.
“What I'm hoping to do is something few have done, that's win four nationals and the world championships in one year,” said Vines after the hard fought match.
The four majors and the world championship in one year is called the Golden Grand Slam and only a few players have done it. “I have a big target on my back. I've won the World Championship and now Boise. "I know everyone is shooting for me and that fine, but I really wanted this tournament."
At the ITF World Championships in February Vines lost just 8 games in 7 matches and completely dominated the toughest Senior Tournament in the world.
Fellow player and journalist Jake Putnam Caught up with Vines just after the final in Boise:
Maxime Buyckx is a tough player, your last match was very close--How did you win the US Indoors?
“Well, I still have a slight groin pull that I suffered during the ITF Worlds in San Diego. I still have a touch of tendinitis in the knee but I don’t think theres a player out here that doesn't have something going on, so we’re all in the same bucket.
The thing with Max today is this, his game is very tough to play. Its unusual in that he has heavy slice, heavy balls and very quick. He’s also very intelligent and always making subtle changes. But what hurts him on this surface is his serve, he can’t win free points off it. I knew that but also knew that I couldn’t stay back with him because his balls are too penetrating. They come in so deep and stay so low that its very difficult to handle. I hit a lot of balls off my backhand into the net and it was mainly due to his shot. During the tournament I saw that ball a lot but got them over, its just that his slice is so difficult.
Was this the best you’ve played?
“I dont think either one of us played our best tennis today, I just played the bigger points a bit better, I jumped off to a big lead right away and that hurt him. In the second set I decided that I was going to put more pressure on him by coming to the net because in the middle of the first set I felt he was controlling points. So I hit a couple of good lobs and a couple good shots right at him and he missed the volleys and that kept him from the net. He’s not a natural net player, he’s good out there, but he would rather stay back and control the ball.
So what was the difference?
The problem is that in Boise, with these courts and at this altitude its hard to win staying back. You need overwhelming ground strokes and no one has overwhelming ground strokes in Men’s 55. No one can kick ass from the baseline, thats how I sum it up.
Short angles determined that match early--
Everyone likes to stay back, that way you only have to take a few steps. But if you can work the angle, you can pass him or lob him. I like to come in to force him back and then hit the short ball. That short ball pushes him off to the side and opens the court. The thing here is that Max is good at picking up the short balls and he didn’t do a great job of that today. Normally he’s much better but he’s not as quick here because of the altitude and the slow court. I like to bring it over and then down and in because of the altitude. We’re not used to 28-hundred feet and playing extra duty balls, I would have thought we’d be playing with high altitude balls.
The slices that lefty’s like me have is low and to the righty’s forehand is just not used to it. But if the righty’s would do it to the lefty’s they’d get points, they don’t do it enough. Max needs to do it a bit more, especially against lefties. I hope he doesn’t read this!
So What about the Austria Cup? Are you hoping for a spot on the 2012 team?
Im hoping that I’m invited to play the Cup next year in Turkey. I went there four years ago and played on the team. I was a little surprised when I was not asked to play this year since none of the guys had ever beat me in 20 years of playing them. But the selection team has its own set of criteria, thats good and actually it worked out good for me. I was much more fresh during the Individual Championships than the guys that played in the Team competition. that were played. I saw that a few got hurt, others exhausted playing all of those hard court matches. It was much hotter that first week of team compeitition, during individuals it was much cooler. I was fresh and it made a huge difference. Had I been on the team I probably wouldn't have had enough in the tank to win the individuals so it was a blessing in disguise and Im looking forward to hopefully being selected next year for the tourney in Turkey and represent the United States.
You played at SMU, the ATP Tour, many of the guys you grew up playing are not playing any more, how have you stayed in the game?
I think there’s a few that can still play and much better than I can play. They were better back then and still are. But I have a competitive urge to get out there and have been out there since 35’s. I still mix it in. I play a few years in my age division then teach, then get back out and play. My boys are grown up now and in college so I have more time to play and plan on playing more as long as my job permits it. As far as the guys go, they had their hey day and are off to another part of their life. Some even have kids that are starting to drag it out on the Pro tour and thats wonderful. My boys didnt play much tennis growing up, and thats perfectly fine as long as they made good grades and stayed out of trouble.
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Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita Kicks Off in Excellent Conditions
Playa de Somo, Cantabria, SPAIN (Friday, May 6, 2011) – The inaugural ASP 1-Star Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf, event nº2 of 7 on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series, got off to a flying start on Day 1 of the official waiting period, running through to complete two Rounds of competition in clean 3-4ft lefts and rights at the main event site in La playa de Somo.
Jules Thomet (Anglet, FRA) 19, who had his opponents in combination situation in the first half of the 20-minute heat, destroyed two consecutive high-tide peeling lefts with a series of backhand smashes and on-the-rail turns to amass the highest two-wave combined total of the event, 16.90 out of 20.
“The waves are good and they arrived for my heat as well. There were plenty of waves to choose from and I got two good lefts so I am happy with my performance. I was very relaxed after those first waves and had no stress at all.”
Thomet enjoyed the best moment of the incoming tide with sets continually pushing through the main peak and the young natural-footer hopes to be able to adjust to the ever changing conditions as the tide moves.
“I would like to continue like this for the rest of the event but I think the waves may be smaller and so I will have to adapt and change especially if my heats are during the lower tide next time.”
Tom Cloarec (FRA) 17, surfed brilliantly using his full repertoire of turns snatching an excellent left to lay down a critical first turn followed by a close-out air-reverse on the shore break to claim an 8.83 out of 10, the highest single wave score of the event.
“I saw a really good wave coming and I did a good first turn and then the lip sat up and came to me and I did the final manoeuvre and made it. I enjoyed the heat and it is always really good fun surfing lefts and rights like these.”
Medi Veminardi (Saint-Leu, REU) 19, a first-time visitor to Somo, adjusted quickly to conditions on his first trip to mainland Europe this season for the Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita with a commanding performance which highlighted him as one of the favourites for the title.
“I have been struggling to find a good board and I have just arrived three days ago and I’ve been surfing in board shorts for the last four months so I have a few things to deal with. I figured everything out yesterday so I am happy because I have a good board and now I am a bit more comfortable with the wetsuits.”
Veminardi, one of Europe’s most experienced Juniors, showed excellent wave selection choosing the longer peeling rights with his powerful backhand hacks to compile a two-wave heat total of 14.16.
“The waves are changing really fast now. What I was looking at on the beach was not the same as when I was in the water so it is changing a lot. I think you have to be a local here to know how to surf the wave. (laughs)”
“I didn’t know there were such good waves here,” continued Veminardi. “Yesterday was really good at high tide so I think it is going to be a great comp if we have waves over the weekend. I expected to surf an average beach break and I arrived with a perfect left and right so it is going to be really good.”
Jose Ferreira (PRT) 19, who competed from Round One due to a late entry, destroyed the clean early morning peak on both the lefts and right to take top honours nailing a 7.83 and in the process securing one of highest combined two-wave totals of 14.83 out of 20.
“I did a late entry so I was in the first round and it went well because I got two sevens and then the waves in my second heat were not as good but I managed to get through so I am happy. The tide was changing and I think it was the slowest heat of this round so it was hard.”
Ferreira, like many other competitors, was pleasantly surprised with the quality of waves on offer during the higher tide mark offering long walls perfect for high performance surfing.
“My surfing is going well for me at the moment and this is a very good place and when the tide is high there is a very good right and left so it is the perfect place to do a contest.”
Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 17, currently ranked nº3 on the Asp European Junior Men’s series, cruised through his Round Two encounter picking off the best lefts and rights coming through on the main peak with flowing rail turns and snaps to claim a heat total of 13.67 out of 20.
“I’m stoked because it was kind of difficult out there. I think it was right at the moment when it was breaking outside and inside so it was tough but some good rights at the beginning so I’m stoked to get through. I didn’t get any big scores but I am happy to get through and hopefully can show everyone my best surf in the next heat.”
Boukiam, who is still recovering from injury, showed no signs of being handicapped by his heavily strapped left hand using his experience and positioning to control the heat from start to finish.
“I broke my small finger training but I think it is more in your head so I try to forget it and I will be able to surf at my best level.”
Joao Pinheiro (Ericeira, PRT) 19, impressed making a strong comeback to the European Pro Junior series relying on smooth rail-to-rail carves and rapid snaps to claim two solid scores and a combined heat total of 13.24.
“I am so happy. This is my first European Pro Junior this year so I want to do my best and surf without pressure. The waves are fun and I am happy.”
“I only did one Pro Junior in 2009 and last year,” explained Pinheiro. “I didn’t have a sponsor so I did the National circuit in Portugal. This year I have a sponsor but I didn’t go to Reunion Island however I will go to all the next ones.”
The Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf is the second stop on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series 2011 which will determine qualifiers for the elite Asp World Junior Championships which start in Bali October 3 2011.
For all today’s results, photos and news log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Upcoming Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU), Joao Pinheiro (PRT), Jose Ferreira (PRT), Marcelino Botin (ESP)
Heat 2: Miguel Blanco (PRT), Diodo Appleton (PRT), Ander Mendiguren (EUK), Ramzi Boukiam (MAR)
Heat 3: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK), Angelo Bonomelli (ITA), Pablo Pola (FRA), Marcos Carmona (ESP)
Heat 4: Tristan Guilbaud (FRA), Ethan Egiguren (EUK), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Charly Termeau (FRA)
Heat 5: Jules Thomet (FRA), Borja Agote (EUK), Hugo Debosc (REU), William Aliotti (FRA)
Heat 6: Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA), Hugo Palmarini (REU), Alex Iriondo (EUK), Tom Cloarec (FRA)
Heat 7: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Txaber Gaminde (EUK), Stuart Campbell (GBR), Alex Gironi (EUK)
Heat 8: Kosme Fernandes (EUK), Luis Eyre (GBR), Demitri Ouvre (BRB), Francisco Alves (PRT)
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Two Results
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU)14.16, Miguel Blanco (PRT) 11.06, Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 9.43, Imanol Yeregi (EUK) 9.10
Heat 2: Joao Pinheiro (PRT) 13.24, Diodo Appleton (PRT) 11.90, Juan Fernandez (ESP) 8.16, Luca Dioguardi (CYN) 7.06
Heat 3:Ander Mendiguren (EUK) 11.17, Jose Ferreira (PRT) 9.74, Toby Donachie (GBR) 8.76, Joao Kopke (PRT) 4.83
Heat 4: Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 13.67, Marcelino Botin (ESP) 9.57, Andy Crière (FRA) 6.43, Bruno Reinhardt (FRA) 5.17
Heat 5: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK) 12.67, Tristan Guilbaud (FRA) 11.67, Pedro Berasaluce (EUK) 9.44, Louis Fears (FRA) 8.33
Heat 6: Angelo Bonomelli (ITA) 12.10, Ethan Egiguren (EUK) 8.30, Manix Bikuna (EUK) 7.96, Samuel Bedia (ESP) 2.47
Heat 7: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.17, Pablo Pola (FRA) 10.67, Roberto Letemendia (EUK) 7.74, Eriz Eizmendi (EUK) 4.40
Heat 8: Charly Termeau (FRA) 9.74, Marcos Carmona (ESP) 9.63, Pierre Rollet (FRA) 8.96, Aldric God (FRA) 8.70
Heat 9: Jules Thomet (FRA) 16.90, Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA) 8.33, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 8.30, Roberto D'Amico (ITA) 6.67
Heat 10: Borja Agote (EUK) 13.44, Hugo Palmarini (REU) 10.83, Pedro Correia (PRT) 10.00, Julen Egiguren (EUK) 5.94
Heat 11: Alex Iriondo (EUK) 12.07, Hugo Debosc (REU) 9.50, Nelson Cloarec (FRA) 8.56, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 6.90
Heat 12: Tom Cloarec (FRA) 15.66, William Aliotti (FRA) 15.50, Antoine Ramonborde (FRA) 7.93, Miguel Villalba (ESP) 7.64
Heat 13: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) 14.17, Kosme Fernandes (EUK) 9.10, Juan Diaz Teran (ESP) 6.10, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 4.73
Heat 14: Txaber Gaminde (EUK) 11.97, Luis Eyre (GBR) 10.43, Tim Latte (SWE) 9.23, Charles Quiveront (FRA) 6.27
Heat 15: Demitri Ouvre (BRB) 14.34, Stuart Campbell (GBR) 8.64, Remi Petersen (NLD) 6.66, Tom Good (GBR) 5.67
Heat 16: Francisco Alves (PRT) 13.27, Alex Gironi (EUK) 10.33, Emilien Lojou (FRA) 9.43, Harry Timson (GBR) 2.37
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round One Results
Heat 1: Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 11.00, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 9.17, Markel Ezenarro (EUK)
Heat 2: Jose Ferreira (PRT) 14.83, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 8.00, Luke Dillon (GBR) 4.84
Heat 3: Louis Fears (FRA) 11.30, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 8.73, Jose Roman Grau (CNY) 6.00
Heat 4: Eriz Eizmendi (EUK), Tom Good (GBR)
Photo ASP / Masurel-Aquashot
baum
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita Kicks Off in Excellent Conditions
Playa de Somo, Cantabria, SPAIN (Friday, May 6, 2011) – The inaugural ASP 1-Star Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf, event nº2 of 7 on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series, got off to a flying start on Day 1 of the official waiting period, running through to complete two Rounds of competition in clean 3-4ft lefts and rights at the main event site in La playa de Somo.
Jules Thomet (Anglet, FRA) 19, who had his opponents in combination situation in the first half of the 20-minute heat, destroyed two consecutive high-tide peeling lefts with a series of backhand smashes and on-the-rail turns to amass the highest two-wave combined total of the event, 16.90 out of 20.
“The waves are good and they arrived for my heat as well. There were plenty of waves to choose from and I got two good lefts so I am happy with my performance. I was very relaxed after those first waves and had no stress at all.”
Thomet enjoyed the best moment of the incoming tide with sets continually pushing through the main peak and the young natural-footer hopes to be able to adjust to the ever changing conditions as the tide moves.
“I would like to continue like this for the rest of the event but I think the waves may be smaller and so I will have to adapt and change especially if my heats are during the lower tide next time.”
Tom Cloarec (FRA) 17, surfed brilliantly using his full repertoire of turns snatching an excellent left to lay down a critical first turn followed by a close-out air-reverse on the shore break to claim an 8.83 out of 10, the highest single wave score of the event.
“I saw a really good wave coming and I did a good first turn and then the lip sat up and came to me and I did the final manoeuvre and made it. I enjoyed the heat and it is always really good fun surfing lefts and rights like these.”
Medi Veminardi (Saint-Leu, REU) 19, a first-time visitor to Somo, adjusted quickly to conditions on his first trip to mainland Europe this season for the Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita with a commanding performance which highlighted him as one of the favourites for the title.
“I have been struggling to find a good board and I have just arrived three days ago and I’ve been surfing in board shorts for the last four months so I have a few things to deal with. I figured everything out yesterday so I am happy because I have a good board and now I am a bit more comfortable with the wetsuits.”
Veminardi, one of Europe’s most experienced Juniors, showed excellent wave selection choosing the longer peeling rights with his powerful backhand hacks to compile a two-wave heat total of 14.16.
“The waves are changing really fast now. What I was looking at on the beach was not the same as when I was in the water so it is changing a lot. I think you have to be a local here to know how to surf the wave. (laughs)”
“I didn’t know there were such good waves here,” continued Veminardi. “Yesterday was really good at high tide so I think it is going to be a great comp if we have waves over the weekend. I expected to surf an average beach break and I arrived with a perfect left and right so it is going to be really good.”
Jose Ferreira (PRT) 19, who competed from Round One due to a late entry, destroyed the clean early morning peak on both the lefts and right to take top honours nailing a 7.83 and in the process securing one of highest combined two-wave totals of 14.83 out of 20.
“I did a late entry so I was in the first round and it went well because I got two sevens and then the waves in my second heat were not as good but I managed to get through so I am happy. The tide was changing and I think it was the slowest heat of this round so it was hard.”
Ferreira, like many other competitors, was pleasantly surprised with the quality of waves on offer during the higher tide mark offering long walls perfect for high performance surfing.
“My surfing is going well for me at the moment and this is a very good place and when the tide is high there is a very good right and left so it is the perfect place to do a contest.”
Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 17, currently ranked nº3 on the Asp European Junior Men’s series, cruised through his Round Two encounter picking off the best lefts and rights coming through on the main peak with flowing rail turns and snaps to claim a heat total of 13.67 out of 20.
“I’m stoked because it was kind of difficult out there. I think it was right at the moment when it was breaking outside and inside so it was tough but some good rights at the beginning so I’m stoked to get through. I didn’t get any big scores but I am happy to get through and hopefully can show everyone my best surf in the next heat.”
Boukiam, who is still recovering from injury, showed no signs of being handicapped by his heavily strapped left hand using his experience and positioning to control the heat from start to finish.
“I broke my small finger training but I think it is more in your head so I try to forget it and I will be able to surf at my best level.”
Joao Pinheiro (Ericeira, PRT) 19, impressed making a strong comeback to the European Pro Junior series relying on smooth rail-to-rail carves and rapid snaps to claim two solid scores and a combined heat total of 13.24.
“I am so happy. This is my first European Pro Junior this year so I want to do my best and surf without pressure. The waves are fun and I am happy.”
“I only did one Pro Junior in 2009 and last year,” explained Pinheiro. “I didn’t have a sponsor so I did the National circuit in Portugal. This year I have a sponsor but I didn’t go to Reunion Island however I will go to all the next ones.”
The Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf is the second stop on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series 2011 which will determine qualifiers for the elite Asp World Junior Championships which start in Bali October 3 2011.
For all today’s results, photos and news log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Upcoming Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU), Joao Pinheiro (PRT), Jose Ferreira (PRT), Marcelino Botin (ESP)
Heat 2: Miguel Blanco (PRT), Diodo Appleton (PRT), Ander Mendiguren (EUK), Ramzi Boukiam (MAR)
Heat 3: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK), Angelo Bonomelli (ITA), Pablo Pola (FRA), Marcos Carmona (ESP)
Heat 4: Tristan Guilbaud (FRA), Ethan Egiguren (EUK), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Charly Termeau (FRA)
Heat 5: Jules Thomet (FRA), Borja Agote (EUK), Hugo Debosc (REU), William Aliotti (FRA)
Heat 6: Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA), Hugo Palmarini (REU), Alex Iriondo (EUK), Tom Cloarec (FRA)
Heat 7: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Txaber Gaminde (EUK), Stuart Campbell (GBR), Alex Gironi (EUK)
Heat 8: Kosme Fernandes (EUK), Luis Eyre (GBR), Demitri Ouvre (BRB), Francisco Alves (PRT)
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Two Results
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU)14.16, Miguel Blanco (PRT) 11.06, Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 9.43, Imanol Yeregi (EUK) 9.10
Heat 2: Joao Pinheiro (PRT) 13.24, Diodo Appleton (PRT) 11.90, Juan Fernandez (ESP) 8.16, Luca Dioguardi (CYN) 7.06
Heat 3:Ander Mendiguren (EUK) 11.17, Jose Ferreira (PRT) 9.74, Toby Donachie (GBR) 8.76, Joao Kopke (PRT) 4.83
Heat 4: Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 13.67, Marcelino Botin (ESP) 9.57, Andy Crière (FRA) 6.43, Bruno Reinhardt (FRA) 5.17
Heat 5: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK) 12.67, Tristan Guilbaud (FRA) 11.67, Pedro Berasaluce (EUK) 9.44, Louis Fears (FRA) 8.33
Heat 6: Angelo Bonomelli (ITA) 12.10, Ethan Egiguren (EUK) 8.30, Manix Bikuna (EUK) 7.96, Samuel Bedia (ESP) 2.47
Heat 7: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.17, Pablo Pola (FRA) 10.67, Roberto Letemendia (EUK) 7.74, Eriz Eizmendi (EUK) 4.40
Heat 8: Charly Termeau (FRA) 9.74, Marcos Carmona (ESP) 9.63, Pierre Rollet (FRA) 8.96, Aldric God (FRA) 8.70
Heat 9: Jules Thomet (FRA) 16.90, Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA) 8.33, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 8.30, Roberto D'Amico (ITA) 6.67
Heat 10: Borja Agote (EUK) 13.44, Hugo Palmarini (REU) 10.83, Pedro Correia (PRT) 10.00, Julen Egiguren (EUK) 5.94
Heat 11: Alex Iriondo (EUK) 12.07, Hugo Debosc (REU) 9.50, Nelson Cloarec (FRA) 8.56, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 6.90
Heat 12: Tom Cloarec (FRA) 15.66, William Aliotti (FRA) 15.50, Antoine Ramonborde (FRA) 7.93, Miguel Villalba (ESP) 7.64
Heat 13: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) 14.17, Kosme Fernandes (EUK) 9.10, Juan Diaz Teran (ESP) 6.10, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 4.73
Heat 14: Txaber Gaminde (EUK) 11.97, Luis Eyre (GBR) 10.43, Tim Latte (SWE) 9.23, Charles Quiveront (FRA) 6.27
Heat 15: Demitri Ouvre (BRB) 14.34, Stuart Campbell (GBR) 8.64, Remi Petersen (NLD) 6.66, Tom Good (GBR) 5.67
Heat 16: Francisco Alves (PRT) 13.27, Alex Gironi (EUK) 10.33, Emilien Lojou (FRA) 9.43, Harry Timson (GBR) 2.37
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round One Results
Heat 1: Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 11.00, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 9.17, Markel Ezenarro (EUK)
Heat 2: Jose Ferreira (PRT) 14.83, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 8.00, Luke Dillon (GBR) 4.84
Heat 3: Louis Fears (FRA) 11.30, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 8.73, Jose Roman Grau (CNY) 6.00
Heat 4: Eriz Eizmendi (EUK), Tom Good (GBR)
Photo ASP / Masurel-Aquashot
fitzgibbons victory
LES BOURDAINES Seignosse, France (Friday, June 3, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa NSW, AUS) 20, today won the Asp 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France in an enthralling final over Sage Erickson (CA, USA) 20, in solid 4ft peaks at Les Bourdaines in front of hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline. The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France also commenced today running through to decide the final in 16 athletes in the race for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro Junior France title.
Fitzgibbons, after surviving a thrilling semi-final dual with Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, continued with a dominating display of critical, committed backhand surfing in the 35-minute final to take an early lead which she controlled through to the siren.
“I am really excited to get the win here with everyone surfing so well. It was super challenging with the conditions so to come out on top I am really happy. It is a great confidence boost and I came here for a little holiday but to get the win was a bonus for sure.”
Fitzgibbons, who continues in the race for this year’s Asp Women’s World title sitting currently in second position, showed extraordinary wave selection skills choosing the larger peeling lefts to build on her scores to end with a combined two-wave heat total of 16.00 out of 20, the highest of the event. A total which reflected her attacking surfing in the tough conditions and the heavy Les Bourdaines shorebreak.
“The waves were great and we held off until this afternoon with the high tide so it was a good way to finish off. The last section is so challenging so I made sure to go harder on the first couple of sections. I am stoked with the scores and to make it through to the podium.”
With her runner-up finish Sage Erickson solidified her position on the Women’s Star Tour rankings and has taken a giant step to securing a spot on the elite 2012 Asp Women’s World Tour. The ever smiling natural-footer worked through the final building on her total and looking for a way of putting the pressure back onto her opponent.
“In each contest I am striving to get on the Women’s World Tour and I think it is a dream like every other surfer has to get on that tour. I have definitely been trying a lot harder to improve my surfing and it seems to be falling into place. I am really excited and I am taking it contest by contest and heat by heat.”
Erickson has taken the Swatch Girls Pro France as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal and the chance to come up against the best female surfers in the world has shown the young Californian what is needed to make it amongst the world’s best.
“Surfing against Sally I am taking it as an experience and a learning experience but of course I would have liked to win. Taking in what I did right and what went wrong so hopefully I can come back next year and continue.”
Sarah Baum (Durban, ZAF) 17, finished equal third to claim her best Star event result of the season with some outstanding heat performances. Baum had a great Quarter-final battle ousting Women’s elite tour member Alana Blanchard (HAW). With this result Baum will now head to the following event in Portugal with much added confidence.
“I am super stoked with a third here. I didn’t expect to get this far in the event and last year I made it to the Round of 12 and I am really pleased to beat that. It is my best result for sure and all the girls are ripping and it is a great feeling to be part of it. I am heading down to Estoril on Tuesday and I am now looking towards that contest.”
Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana CA, USA) 18, finished equal third after an incredible semi-final bout against Fitzgibbons which came down to the wire. Conlogue lead early after a combination of backhand hooks and floater to have her opponent on the ropes. With less than one minute remaining without priority Fitzgibbon paddled into the bomb wave of the heat to claim an 8.50 out of 10 and a narrow victory.
“Definitely in this contest Sally is one of the toughest competitors,” began Conlogue. “She and I compete against each other all the time and it is either one or the other but she got my number today. I will see how it goes in the next one but here she surfed very well so it was not a bad battle to lose.”
The Swatch Girls Pro Junior France commenced today with two rounds of explosive surfing put on by the finest under-21 athletes with Sarah Mason (Gisbourne, NZL) 16, leading the charge with an incredible display of backhand surfing to claim the single highest wave score of both events, a near perfect 9.50 out of 10.
“It was really cool going out there with these girls because they are at the top and it was good heat and I am glad to win it. The wave I paddled into I knew it was going to be a good one straight away. I surfed it the best I could and I made sure I finished it to get that score.”
Mason, like many other Pro Junior competitors, impressed in the Swatch Girls Pro France eventually finishing equal 25th. Her committed surfing highlighted her as a future performer at the highest level.
“I love surfing in the Star events because it gives you a lot of confidence when you go into the pro juniors and so it is a very good experience to do the Star contests as well.”
Marie Dejean (Sables D’Olonnes, FRA) 19, competing in her first Pro Junior of the season, advanced comfortably to Round Three in a low scoring tussle ahead of Bianca Buitendag (ZAF). Performing rapid snaps in the critical part of a long right, Dejean was rewarded for her patience waiting for a quality wave.
“At the start there were no waves and I was waiting for a good one and eventually it came and I caught it. It is really cool to have so many French girls in the event and to not feel like a stranger and be in your own country. We are French and in France and we are here to represent our country and I think we are doing a good job.”
Phillipa Anderson (New Castle, AUS) 19, was another standout in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France with her forehand attack on the long peeling low-tide rights. Anderson smashed out a series of hacks to claim a 9.40 out of 10 and advance to the final 16 surfers.
“I hadn’t actually heard the score but at the end of the wave I knew it was a good ride. I took off and it was a bit smaller and then it just ran along the bank and I did a few solid turns and finished off with a good landing. This is my first year here so I am enjoying myself and just trying to learn and have a good time.”
Surfers competing at the Swatch Girls Pro France are out to gain the valuable points on offer in an attempt to either maintain themselves on the elite Asp Woman’s World Tour or possibly qualify for the 2012 Asp Woman’s World Tour. Meanwhile Europe’s finest under-21 athletes will face some of the world’s best up-and-comers in the Swatch Girls Pro Junior France in their attempt to qualify for the Asp World Junior Series which starts October 3, in Bali, Indonesia.
For all results, videos, daily highlights, photos and news log-on to www.swatchgirlspro or www.aspeurope.com
Swatch Girls Pro France Final Result
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00 Def. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.70
Swatch Girls Pro France Semi-Final Results
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.67 Def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.77 Def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 4.67
Swatch Girls Pro France Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.25 Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 7.15
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.00 Def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 8.00 Def. Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 7.20
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 14.25 Def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.40
Swatch Girls Pro France Round Five Results
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.90, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.10, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 8.75
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.75, Justine Dupont (FRA) 10.70, Georgia Fish (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) 10.00, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.35, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.60
Heat 4: Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.90, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 8.75, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 4.65
Upcoming Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL), Camille Davila (FRA), Marie Dejean (FRA), Maud Le Car (FRA)
Heat 2: Phillipa Anderson (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 3: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leticia Canales (EUK), Georgia Fish (AUS), Joanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Nao Omura (JPN), Barbara Segatto (BRA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Ana Morau (FRA)
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round Two Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 14.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 12.90, Nage Melamed (HAW) 10.00, Meah Collins (USA) 3.65
Heat 2: Marie Dejean (FRA) 10.40, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 7.90, Valeria Sole (PER) 7.00, Marion Bouzigues (FRA) 3.05
Heat 3: Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 9.00, Camille Davila (FRA) 5.45, Joanna Giansanti (FRA) 4.75, Maria Abecasis (PRT) 4.35
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 8.95, Fanny Brice (FRA) 7.75
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 11.25, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 6.40, Cannelle Bulard (REU) 6.13, Carina Duarte (PRT) 5.70
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 10.50, Ana Morau (FRA) 6.70, Josephine Costes (FRA) 5.20, Ariane Torres (ESP) 3.00
Heat 7: Nao Omura (JPN) 7.00, Loiola Canales (EUK) 4.15, Leticia Canales (EUK) 3.60, Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 3.40
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.25, Joanne Defay (FRA) 7.90, Lucia Martino (ESP) 4.00, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 2.35
Swatch Girls Pro Junior France Round One Results
Heat 1: Sarah Mason (NZL) 15.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 9.35, Delia Delanne (FRA) 2.30
Heat 2: Valeria Sole (PER) 9.25, Meah Collins (USA) 8.50, Erika Franco (ESP) 8.35, Lucie Milochau (FRA) 5.90
Heat 3: Maria Abecasis (PRT) 10.50, Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Freya Prumm (AUS) 7.00, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 3.40
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Phillipa Anderson (AUS) 13.95, Tanika Hoffman (ZAF) 6.85, Keshia Seelow Eyre (PRT) 5.15
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 8.00, Ariane Torres (ESP) 2.25
Heat 6: Georgia Fish (AUS) 11.50, Barbara Segatto (BRA) 8.70, Marie Mitsuko Bochaton (FRA) 7.00, Yolanda Aneiros (ESP) 3.10
Heat 7: Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF) 10.85, Ainara Aymat (EUK) 6.10, Shelby Detmers (USA) 6.00, Virginia Giesen (DEU) 3.95
Heat 8: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 11.80, Nao Omura (JPN) 8.80, Rosa Thompson (NZL) 7.65, Matilda Gomez (FRA) 5.10
Photos Aquashot / ASPEurope - Swatch
Great Britain's Naomi Broady in her first round match against Austria's Nikola Hofmanova at the Wimbledon Qualifying Event at the Bank of England Club in Roehampton.
Hofmanova won 6-4, 6-4, but was put out by Stepanie Dubois in straight sets in the second round.
Images of 19 year old Anett Kontaveit from Estonia on her way to winning the Aegon Eastbourne Trophy.
Anett beat Russian Alla Kudryavtseva 7-6, 7-6 in a close, fluctuating final.
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita Kicks Off in Excellent Conditions
Playa de Somo, Cantabria, SPAIN (Friday, May 6, 2011) – The inaugural ASP 1-Star Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf, event nº2 of 7 on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series, got off to a flying start on Day 1 of the official waiting period, running through to complete two Rounds of competition in clean 3-4ft lefts and rights at the main event site in La playa de Somo.
Jules Thomet (Anglet, FRA) 19, who had his opponents in combination situation in the first half of the 20-minute heat, destroyed two consecutive high-tide peeling lefts with a series of backhand smashes and on-the-rail turns to amass the highest two-wave combined total of the event, 16.90 out of 20.
“The waves are good and they arrived for my heat as well. There were plenty of waves to choose from and I got two good lefts so I am happy with my performance. I was very relaxed after those first waves and had no stress at all.”
Thomet enjoyed the best moment of the incoming tide with sets continually pushing through the main peak and the young natural-footer hopes to be able to adjust to the ever changing conditions as the tide moves.
“I would like to continue like this for the rest of the event but I think the waves may be smaller and so I will have to adapt and change especially if my heats are during the lower tide next time.”
Tom Cloarec (FRA) 17, surfed brilliantly using his full repertoire of turns snatching an excellent left to lay down a critical first turn followed by a close-out air-reverse on the shore break to claim an 8.83 out of 10, the highest single wave score of the event.
“I saw a really good wave coming and I did a good first turn and then the lip sat up and came to me and I did the final manoeuvre and made it. I enjoyed the heat and it is always really good fun surfing lefts and rights like these.”
Medi Veminardi (Saint-Leu, REU) 19, a first-time visitor to Somo, adjusted quickly to conditions on his first trip to mainland Europe this season for the Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita with a commanding performance which highlighted him as one of the favourites for the title.
“I have been struggling to find a good board and I have just arrived three days ago and I’ve been surfing in board shorts for the last four months so I have a few things to deal with. I figured everything out yesterday so I am happy because I have a good board and now I am a bit more comfortable with the wetsuits.”
Veminardi, one of Europe’s most experienced Juniors, showed excellent wave selection choosing the longer peeling rights with his powerful backhand hacks to compile a two-wave heat total of 14.16.
“The waves are changing really fast now. What I was looking at on the beach was not the same as when I was in the water so it is changing a lot. I think you have to be a local here to know how to surf the wave. (laughs)”
“I didn’t know there were such good waves here,” continued Veminardi. “Yesterday was really good at high tide so I think it is going to be a great comp if we have waves over the weekend. I expected to surf an average beach break and I arrived with a perfect left and right so it is going to be really good.”
Jose Ferreira (PRT) 19, who competed from Round One due to a late entry, destroyed the clean early morning peak on both the lefts and right to take top honours nailing a 7.83 and in the process securing one of highest combined two-wave totals of 14.83 out of 20.
“I did a late entry so I was in the first round and it went well because I got two sevens and then the waves in my second heat were not as good but I managed to get through so I am happy. The tide was changing and I think it was the slowest heat of this round so it was hard.”
Ferreira, like many other competitors, was pleasantly surprised with the quality of waves on offer during the higher tide mark offering long walls perfect for high performance surfing.
“My surfing is going well for me at the moment and this is a very good place and when the tide is high there is a very good right and left so it is the perfect place to do a contest.”
Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 17, currently ranked nº3 on the Asp European Junior Men’s series, cruised through his Round Two encounter picking off the best lefts and rights coming through on the main peak with flowing rail turns and snaps to claim a heat total of 13.67 out of 20.
“I’m stoked because it was kind of difficult out there. I think it was right at the moment when it was breaking outside and inside so it was tough but some good rights at the beginning so I’m stoked to get through. I didn’t get any big scores but I am happy to get through and hopefully can show everyone my best surf in the next heat.”
Boukiam, who is still recovering from injury, showed no signs of being handicapped by his heavily strapped left hand using his experience and positioning to control the heat from start to finish.
“I broke my small finger training but I think it is more in your head so I try to forget it and I will be able to surf at my best level.”
Joao Pinheiro (Ericeira, PRT) 19, impressed making a strong comeback to the European Pro Junior series relying on smooth rail-to-rail carves and rapid snaps to claim two solid scores and a combined heat total of 13.24.
“I am so happy. This is my first European Pro Junior this year so I want to do my best and surf without pressure. The waves are fun and I am happy.”
“I only did one Pro Junior in 2009 and last year,” explained Pinheiro. “I didn’t have a sponsor so I did the National circuit in Portugal. This year I have a sponsor but I didn’t go to Reunion Island however I will go to all the next ones.”
The Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf is the second stop on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series 2011 which will determine qualifiers for the elite Asp World Junior Championships which start in Bali October 3 2011.
For all today’s results, photos and news log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Upcoming Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU), Joao Pinheiro (PRT), Jose Ferreira (PRT), Marcelino Botin (ESP)
Heat 2: Miguel Blanco (PRT), Diodo Appleton (PRT), Ander Mendiguren (EUK), Ramzi Boukiam (MAR)
Heat 3: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK), Angelo Bonomelli (ITA), Pablo Pola (FRA), Marcos Carmona (ESP)
Heat 4: Tristan Guilbaud (FRA), Ethan Egiguren (EUK), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Charly Termeau (FRA)
Heat 5: Jules Thomet (FRA), Borja Agote (EUK), Hugo Debosc (REU), William Aliotti (FRA)
Heat 6: Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA), Hugo Palmarini (REU), Alex Iriondo (EUK), Tom Cloarec (FRA)
Heat 7: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Txaber Gaminde (EUK), Stuart Campbell (GBR), Alex Gironi (EUK)
Heat 8: Kosme Fernandes (EUK), Luis Eyre (GBR), Demitri Ouvre (BRB), Francisco Alves (PRT)
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Two Results
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU)14.16, Miguel Blanco (PRT) 11.06, Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 9.43, Imanol Yeregi (EUK) 9.10
Heat 2: Joao Pinheiro (PRT) 13.24, Diodo Appleton (PRT) 11.90, Juan Fernandez (ESP) 8.16, Luca Dioguardi (CYN) 7.06
Heat 3:Ander Mendiguren (EUK) 11.17, Jose Ferreira (PRT) 9.74, Toby Donachie (GBR) 8.76, Joao Kopke (PRT) 4.83
Heat 4: Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 13.67, Marcelino Botin (ESP) 9.57, Andy Crière (FRA) 6.43, Bruno Reinhardt (FRA) 5.17
Heat 5: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK) 12.67, Tristan Guilbaud (FRA) 11.67, Pedro Berasaluce (EUK) 9.44, Louis Fears (FRA) 8.33
Heat 6: Angelo Bonomelli (ITA) 12.10, Ethan Egiguren (EUK) 8.30, Manix Bikuna (EUK) 7.96, Samuel Bedia (ESP) 2.47
Heat 7: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.17, Pablo Pola (FRA) 10.67, Roberto Letemendia (EUK) 7.74, Eriz Eizmendi (EUK) 4.40
Heat 8: Charly Termeau (FRA) 9.74, Marcos Carmona (ESP) 9.63, Pierre Rollet (FRA) 8.96, Aldric God (FRA) 8.70
Heat 9: Jules Thomet (FRA) 16.90, Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA) 8.33, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 8.30, Roberto D'Amico (ITA) 6.67
Heat 10: Borja Agote (EUK) 13.44, Hugo Palmarini (REU) 10.83, Pedro Correia (PRT) 10.00, Julen Egiguren (EUK) 5.94
Heat 11: Alex Iriondo (EUK) 12.07, Hugo Debosc (REU) 9.50, Nelson Cloarec (FRA) 8.56, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 6.90
Heat 12: Tom Cloarec (FRA) 15.66, William Aliotti (FRA) 15.50, Antoine Ramonborde (FRA) 7.93, Miguel Villalba (ESP) 7.64
Heat 13: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) 14.17, Kosme Fernandes (EUK) 9.10, Juan Diaz Teran (ESP) 6.10, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 4.73
Heat 14: Txaber Gaminde (EUK) 11.97, Luis Eyre (GBR) 10.43, Tim Latte (SWE) 9.23, Charles Quiveront (FRA) 6.27
Heat 15: Demitri Ouvre (BRB) 14.34, Stuart Campbell (GBR) 8.64, Remi Petersen (NLD) 6.66, Tom Good (GBR) 5.67
Heat 16: Francisco Alves (PRT) 13.27, Alex Gironi (EUK) 10.33, Emilien Lojou (FRA) 9.43, Harry Timson (GBR) 2.37
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round One Results
Heat 1: Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 11.00, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 9.17, Markel Ezenarro (EUK)
Heat 2: Jose Ferreira (PRT) 14.83, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 8.00, Luke Dillon (GBR) 4.84
Heat 3: Louis Fears (FRA) 11.30, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 8.73, Jose Roman Grau (CNY) 6.00
Heat 4: Eriz Eizmendi (EUK), Tom Good (GBR)
Photo ASP / Masurel-Aquashot
Spanish Matador, Rafael NADAL, World #2 tennis player with his powerful backhand shot in Qatar Tennis ExxonMobil Open 2010
I love the expression on his face when he's preparing for a backhand. It looks like he's about to kill something.
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita Kicks Off in Excellent Conditions
Playa de Somo, Cantabria, SPAIN (Friday, May 6, 2011) – The inaugural ASP 1-Star Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf, event nº2 of 7 on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series, got off to a flying start on Day 1 of the official waiting period, running through to complete two Rounds of competition in clean 3-4ft lefts and rights at the main event site in La playa de Somo.
Jules Thomet (Anglet, FRA) 19, who had his opponents in combination situation in the first half of the 20-minute heat, destroyed two consecutive high-tide peeling lefts with a series of backhand smashes and on-the-rail turns to amass the highest two-wave combined total of the event, 16.90 out of 20.
“The waves are good and they arrived for my heat as well. There were plenty of waves to choose from and I got two good lefts so I am happy with my performance. I was very relaxed after those first waves and had no stress at all.”
Thomet enjoyed the best moment of the incoming tide with sets continually pushing through the main peak and the young natural-footer hopes to be able to adjust to the ever changing conditions as the tide moves.
“I would like to continue like this for the rest of the event but I think the waves may be smaller and so I will have to adapt and change especially if my heats are during the lower tide next time.”
Tom Cloarec (FRA) 17, surfed brilliantly using his full repertoire of turns snatching an excellent left to lay down a critical first turn followed by a close-out air-reverse on the shore break to claim an 8.83 out of 10, the highest single wave score of the event.
“I saw a really good wave coming and I did a good first turn and then the lip sat up and came to me and I did the final manoeuvre and made it. I enjoyed the heat and it is always really good fun surfing lefts and rights like these.”
Medi Veminardi (Saint-Leu, REU) 19, a first-time visitor to Somo, adjusted quickly to conditions on his first trip to mainland Europe this season for the Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita with a commanding performance which highlighted him as one of the favourites for the title.
“I have been struggling to find a good board and I have just arrived three days ago and I’ve been surfing in board shorts for the last four months so I have a few things to deal with. I figured everything out yesterday so I am happy because I have a good board and now I am a bit more comfortable with the wetsuits.”
Veminardi, one of Europe’s most experienced Juniors, showed excellent wave selection choosing the longer peeling rights with his powerful backhand hacks to compile a two-wave heat total of 14.16.
“The waves are changing really fast now. What I was looking at on the beach was not the same as when I was in the water so it is changing a lot. I think you have to be a local here to know how to surf the wave. (laughs)”
“I didn’t know there were such good waves here,” continued Veminardi. “Yesterday was really good at high tide so I think it is going to be a great comp if we have waves over the weekend. I expected to surf an average beach break and I arrived with a perfect left and right so it is going to be really good.”
Jose Ferreira (PRT) 19, who competed from Round One due to a late entry, destroyed the clean early morning peak on both the lefts and right to take top honours nailing a 7.83 and in the process securing one of highest combined two-wave totals of 14.83 out of 20.
“I did a late entry so I was in the first round and it went well because I got two sevens and then the waves in my second heat were not as good but I managed to get through so I am happy. The tide was changing and I think it was the slowest heat of this round so it was hard.”
Ferreira, like many other competitors, was pleasantly surprised with the quality of waves on offer during the higher tide mark offering long walls perfect for high performance surfing.
“My surfing is going well for me at the moment and this is a very good place and when the tide is high there is a very good right and left so it is the perfect place to do a contest.”
Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 17, currently ranked nº3 on the Asp European Junior Men’s series, cruised through his Round Two encounter picking off the best lefts and rights coming through on the main peak with flowing rail turns and snaps to claim a heat total of 13.67 out of 20.
“I’m stoked because it was kind of difficult out there. I think it was right at the moment when it was breaking outside and inside so it was tough but some good rights at the beginning so I’m stoked to get through. I didn’t get any big scores but I am happy to get through and hopefully can show everyone my best surf in the next heat.”
Boukiam, who is still recovering from injury, showed no signs of being handicapped by his heavily strapped left hand using his experience and positioning to control the heat from start to finish.
“I broke my small finger training but I think it is more in your head so I try to forget it and I will be able to surf at my best level.”
Joao Pinheiro (Ericeira, PRT) 19, impressed making a strong comeback to the European Pro Junior series relying on smooth rail-to-rail carves and rapid snaps to claim two solid scores and a combined heat total of 13.24.
“I am so happy. This is my first European Pro Junior this year so I want to do my best and surf without pressure. The waves are fun and I am happy.”
“I only did one Pro Junior in 2009 and last year,” explained Pinheiro. “I didn’t have a sponsor so I did the National circuit in Portugal. This year I have a sponsor but I didn’t go to Reunion Island however I will go to all the next ones.”
The Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita presented by Escuela Cantabra de Surf is the second stop on the Asp Europe Men’s Pro Junior Series 2011 which will determine qualifiers for the elite Asp World Junior Championships which start in Bali October 3 2011.
For all today’s results, photos and news log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Upcoming Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Three Matchups
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU), Joao Pinheiro (PRT), Jose Ferreira (PRT), Marcelino Botin (ESP)
Heat 2: Miguel Blanco (PRT), Diodo Appleton (PRT), Ander Mendiguren (EUK), Ramzi Boukiam (MAR)
Heat 3: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK), Angelo Bonomelli (ITA), Pablo Pola (FRA), Marcos Carmona (ESP)
Heat 4: Tristan Guilbaud (FRA), Ethan Egiguren (EUK), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Charly Termeau (FRA)
Heat 5: Jules Thomet (FRA), Borja Agote (EUK), Hugo Debosc (REU), William Aliotti (FRA)
Heat 6: Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA), Hugo Palmarini (REU), Alex Iriondo (EUK), Tom Cloarec (FRA)
Heat 7: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Txaber Gaminde (EUK), Stuart Campbell (GBR), Alex Gironi (EUK)
Heat 8: Kosme Fernandes (EUK), Luis Eyre (GBR), Demitri Ouvre (BRB), Francisco Alves (PRT)
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round Two Results
Heat 1: Medi Veminardi (REU)14.16, Miguel Blanco (PRT) 11.06, Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 9.43, Imanol Yeregi (EUK) 9.10
Heat 2: Joao Pinheiro (PRT) 13.24, Diodo Appleton (PRT) 11.90, Juan Fernandez (ESP) 8.16, Luca Dioguardi (CYN) 7.06
Heat 3:Ander Mendiguren (EUK) 11.17, Jose Ferreira (PRT) 9.74, Toby Donachie (GBR) 8.76, Joao Kopke (PRT) 4.83
Heat 4: Ramzi Boukiam (MAR) 13.67, Marcelino Botin (ESP) 9.57, Andy Crière (FRA) 6.43, Bruno Reinhardt (FRA) 5.17
Heat 5: Natxo Gonzalez (EUK) 12.67, Tristan Guilbaud (FRA) 11.67, Pedro Berasaluce (EUK) 9.44, Louis Fears (FRA) 8.33
Heat 6: Angelo Bonomelli (ITA) 12.10, Ethan Egiguren (EUK) 8.30, Manix Bikuna (EUK) 7.96, Samuel Bedia (ESP) 2.47
Heat 7: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.17, Pablo Pola (FRA) 10.67, Roberto Letemendia (EUK) 7.74, Eriz Eizmendi (EUK) 4.40
Heat 8: Charly Termeau (FRA) 9.74, Marcos Carmona (ESP) 9.63, Pierre Rollet (FRA) 8.96, Aldric God (FRA) 8.70
Heat 9: Jules Thomet (FRA) 16.90, Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA) 8.33, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 8.30, Roberto D'Amico (ITA) 6.67
Heat 10: Borja Agote (EUK) 13.44, Hugo Palmarini (REU) 10.83, Pedro Correia (PRT) 10.00, Julen Egiguren (EUK) 5.94
Heat 11: Alex Iriondo (EUK) 12.07, Hugo Debosc (REU) 9.50, Nelson Cloarec (FRA) 8.56, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 6.90
Heat 12: Tom Cloarec (FRA) 15.66, William Aliotti (FRA) 15.50, Antoine Ramonborde (FRA) 7.93, Miguel Villalba (ESP) 7.64
Heat 13: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) 14.17, Kosme Fernandes (EUK) 9.10, Juan Diaz Teran (ESP) 6.10, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 4.73
Heat 14: Txaber Gaminde (EUK) 11.97, Luis Eyre (GBR) 10.43, Tim Latte (SWE) 9.23, Charles Quiveront (FRA) 6.27
Heat 15: Demitri Ouvre (BRB) 14.34, Stuart Campbell (GBR) 8.64, Remi Petersen (NLD) 6.66, Tom Good (GBR) 5.67
Heat 16: Francisco Alves (PRT) 13.27, Alex Gironi (EUK) 10.33, Emilien Lojou (FRA) 9.43, Harry Timson (GBR) 2.37
Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita pres. by ECS Round One Results
Heat 1: Tom Bellevergue (FRA) 11.00, Cassaigne Guillaume (FRA) 9.17, Markel Ezenarro (EUK)
Heat 2: Jose Ferreira (PRT) 14.83, Josu Alcantara (EUK) 8.00, Luke Dillon (GBR) 4.84
Heat 3: Louis Fears (FRA) 11.30, Titouan Deffarges (FRA) 8.73, Jose Roman Grau (CNY) 6.00
Heat 4: Eriz Eizmendi (EUK), Tom Good (GBR)
Photo ASP / Masurel-Aquashot