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BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 13, 2012) – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, has taken out the Billabong Women’s Rio Pro over Coco Ho (HAW), 21, by a score of 14.10 to 14.03 in peaky one-to-three foot (.5 metre) waves at the primary venue of Barra da Tijuca
Event No. 5 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women's World Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Rio culminated in a thrilling fashion this afternoon with both Fitzgibbons and Ho exchanging the Final's lead multiple times before the hooter sounded.
In need of a high 7-point ride with just minutes remaining in the heat, Fitzgibbons bashed a blowing lefthander on her backside, notching a 7.93 out of 10 to take the elite win, her second of the year.
“That was so crazy and Coco (Ho) had me on the ropes for sure,” Fitzgibbons said. “I just had my fingers crossed and knew there would be one towards the end. I made a few mistakes and it happens in Finals but I was able to recover there at the end. I’m so excited.”
Fitzgibbons, current No. 2 on the ASP Women’s WCT, has significantly narrowed the gap between her and current ASP frontrunner Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, but remained humble in regards to her chase for the 2012 ASP World Title.
“This makes the World Title race more interesting, but thinking ahead, it’s still pretty far to go,” Fitzgibbons said. “There are still a couple of events, but to get a win, it’s an amazing result. To win at Bells too, it’s been an awesome year so far.”
Ho, who was ranked 12th on the ASP Women's WCT ratings before the Billabong Rio Pro, had yet to advance beyond the Quarterfinals this year, but her Runner-Up finish to Fitzgibbons vaults the young Hawaiian to 9th in the world and restores her confidence to appropriate levels.
“This result really opens things up for me,” Ho said. “I’ve been having a really tough year and I’m stoked to get into this Final. This is my best result of the year and this has been an important event for me. Congrats to Sally on her win.”
Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, last year’s Billabong Rio Pro winner and reigning ASP Women’s World Champion, was edged out of a hard-fought battle against Fitzgibbons in their high-scoring Semifinal affair. Both competitors posted big-scores in the dying seconds of the heat, but it was Fitzgibbons who earned the best of the exchange, handing Moore and equal 3rd place result.
“I think we all want to make the Final and it’s disappointing,” Moore said. “I’ve lost to Sally (Fitzgibbons)twice this year and I’ve just got to keep trying in the next couple of events and that’s it.”
Moore, who was dominant over the course of 2011, has yet to find a win this year, but remains focused on attaining a strong performance to end out the season.
“I think it’s been a bunch of things this year,” Moore said. “I think finding the right waves is one thing overall and I need to switch it up and bring something different out.”
Alessa Quizon (HAW), 18, Billabong Rio Pro wildcard, put in an incredible performance at this year’s event, tearing through the world’s best female surfers and finding her way into the Semifinals. Quizon put up a good fight against fellow Hawaiian Coco Ho, but ultimately fell during last minute exchange, finishing with a respectable equal 3rd place finish overall.
“This has been an amazing event for me,” Quizon said. “I had nothing to lose and it’s been a great learning experience for me and I’m happy that I made it to the Semifinals. I could tell that Coco (Ho) was getting the scores that she needed and I was looking for one big score and I just didn’t find it. Sometimes it happens that way.”
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible recommencement to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition. For all of the LIVE action log on to www.billabongpro.com
The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.
The next stop on the 2012 ASP Women's World Championship Tour is the Roxy Pro Biarritz from July 10 - 14, 2012
BILLABONG WOMEN'S RIO PRO FINAL RESULT:
1 - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.10
2 - Coco Ho (HAW) 14.03
BILLABONG WOMEN’S RIO PRO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Coco Ho (HAW) 14.16 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 10.94
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.47 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.36
CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WCT TOP 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 38,400 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 36,900 pts
3. Carissa Moore (HAW) 30,200 pts
4. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 29,600 pts
5. Tyler Wright (AUS) 28,700 pts
Rexona Girls Pro Junior
ASP 2-Star European Women’s Pro Junior event
Trois Bassins - Reunion Island
April 9-17, 2011
Defay leads Score Board on Day 1 of Rexona Reunion Girls Pro Junior, Quarterfinalists Decided
TROIS BASSINS, Reunion Island (Tuesday, April 12, 2011) – Women’s division in the 2011 Yop Reunion Surf Pro Junior, the ASP 2-Star Rexona Girls Pro Junior kicked-off today in consistent and building five-to-seven-foot (two meter) waves, the twenty athletes battling it out during two consecutive rounds to advance through to the Quarterfinals of the first event of this year’s ASP European Women’s Junior Series.
Much expected for their first appearance in an ASP sanctioned event on Reunion Island, event top seeds and favorites Joanne Defay (St Leu, REU), Canelle Bulard (St Leu, REU) and Justine Dupont (Lacanau, FRA) taking control of the line-up heat after heat. Coming straight from Australia where they were attending an ASP Women’s 6-Star event, the three top guns looked at ease in the consistent surf.
Leading the score board with the event’s best heat result men and women division comprised, former ASP World Junior No. 3 Joanne Defay was able to make the best out of the conditions, going left to unleash spectacular top turns and critical sections’ assaults.
Defay, a former ASP European Women’s Junior champion (2009), is looking to open her 2011 campaign with a blast, having in mind to finish in this year’s European Top 2 if not one the highest step.
Following fellow Reunion-born athlete Defay en route to the Quarterfinals, multi-event winner on the European Junior tour, Canelle Bulard (St Leu, REU) let no chance to her Round 2 opponents posting solid scores and showing promising determination towards a possible win.
Used to travelling around the world to attend ASP Women’s Star and Junior events, Bulard enjoyed competing at home today, the smiling and renowned 16-year-old athlete benefiting from her parents’ support, amongst other.
Answering the Reunion-based assault and flying the Basque flag, experienced Junior competitor Garazi Sanchez (Basque Country, EUK) was able to catch some good lefthanders in Round 2, securing a Quarterfinal ticket where she will battle against fellow Basque native Loiola Canales.
Sole Portuguese in the Final-8 of the Rexona Girls Pro Junior, Maria Abecasis (PRT) stood strong as well against the French contigent, keeping a firm grip on her Quarterfinal qualification where she will meet local top gun Bulard when competition resumes.
With the women already in the Quarterfinals stage of the event, the ASP 2-Star Rexona Girls Pro Junior is getting closing to the business end.
REXONA GIRLS PRO JUNIOR UPCOMING QUARTERFINALS
Heat 1: Joanne Defay (REU) Vs Joanna Giansanti (FRA)
Heat 2: Loiola Canales (EUK) Vs Garazi Sanchez (EUK)
Heat 3: Canelle Bulard (REU) Vs Maria Abecasis (PRT)
Heat 4: Maud Lecar (REU) Vs Justine Dupont (FRA)
Carissa Moore Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Gilmore Knocked Out of ASP World Title Race
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has claimed the Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season, over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in punchy two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves in a hard-fought Final at Barra Da Tijuca.
The electrifying action of the final day of women’s competition at Barra da Tijuca culminated in dramatic fashion with the world’s best female surfers going toe-to-toe with the highly-coveted 2011 ASP Women’s World Title on the line.
Moore and Fitzgibbons nearly matched scores on their opening accounts, but the young Hawaiian notched a solid 8.10 midway through the heat with polished backhand surfing on a lefthander that proved to be enough to solidify Moore’s third elite event victory of the 2011 season.
“I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the Final,” Moore said. “I was just stoked to be in the Final regardless of how I finished. Obviously I’m happy that I won. The girls really didn’t go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today.”
Moore, who marched past local favorite Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, to earn her final berth, appeared in her fifth consecutive final out of the five events held this year and her victory at the Billabong Rio Pro extends her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season over current ASP Women’s World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons.
“I was really nervous that I wouldn’t make the Final because I was up against Silvana (Lima) and she’s the local favorite,” Moore said. ““I’m excited. We have two events left and it’d be nice to just finish really strong.”
Fitzgibbons built momentum throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, winning her non-elimination Round 3 heat before topping ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie Pauline Ado (FRA), 20, and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Moore in the final and continues to trail the Oahu prodigy for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s a long year and there are a couple of events to go and it has been great here competing in Rio for the first time,” Fitzgibbons said. “Looking into the next few events it’s really going to be about stepping it up and having fun and focusing on my surfing. Hopefully I can get a few more results.”
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
Stephanie Gilmore, reigning four-time ASP World Champion, was lethal in her Quarterfinals heat against Laura Enever (AUS), 19, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons in their Semifinals matchup, finishing Equal 3rd overall.
“It was tough work out there,” Gilmore said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) got a couple and I had some opportunities. I only needed a six and was too deep on that wave that came in at the end. Sally’s in the zone right now.”
Gilmore, who made surfing history by winning four ASP Women’s World Titles in four consecutive attempts, was knocked out of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title race today, with her failure to advance past Fitzgibbons and into the Final. This historic moment in women’s sport proved emotional for the Australian icon.
“I’m going through so many emotions right now, it’s hard,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa (Moore) have been on fire. It’s good for the sport and good for me. I really don’t know what to say.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of 2011. The talented Brazilian finished behind Carissa Moore in their Semifinals matchup and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
“I’m so excited to have matched my best result in front of my home crowd,” Lima said. “Of course I wanted to make the Final, but I’m so happy with my result and thanks to everyone for all of the support.”
When men’s competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.
A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.
The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Rio Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.87
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.80
Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.33
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.16 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.23
Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.63 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.50 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.93
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.44 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.97
QF 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.57
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.30
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.63 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.14
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.40 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.03
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.24
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.14, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 1.97
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.26, Paige Hareb (NZL) 4.66
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.73, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.00
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.66, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.00, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
ASP Women’s World Title Top 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 47,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 41,650 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 30,620 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 29,350 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 27,920 pts
Billabong Rio Pro Men's Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Photo © ASP / CESTARI
Rexona Girls Pro Junior
ASP 2-Star European Women’s Pro Junior event
Trois Bassins - Reunion Island
April 9-17, 2011
Defay leads Score Board on Day 1 of Rexona Reunion Girls Pro Junior, Quarterfinalists Decided
TROIS BASSINS, Reunion Island (Tuesday, April 12, 2011) – Women’s division in the 2011 Yop Reunion Surf Pro Junior, the ASP 2-Star Rexona Girls Pro Junior kicked-off today in consistent and building five-to-seven-foot (two meter) waves, the twenty athletes battling it out during two consecutive rounds to advance through to the Quarterfinals of the first event of this year’s ASP European Women’s Junior Series.
Much expected for their first appearance in an ASP sanctioned event on Reunion Island, event top seeds and favorites Joanne Defay (St Leu, REU), Canelle Bulard (St Leu, REU) and Justine Dupont (Lacanau, FRA) taking control of the line-up heat after heat. Coming straight from Australia where they were attending an ASP Women’s 6-Star event, the three top guns looked at ease in the consistent surf.
Leading the score board with the event’s best heat result men and women division comprised, former ASP World Junior No. 3 Joanne Defay was able to make the best out of the conditions, going left to unleash spectacular top turns and critical sections’ assaults.
Defay, a former ASP European Women’s Junior champion (2009), is looking to open her 2011 campaign with a blast, having in mind to finish in this year’s European Top 2 if not one the highest step.
Following fellow Reunion-born athlete Defay en route to the Quarterfinals, multi-event winner on the European Junior tour, Canelle Bulard (St Leu, REU) let no chance to her Round 2 opponents posting solid scores and showing promising determination towards a possible win.
Used to travelling around the world to attend ASP Women’s Star and Junior events, Bulard enjoyed competing at home today, the smiling and renowned 16-year-old athlete benefiting from her parents’ support, amongst other.
Answering the Reunion-based assault and flying the Basque flag, experienced Junior competitor Garazi Sanchez (Basque Country, EUK) was able to catch some good lefthanders in Round 2, securing a Quarterfinal ticket where she will battle against fellow Basque native Loiola Canales.
Sole Portuguese in the Final-8 of the Rexona Girls Pro Junior, Maria Abecasis (PRT) stood strong as well against the French contigent, keeping a firm grip on her Quarterfinal qualification where she will meet local top gun Bulard when competition resumes.
With the women already in the Quarterfinals stage of the event, the ASP 2-Star Rexona Girls Pro Junior is getting closing to the business end.
REXONA GIRLS PRO JUNIOR UPCOMING QUARTERFINALS
Heat 1: Joanne Defay (REU) Vs Joanna Giansanti (FRA)
Heat 2: Loiola Canales (EUK) Vs Garazi Sanchez (EUK)
Heat 3: Canelle Bulard (REU) Vs Maria Abecasis (PRT)
Heat 4: Maud Lecar (REU) Vs Justine Dupont (FRA)
ITAUNA BEACH, Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Wednesday, May, 25, 2011) – The ASP World Prime Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime was begun in good waves at Wednesday at Itauna beach. The first call at 7am was observed in near flat conditions. However, in the second call at 11:30am, the low-tide brought clean and consistent 3-5 ft. (1-1.5 meter) waves which increased in size throughout the day with light winds. Feeling right at home in the peeling lefthander point break, current No. 20 in the ASP World Ranking, Jadson Andre (BRA), scored the day’s highest heat-wave total with an 18.20 out of a possible 20 points.
On his first wave, he started off with a floater and connected it with a huge full rotation air to earn a solid 9.17 points. On his second wave, he began with a big front side punt, followed by several cutbacks all the way to the shore, for a 9.03 to punch in the day’s highest scores; only to be topped by Raoni Monteiro (BRA) in the following heat.
“This event is really important for me,” said Jadson Andre. “Not just because it’s a Prime, but also because it’s being presented by my sponsor (Oakley), so I really want to do well here.”
When asked about how easily he won his heat by using his aerial attack, Jadson commented: “Actually the conditions aren’t that great for throwing airs because the wind is blowing sideways, away from the lefts. But I’ve got a magic board, I feel confident and I’ve got a special way of setting up aerials when the wind is like this. I just let the board follow the wind and the wave. Everything went right and I’m happy to begin this event well.”
Raoni Monteiro (BRA), who lives in Saquarema, threw a powerful backhand hack with total commitment and a high degree of difficulty to get the event’s highest single-wave score, a 9.40 out of 10. “I had some good scores, so I tried to catch the biggest waves of the set because they were really good, opening-up and with a nice face,” said Monteiro.
On the day’s highest single-wave score, Monteiro said: “That high score came off of a left that opened up well and I made that first turn the way the judges like to see them, by really blowing-out the tail. Afterwards, I just kept surfing powerfully until the end of the wave.”
The first heat of the day saw currently ranked #11 ASP World Ranking surfer Michel Bourez (PYF), take control of the smaller waves in the beginning of the contest to win by a small margin over Jay Quinn (NZL) who obtained second-place, 11.50 to 11.27 points. Bourez was questionable to partake in the contest due to a shoulder injury in a wipeout during the Brazilian ASP World Tour in Barra da Tijuca last week.
“It’s still really difficult to surf,” said Bourez. “I’d say I’m at about 60% right now, but the ocean helped me out a lot today. The waves weren’t that powerful, which was good for me because I’m still in a lot of pain”.
Another elite surfer who made it directly to the Round of 48 was Australian, Matt Wilkinson. Wilko qualified in second-place behind Nathan Yeomans (USA), eliminating Shaun Joubert (ZAF) and young surfer Caio Ibelli (BRA).
“The waves were really tough during my heat,” said Wilkinson. “I ended up making a bunch of mistakes, but I was still able to qualify. The waves started breaking in different directions and it was a really difficult heat. I hope the next few days bring bigger and better waves so I can surf better than I did today (Wednesday).”
The second heat of the day was an all-international affair, with Marc Lacomare (FRA) getting the day’s first single-wave high score of an 8.5 out of 10 to defeat Yadin Nicol (AUS), Alain Riou (PYF) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA) respectively.
“It’s my first time here in Saquarema,” said Lacomare. “These kinds of waves really suit my style, I like them a lot. So much so that I was able to win the heat with one really good wave which I rode to the end. I like this place a lot. It´s really beautiful and I want to do my best here.”
Heat 3 of the day saw each surfer finish in the 12 point range. Granger Larsen (HAW) who was sitting at #31 of the ASP World Ranking (the first 32 qualify for the elite tour after the mid-season rotation) was eliminated from the event. The closely fought heat was won by Lincoln Taylor (AUS) with 12.90 points and Ben Dunn in second place with a 12.40. Larsen with 12.24 and Chris Waring (USA) with an exactly 12 points were eliminated.
Leading the hunt for the ASP World Tour title, #1 ranked surfer, Adriano de Souza (BRA), was scheduled to surf in the last heat of the day (Heat 12) at Itauna beach. However, due to the setting sun’s diminishing light, the heat will be the first to start off tomorrow (Thursday) at 7am local time against Hodei Collazo (EUK) and fellow Brazilians, Junior Faria and Gilmar Silva.
The Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime 2011 is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Oakley with support from the State of Rio de Janeiro through the Secretary of Sport and Leisure, the City of Saquarema, CCR and the Surfing Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Photo ASP/Daniel Smorigo
directed by marian sell.
I took off on this bomb of a lefthander, it jacked as it hit the inside bank and the lip chucked right out. It went square dude! Full suck dredging turbo barrel! Anyway I get totally shacked spat out of this of this keg when I see some shoulder-hopping kook on a 60s rhino chaser drop in on me. Fortunately the guys a total ho-dad and wipes out. The wave's now bowling hard and I've got plenty of speed so I wack the lip a couple of times, bury the rail for a roundhouse cutty and boom! The whole thing closes out behind me. It was sick - You should have been there - you missed it!
ITAUNA BEACH, Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Wednesday, May, 25, 2011) – The ASP World Prime Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime was begun in good waves at Wednesday at Itauna beach. The first call at 7am was observed in near flat conditions. However, in the second call at 11:30am, the low-tide brought clean and consistent 3-5 ft. (1-1.5 meter) waves which increased in size throughout the day with light winds. Feeling right at home in the peeling lefthander point break, current No. 20 in the ASP World Ranking, Jadson Andre (BRA), scored the day’s highest heat-wave total with an 18.20 out of a possible 20 points.
On his first wave, he started off with a floater and connected it with a huge full rotation air to earn a solid 9.17 points. On his second wave, he began with a big front side punt, followed by several cutbacks all the way to the shore, for a 9.03 to punch in the day’s highest scores; only to be topped by Raoni Monteiro (BRA) in the following heat.
“This event is really important for me,” said Jadson Andre. “Not just because it’s a Prime, but also because it’s being presented by my sponsor (Oakley), so I really want to do well here.”
When asked about how easily he won his heat by using his aerial attack, Jadson commented: “Actually the conditions aren’t that great for throwing airs because the wind is blowing sideways, away from the lefts. But I’ve got a magic board, I feel confident and I’ve got a special way of setting up aerials when the wind is like this. I just let the board follow the wind and the wave. Everything went right and I’m happy to begin this event well.”
Raoni Monteiro (BRA), who lives in Saquarema, threw a powerful backhand hack with total commitment and a high degree of difficulty to get the event’s highest single-wave score, a 9.40 out of 10. “I had some good scores, so I tried to catch the biggest waves of the set because they were really good, opening-up and with a nice face,” said Monteiro.
On the day’s highest single-wave score, Monteiro said: “That high score came off of a left that opened up well and I made that first turn the way the judges like to see them, by really blowing-out the tail. Afterwards, I just kept surfing powerfully until the end of the wave.”
The first heat of the day saw currently ranked #11 ASP World Ranking surfer Michel Bourez (PYF), take control of the smaller waves in the beginning of the contest to win by a small margin over Jay Quinn (NZL) who obtained second-place, 11.50 to 11.27 points. Bourez was questionable to partake in the contest due to a shoulder injury in a wipeout during the Brazilian ASP World Tour in Barra da Tijuca last week.
“It’s still really difficult to surf,” said Bourez. “I’d say I’m at about 60% right now, but the ocean helped me out a lot today. The waves weren’t that powerful, which was good for me because I’m still in a lot of pain”.
Another elite surfer who made it directly to the Round of 48 was Australian, Matt Wilkinson. Wilko qualified in second-place behind Nathan Yeomans (USA), eliminating Shaun Joubert (ZAF) and young surfer Caio Ibelli (BRA).
“The waves were really tough during my heat,” said Wilkinson. “I ended up making a bunch of mistakes, but I was still able to qualify. The waves started breaking in different directions and it was a really difficult heat. I hope the next few days bring bigger and better waves so I can surf better than I did today (Wednesday).”
The second heat of the day was an all-international affair, with Marc Lacomare (FRA) getting the day’s first single-wave high score of an 8.5 out of 10 to defeat Yadin Nicol (AUS), Alain Riou (PYF) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA) respectively.
“It’s my first time here in Saquarema,” said Lacomare. “These kinds of waves really suit my style, I like them a lot. So much so that I was able to win the heat with one really good wave which I rode to the end. I like this place a lot. It´s really beautiful and I want to do my best here.”
Heat 3 of the day saw each surfer finish in the 12 point range. Granger Larsen (HAW) who was sitting at #31 of the ASP World Ranking (the first 32 qualify for the elite tour after the mid-season rotation) was eliminated from the event. The closely fought heat was won by Lincoln Taylor (AUS) with 12.90 points and Ben Dunn in second place with a 12.40. Larsen with 12.24 and Chris Waring (USA) with an exactly 12 points were eliminated.
Leading the hunt for the ASP World Tour title, #1 ranked surfer, Adriano de Souza (BRA), was scheduled to surf in the last heat of the day (Heat 12) at Itauna beach. However, due to the setting sun’s diminishing light, the heat will be the first to start off tomorrow (Thursday) at 7am local time against Hodei Collazo (EUK) and fellow Brazilians, Junior Faria and Gilmar Silva.
The Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime 2011 is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Oakley with support from the State of Rio de Janeiro through the Secretary of Sport and Leisure, the City of Saquarema, CCR and the Surfing Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Photo ASP/Daniel Smorigo
Brandon Nowak pitching for Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL May 1, 2016. Now he is playing for LSU in Baton Rouge
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
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ITAUNA BEACH, Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Wednesday, May, 25, 2011) – The ASP World Prime Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime was begun in good waves at Wednesday at Itauna beach. The first call at 7am was observed in near flat conditions. However, in the second call at 11:30am, the low-tide brought clean and consistent 3-5 ft. (1-1.5 meter) waves which increased in size throughout the day with light winds. Feeling right at home in the peeling lefthander point break, current No. 20 in the ASP World Ranking, Jadson Andre (BRA), scored the day’s highest heat-wave total with an 18.20 out of a possible 20 points.
On his first wave, he started off with a floater and connected it with a huge full rotation air to earn a solid 9.17 points. On his second wave, he began with a big front side punt, followed by several cutbacks all the way to the shore, for a 9.03 to punch in the day’s highest scores; only to be topped by Raoni Monteiro (BRA) in the following heat.
“This event is really important for me,” said Jadson Andre. “Not just because it’s a Prime, but also because it’s being presented by my sponsor (Oakley), so I really want to do well here.”
When asked about how easily he won his heat by using his aerial attack, Jadson commented: “Actually the conditions aren’t that great for throwing airs because the wind is blowing sideways, away from the lefts. But I’ve got a magic board, I feel confident and I’ve got a special way of setting up aerials when the wind is like this. I just let the board follow the wind and the wave. Everything went right and I’m happy to begin this event well.”
Raoni Monteiro (BRA), who lives in Saquarema, threw a powerful backhand hack with total commitment and a high degree of difficulty to get the event’s highest single-wave score, a 9.40 out of 10. “I had some good scores, so I tried to catch the biggest waves of the set because they were really good, opening-up and with a nice face,” said Monteiro.
On the day’s highest single-wave score, Monteiro said: “That high score came off of a left that opened up well and I made that first turn the way the judges like to see them, by really blowing-out the tail. Afterwards, I just kept surfing powerfully until the end of the wave.”
The first heat of the day saw currently ranked #11 ASP World Ranking surfer Michel Bourez (PYF), take control of the smaller waves in the beginning of the contest to win by a small margin over Jay Quinn (NZL) who obtained second-place, 11.50 to 11.27 points. Bourez was questionable to partake in the contest due to a shoulder injury in a wipeout during the Brazilian ASP World Tour in Barra da Tijuca last week.
“It’s still really difficult to surf,” said Bourez. “I’d say I’m at about 60% right now, but the ocean helped me out a lot today. The waves weren’t that powerful, which was good for me because I’m still in a lot of pain”.
Another elite surfer who made it directly to the Round of 48 was Australian, Matt Wilkinson. Wilko qualified in second-place behind Nathan Yeomans (USA), eliminating Shaun Joubert (ZAF) and young surfer Caio Ibelli (BRA).
“The waves were really tough during my heat,” said Wilkinson. “I ended up making a bunch of mistakes, but I was still able to qualify. The waves started breaking in different directions and it was a really difficult heat. I hope the next few days bring bigger and better waves so I can surf better than I did today (Wednesday).”
The second heat of the day was an all-international affair, with Marc Lacomare (FRA) getting the day’s first single-wave high score of an 8.5 out of 10 to defeat Yadin Nicol (AUS), Alain Riou (PYF) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA) respectively.
“It’s my first time here in Saquarema,” said Lacomare. “These kinds of waves really suit my style, I like them a lot. So much so that I was able to win the heat with one really good wave which I rode to the end. I like this place a lot. It´s really beautiful and I want to do my best here.”
Heat 3 of the day saw each surfer finish in the 12 point range. Granger Larsen (HAW) who was sitting at #31 of the ASP World Ranking (the first 32 qualify for the elite tour after the mid-season rotation) was eliminated from the event. The closely fought heat was won by Lincoln Taylor (AUS) with 12.90 points and Ben Dunn in second place with a 12.40. Larsen with 12.24 and Chris Waring (USA) with an exactly 12 points were eliminated.
Leading the hunt for the ASP World Tour title, #1 ranked surfer, Adriano de Souza (BRA), was scheduled to surf in the last heat of the day (Heat 12) at Itauna beach. However, due to the setting sun’s diminishing light, the heat will be the first to start off tomorrow (Thursday) at 7am local time against Hodei Collazo (EUK) and fellow Brazilians, Junior Faria and Gilmar Silva.
The Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime 2011 is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Oakley with support from the State of Rio de Janeiro through the Secretary of Sport and Leisure, the City of Saquarema, CCR and the Surfing Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Photo ASP/Daniel Smorigo
Carissa Moore Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Gilmore Knocked Out of ASP World Title Race
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has claimed the Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season, over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in punchy two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves in a hard-fought Final at Barra Da Tijuca.
The electrifying action of the final day of women’s competition at Barra da Tijuca culminated in dramatic fashion with the world’s best female surfers going toe-to-toe with the highly-coveted 2011 ASP Women’s World Title on the line.
Moore and Fitzgibbons nearly matched scores on their opening accounts, but the young Hawaiian notched a solid 8.10 midway through the heat with polished backhand surfing on a lefthander that proved to be enough to solidify Moore’s third elite event victory of the 2011 season.
“I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the Final,” Moore said. “I was just stoked to be in the Final regardless of how I finished. Obviously I’m happy that I won. The girls really didn’t go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today.”
Moore, who marched past local favorite Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, to earn her final berth, appeared in her fifth consecutive final out of the five events held this year and her victory at the Billabong Rio Pro extends her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season over current ASP Women’s World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons.
“I was really nervous that I wouldn’t make the Final because I was up against Silvana (Lima) and she’s the local favorite,” Moore said. ““I’m excited. We have two events left and it’d be nice to just finish really strong.”
Fitzgibbons built momentum throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, winning her non-elimination Round 3 heat before topping ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie Pauline Ado (FRA), 20, and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Moore in the final and continues to trail the Oahu prodigy for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s a long year and there are a couple of events to go and it has been great here competing in Rio for the first time,” Fitzgibbons said. “Looking into the next few events it’s really going to be about stepping it up and having fun and focusing on my surfing. Hopefully I can get a few more results.”
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
Stephanie Gilmore, reigning four-time ASP World Champion, was lethal in her Quarterfinals heat against Laura Enever (AUS), 19, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons in their Semifinals matchup, finishing Equal 3rd overall.
“It was tough work out there,” Gilmore said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) got a couple and I had some opportunities. I only needed a six and was too deep on that wave that came in at the end. Sally’s in the zone right now.”
Gilmore, who made surfing history by winning four ASP Women’s World Titles in four consecutive attempts, was knocked out of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title race today, with her failure to advance past Fitzgibbons and into the Final. This historic moment in women’s sport proved emotional for the Australian icon.
“I’m going through so many emotions right now, it’s hard,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa (Moore) have been on fire. It’s good for the sport and good for me. I really don’t know what to say.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of 2011. The talented Brazilian finished behind Carissa Moore in their Semifinals matchup and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
“I’m so excited to have matched my best result in front of my home crowd,” Lima said. “Of course I wanted to make the Final, but I’m so happy with my result and thanks to everyone for all of the support.”
When men’s competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.
A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.
The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Rio Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.87
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.80
Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.33
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.16 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.23
Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.63 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.50 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.93
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.44 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.97
QF 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.57
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.30
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.63 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.14
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.40 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.03
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.24
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.14, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 1.97
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.26, Paige Hareb (NZL) 4.66
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.73, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.00
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.66, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.00, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
ASP Women’s World Title Top 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 47,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 41,650 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 30,620 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 29,350 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 27,920 pts
Billabong Rio Pro Men's Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Photo © ASP / CESTARI
Carissa Moore Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Gilmore Knocked Out of ASP World Title Race
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has claimed the Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season, over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in punchy two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves in a hard-fought Final at Barra Da Tijuca.
The electrifying action of the final day of women’s competition at Barra da Tijuca culminated in dramatic fashion with the world’s best female surfers going toe-to-toe with the highly-coveted 2011 ASP Women’s World Title on the line.
Moore and Fitzgibbons nearly matched scores on their opening accounts, but the young Hawaiian notched a solid 8.10 midway through the heat with polished backhand surfing on a lefthander that proved to be enough to solidify Moore’s third elite event victory of the 2011 season.
“I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the Final,” Moore said. “I was just stoked to be in the Final regardless of how I finished. Obviously I’m happy that I won. The girls really didn’t go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today.”
Moore, who marched past local favorite Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, to earn her final berth, appeared in her fifth consecutive final out of the five events held this year and her victory at the Billabong Rio Pro extends her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season over current ASP Women’s World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons.
“I was really nervous that I wouldn’t make the Final because I was up against Silvana (Lima) and she’s the local favorite,” Moore said. ““I’m excited. We have two events left and it’d be nice to just finish really strong.”
Fitzgibbons built momentum throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, winning her non-elimination Round 3 heat before topping ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie Pauline Ado (FRA), 20, and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Moore in the final and continues to trail the Oahu prodigy for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s a long year and there are a couple of events to go and it has been great here competing in Rio for the first time,” Fitzgibbons said. “Looking into the next few events it’s really going to be about stepping it up and having fun and focusing on my surfing. Hopefully I can get a few more results.”
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
Stephanie Gilmore, reigning four-time ASP World Champion, was lethal in her Quarterfinals heat against Laura Enever (AUS), 19, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons in their Semifinals matchup, finishing Equal 3rd overall.
“It was tough work out there,” Gilmore said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) got a couple and I had some opportunities. I only needed a six and was too deep on that wave that came in at the end. Sally’s in the zone right now.”
Gilmore, who made surfing history by winning four ASP Women’s World Titles in four consecutive attempts, was knocked out of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title race today, with her failure to advance past Fitzgibbons and into the Final. This historic moment in women’s sport proved emotional for the Australian icon.
“I’m going through so many emotions right now, it’s hard,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa (Moore) have been on fire. It’s good for the sport and good for me. I really don’t know what to say.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of 2011. The talented Brazilian finished behind Carissa Moore in their Semifinals matchup and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
“I’m so excited to have matched my best result in front of my home crowd,” Lima said. “Of course I wanted to make the Final, but I’m so happy with my result and thanks to everyone for all of the support.”
When men’s competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.
A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.
The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Rio Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.87
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.80
Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.33
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.16 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.23
Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.63 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.50 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.93
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.44 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.97
QF 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.57
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.30
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.63 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.14
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.40 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.03
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.24
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.14, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 1.97
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.26, Paige Hareb (NZL) 4.66
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.73, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.00
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.66, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.00, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
ASP Women’s World Title Top 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 47,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 41,650 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 30,620 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 29,350 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 27,920 pts
Billabong Rio Pro Men's Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Photo © ASP / CESTARI
John John Florence, the hottest young surfer on the planet today, has continued his winning streak by taking out the ASP Prime rated Telstra Drug Aware Pro at Margaret River today.
Nineteen year old Florence won a hotly contested, all-Hawaiian final against 25 year old Olamana Eleogram, who could not continue his giant-killing dream run after earlier eliminating top seeds Owen Wright and Josh Kerr in the man on man heats.
Florence was clearly the form surfer of the event heading into the final, having consistently recorded 16 point plus heat scores over the week. Florence progressed after an amazing face-off against fellow teen prodigy Kolohe Andino in the Round of 16 late on Friday afternoon. John John made up for loss to Andino in a No Loser round earlier that day with a scorching score of 19.70 featuring the first and only ten point ride of the competition.
The wind died down and the swell began to pulse for the Men’s final after strong offshore winds made surfing in the early morning finals difficult. Eleogram was the first to strike in the 35 minute final, catching a right hander to bank an early score of 6.00. Florence soon responded with a 7.00 point right hander and backed it up straight away with another nice right, nailing an enormous finishing turn to score 7.83.
The final then became a backhand battle between the two natural footers as the lefthander began to offer the best scoring potential in the changing wind. Eleogram went left under priority hitting a number of critical turns to score an 8.83 to take the lead. But that only seemed to make Florence more determined as he aggressively attacked consecutive lefthanders, taking to the air on both waves to land scintillating backside reverse aerials, impressing the judges with scores of 9.43 and 9.33 to take a solid grip on the final by the half way mark with a total of 18.76.
That left Eleogram needing a perfect ride for the win, as Florence continued to put on a jaw-dropping display of new-school innovative surfing. The challenge proved too great for the affable Eleogram, who had to be content with making an ASP Prime final for the first time in his career.
“I was so stoked about being in the final with a good friend, a guy I grew up surfing with as a young kid,” said Florence after he had been chaired up the staircase from the beach by his mates. “Some great waves came through early in the heat and I felt loose and relaxed and hit a few airs. The wind here is just like home and it was pushing into the left for a change and gave me a chance to get up on a couple.” But the cool Florence did admit to some jitters midway into the final. “I started to get nervous with about fifteen minutes left, just thinking this could turn around on me, you just never know.”
The win for Florence continues a hot start to 2012, his rookie year on the ASP World Tour, as he won the season starting ASP 5 star Volcom Pipe Pro at his home beach in Hawaii, before going through to the last 16 at the opening World Tour event at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast earlier this month. It marks a rare streak of form for the Hawaiian prodigy who first rose to prominence on the tour when he became the youngest ever surfer to clinch the coveted Vans Triple Crown at his home breaks in Hawaii at the end of 2011, clinching his place on the ASP World Tour for 2012.
Florence’s performance at this event will go down as one of the most dominant in the event’s history. Florence has collected five of the top ten single wave scores and the top thee two-wave heat totals thanks to his full repertoire. Florence defeated fellow Hawaiian Olamana Eleogram (HAW) in the Final by scoring two 9-point-rides, for mixing huge power gouges with technical aerials.
“I’ve been having a lot of fun this week,” Florence said. “The waves are are a lot like at home, even the wind when it’s good for airs is a lot like Hawaii. The waves have been fun in all of my heats. I’m so stoked to win. This gives me a lot of confidence going into Bells because I hear the waves are similar. I was so stoked to make the Final with Ola (Eleogram) at Margaret River.”
Mark Occhilupo (AUS), 1999 ASP World Champion, although retired from full-time competition decided to come to Margaret River and attempt to win the event for his third time. Occhilupo’s affinity for Margaret River was clear from day one, with surf fans being treated to watching his iconic style and flair as he progressed through the contest. His dream run ended in the last minute of his Semifinal today, when Olamana Eleogram (HAW) posted a 6.50 and took the lead, sending Occhilupo home with an equal 3rd place finish.
“I have had the best time this week,” Occhilupo said. “In that Semifinal I had a pretty bad heat. A wave came at the end that I could have gotten the score on, but I fell. I’m going to go away and keep thinking about that. I’m still beating myself up about it. By the time I get home it will have sunken in and I will be stoked with third. That competitive nature doesn’t ever leave you.”
Courtney Conlogue Goes Back-To-Back At The Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River
Courtney Conlogue (USA), reigning Telstra Drug Aware Pro event champion, today won the event for the second year in a row. Conlogue’s powerful backhand attack is perfectly suited to these powerful South West WA waves. The young Californian dominated the Final against Hawaiian Malia Manuel (HAW), posting two scores in the 8-point-range (out of a possible 10), to etch her name on the winners list once again.
“I was trying not to think about going back-to-back too much because I didn’t want to put pressure on myself,” Conlogue said. “I’m stoked to have gotten two in a row. This place taught me a lot last year and the years before. The first time I came here I lost in the second round and it was quite an embarrassing heat. Going from that to what I’ve done now feels great, and each year I come back I feel like I get to know the waves better and better. Now I’m looking forward to going to Bells because this place is great training for down there.”
TDAP 2012: Men's R48, Heats 1-2
TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO MEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
John John Florence (HAW) 18.76 def. Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 15.43
TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO MEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 11.67 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.84
SF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 19.13 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 14.37
TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO MEN’S QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 14.83 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 2.34
QF 2: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 17.63 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 16.03
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) 15.44 def. Nic Muscroft (AUS) 13.10
QF 4: Kai Otton (AUS) 16.90 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.93
TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO WOMEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
Courtney Conlogue (USA) 16.23 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.03
TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO WOMEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.90 def Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.40
SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.67 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.00
TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO WOMEN’S QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.00 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 9.83
QF 2: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 12.17 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.17
QF 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.33 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.06
QF 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.26 def. Kirby Wright (AUS) 12.90
For more information, visit www.telstradrugawarepro.com
World’s Best Surfers Ignite Aproador to Complete Round 1 of Billabong Rio Pro
APROADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Tuesday, May 17, 2011) – After a week of lay-days, the world’s best surfers tore into consistently changing conditions at the lefthand pointbreak of Aproador to complete Round 1 of the Billabong Rio Pro.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the opening day of men’s competition saw ASP Dream Tour veterans earn the day’s top scores while defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, made an impressive entrance in the Billabong Rio Pro’s opening round.
Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, got off to a strong start to open his Billabong Rio Pro campaign. Slater unleashed two furious tail-drifting backhand turns to notch the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9.00 (out of 10) midway through his bout to overtake ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, and event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, after nearly missing the start of his heat.
“That 9 felt good,” Slater said. “I went down to grab my jersey and there was some confusion. By the time I got out, the heat had already started and Julian got that first one. It wasn’t a good start. I knew there were going to be some good ones and I just had to be patient. That one good wave actually let me bottom turn and hit the lip, most of the waves were soft and had a lot of horizontals.”
Slater, who finished runner-up at the Billabong Pro last year, was also quick to admit that several goofy-footers will be tough to beat at the lefthander of Aproador and noted that the natural-footers will need to be especially selective in their wave choice at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“A little left like this is going to play well for goofy footers,” Slater said. “Owen (Wright) and Jadson (Andre) are probably frothing on it and licking their chops ready to go. We (natural footers) have been on our frontside at Snapper and Bells and now it’s their turn. We’ve just got to try and be smart. Mick (Fanning) looked good and there are waves out there to do it, you’ve just got to be smart.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, opened his Billabong Rio Pro campaign with a sharp backhand attack by belting two Arpoador lefthanders to the tune of a 16.83 (out of 20) on his first two waves to earn the highest heat-total of the day. The Australian veteran notched his Round 1 heat win over dangerous Brazilian rookie Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and event wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20.
“It was kind of scary for a second there, right when they decided to start the competition the wind started howling, but then it cleaned up heaps,” Burrow said. “I got two fun ones at the start so I’m happy.”
Jadson Andre, defending event winner, reveled in Aproador’s lefthanders with a combination of aggressive carves and snaps to take a convincing Round 1 heat victory with the support of the Brazilian crowd behind him.
“I’m so happy to be here competing in Brazil and I love Aproador, I feel like a local,” Andre said. “I’ve competed here several times before and have friends here. I know everyone says I should feel pressure as defending champion, but I’m not worried about it. I’m just thinking about the next heat. That’s what I did last year.”
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, two-time ASP World Champion, slowly built momentum in his opening Billabong Rio Pro heat, eventually igniting two lefthanders by combining a series of seamless backhand turns to notch a 15.07 heat total to advance directly through to Round 3.
“It was tricky trying to find the right one out there, but I watched the heat before and noticed that guys that were doing turns back-to-back were getting scores, so I tried to concentrate on that,” Fanning said. “They weren’t the biggest waves, but they just allowed three turns straight away.”
The Australian talent also expressed the importance of advancing directly through to Round 3 with Brazil’s ever-changing conditions.
“It’s really good to skip as many rounds as possible, especially here in Brazil where it can be really unpredictable,” Fanning said. “I’m stoked to get through Round 1 and I’ll go back and assess what’s going on and hopefully keep going.”
Billabong Rio Pro event organizers will reconvene at Aproador at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible Round 2 start.
To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 13.60, Heitor Alves (BRA) 7.67, Bobby Martinez (USA) 7.47
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.84, Adam Melling (AUS) 11.16, Kai Otton (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.33, Ricardo Santos (BRA) 11.17, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.60
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.07, Simao Romao (BRA) 12.36, Dusty Payne (HAW) 11.66
Heat 5: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 8.13, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.07, Igor Morais (BRA) 6.34
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.17, Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.37, Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 3.84
Heat 7: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.33, Gabe Kling (USA) 10.66, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 7.90
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.56, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.80, Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.43
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.00, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.93
Heat 10: Cory Lopez (USA) 11.54, Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.00, Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.57
Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 14.90, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.96
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.03, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.70, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.34
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Carissa Moore Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Gilmore Knocked Out of ASP World Title Race
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has claimed the Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season, over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in punchy two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves in a hard-fought Final at Barra Da Tijuca.
The electrifying action of the final day of women’s competition at Barra da Tijuca culminated in dramatic fashion with the world’s best female surfers going toe-to-toe with the highly-coveted 2011 ASP Women’s World Title on the line.
Moore and Fitzgibbons nearly matched scores on their opening accounts, but the young Hawaiian notched a solid 8.10 midway through the heat with polished backhand surfing on a lefthander that proved to be enough to solidify Moore’s third elite event victory of the 2011 season.
“I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the Final,” Moore said. “I was just stoked to be in the Final regardless of how I finished. Obviously I’m happy that I won. The girls really didn’t go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today.”
Moore, who marched past local favorite Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, to earn her final berth, appeared in her fifth consecutive final out of the five events held this year and her victory at the Billabong Rio Pro extends her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season over current ASP Women’s World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons.
“I was really nervous that I wouldn’t make the Final because I was up against Silvana (Lima) and she’s the local favorite,” Moore said. ““I’m excited. We have two events left and it’d be nice to just finish really strong.”
Fitzgibbons built momentum throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, winning her non-elimination Round 3 heat before topping ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie Pauline Ado (FRA), 20, and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Moore in the final and continues to trail the Oahu prodigy for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s a long year and there are a couple of events to go and it has been great here competing in Rio for the first time,” Fitzgibbons said. “Looking into the next few events it’s really going to be about stepping it up and having fun and focusing on my surfing. Hopefully I can get a few more results.”
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
Stephanie Gilmore, reigning four-time ASP World Champion, was lethal in her Quarterfinals heat against Laura Enever (AUS), 19, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons in their Semifinals matchup, finishing Equal 3rd overall.
“It was tough work out there,” Gilmore said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) got a couple and I had some opportunities. I only needed a six and was too deep on that wave that came in at the end. Sally’s in the zone right now.”
Gilmore, who made surfing history by winning four ASP Women’s World Titles in four consecutive attempts, was knocked out of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title race today, with her failure to advance past Fitzgibbons and into the Final. This historic moment in women’s sport proved emotional for the Australian icon.
“I’m going through so many emotions right now, it’s hard,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa (Moore) have been on fire. It’s good for the sport and good for me. I really don’t know what to say.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of 2011. The talented Brazilian finished behind Carissa Moore in their Semifinals matchup and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
“I’m so excited to have matched my best result in front of my home crowd,” Lima said. “Of course I wanted to make the Final, but I’m so happy with my result and thanks to everyone for all of the support.”
When men’s competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.
A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.
The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Rio Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.87
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.80
Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.33
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.16 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.23
Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.63 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.50 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.93
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.44 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.97
QF 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.57
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.30
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.63 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.14
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.40 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.03
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.24
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.14, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 1.97
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.26, Paige Hareb (NZL) 4.66
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.73, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.00
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.66, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.00, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
ASP Women’s World Title Top 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 47,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 41,650 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 30,620 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 29,350 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 27,920 pts
Billabong Rio Pro Men's Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Photo © ASP / CESTARI
Dodgers championship banner, 1955
Courtesy of the Brooklyn Historical Society
The Dodgers had appeared in the world Series seven times before 1955 and come up on the short end each time, an unparalleled record of futility. Five times they had fallen to their hated rivals, the Yankees. With the endearing hopefulness that characterized Brooklyn fans, the cry after each defeat was, "Wait Till Next Year!" In 1955 next year finally came, as the Dodgers won the ultimate game of the Series 2-0 behind a 21-year old lefthander named Johnny Podres. As the first major league team to tap the tremendous talent of black players, the Dodgers had come to dominate the league; their championship was the vindication of their historic "experiment."
The Glory Days: New York Baseball 1947-1957 exhibit ran at the Museum of the City of New York from June 27 to December 31, 2007. The decade between 1947 and 1957 was the golden age of baseball in New York City. With three major league teams—the Yankees, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Giants—at least one of whom played in the World Series every year except 1948; two National League teams in an intense rivalry each season; and seven landmark subway series, New York was the undisputed baseball capital of the nation. But more than that, New Yorkers lived and experienced baseball in their town in a way never to be repeated again. This exhibit explores how and why New York City came to dominate the sport, how this changed by 1957, and how the events of these eleven seasons shaped today’s game. In addition, the exhibition uses baseball as a lens through which city life in the post-war years is examined, and contextualizes baseball’s dominance in the history of the city.
The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY), founded in 1923 to present the history of New York City and its people, fills an imposing 5-floor brick and limestone building on the Museum Mile section of Fifth Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Streets. The Museum was originally housed in Gracie Mansion until this Neo-Georgian-Colonial style was built to the design of Joseph J. Freedlander from 1928-1930. The museum's collections include paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs featuring New York City and its residents, as well as costumes, decorative objects and furniture, toys, rare books and manuscripts, marine and military collections, police and fire collections, and a theater collection.
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Carissa Moore Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Gilmore Knocked Out of ASP World Title Race
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has claimed the Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season, over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in punchy two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves in a hard-fought Final at Barra Da Tijuca.
The electrifying action of the final day of women’s competition at Barra da Tijuca culminated in dramatic fashion with the world’s best female surfers going toe-to-toe with the highly-coveted 2011 ASP Women’s World Title on the line.
Moore and Fitzgibbons nearly matched scores on their opening accounts, but the young Hawaiian notched a solid 8.10 midway through the heat with polished backhand surfing on a lefthander that proved to be enough to solidify Moore’s third elite event victory of the 2011 season.
“I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the Final,” Moore said. “I was just stoked to be in the Final regardless of how I finished. Obviously I’m happy that I won. The girls really didn’t go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today.”
Moore, who marched past local favorite Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, to earn her final berth, appeared in her fifth consecutive final out of the five events held this year and her victory at the Billabong Rio Pro extends her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season over current ASP Women’s World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons.
“I was really nervous that I wouldn’t make the Final because I was up against Silvana (Lima) and she’s the local favorite,” Moore said. ““I’m excited. We have two events left and it’d be nice to just finish really strong.”
Fitzgibbons built momentum throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, winning her non-elimination Round 3 heat before topping ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie Pauline Ado (FRA), 20, and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Moore in the final and continues to trail the Oahu prodigy for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s a long year and there are a couple of events to go and it has been great here competing in Rio for the first time,” Fitzgibbons said. “Looking into the next few events it’s really going to be about stepping it up and having fun and focusing on my surfing. Hopefully I can get a few more results.”
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
Stephanie Gilmore, reigning four-time ASP World Champion, was lethal in her Quarterfinals heat against Laura Enever (AUS), 19, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons in their Semifinals matchup, finishing Equal 3rd overall.
“It was tough work out there,” Gilmore said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) got a couple and I had some opportunities. I only needed a six and was too deep on that wave that came in at the end. Sally’s in the zone right now.”
Gilmore, who made surfing history by winning four ASP Women’s World Titles in four consecutive attempts, was knocked out of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title race today, with her failure to advance past Fitzgibbons and into the Final. This historic moment in women’s sport proved emotional for the Australian icon.
“I’m going through so many emotions right now, it’s hard,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa (Moore) have been on fire. It’s good for the sport and good for me. I really don’t know what to say.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of 2011. The talented Brazilian finished behind Carissa Moore in their Semifinals matchup and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
“I’m so excited to have matched my best result in front of my home crowd,” Lima said. “Of course I wanted to make the Final, but I’m so happy with my result and thanks to everyone for all of the support.”
When men’s competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.
A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.
The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Rio Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.87
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.80
Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.33
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.16 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.23
Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.63 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.50 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.93
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.44 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.97
QF 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.57
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.30
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.63 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.14
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.40 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.03
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.24
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.14, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 1.97
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.26, Paige Hareb (NZL) 4.66
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.73, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.00
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.66, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.00, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
ASP Women’s World Title Top 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 47,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 41,650 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 30,620 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 29,350 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 27,920 pts
Billabong Rio Pro Men's Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Photo © ASP / CESTARI
Massive Upsets and Big Scores Unfold for Rounds 3 and 4 of Billabong Rio Pro
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Thursday, May 19, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to the beachbreak of Barra Da Tijuca after two days at the lefthander of Arpoador and saw massive upsets unfold among the event’s highest scores in punchy four foot waves while completing Rounds 3 and 4 of competition.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a crucial role in surfers’ campaigns for the ASP World Title, but also offers important points for competitors out to requalify at the halfway mark in the season.
Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, was responsible for the upset of the event when he defeated reigning 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 39, in a close heat of 14.50 to 14.10. The talented Californian unveiled a lightning-quick forehand attack and impressive backhand aerial game in his hard-fought heat to take the Round 3 win.
“There were some lefts and Kelly (Slater) went down to the rights and you’re always worried that he sees something that you don’t,” Martinez said. “I just got lucky, things worked to my advantage. I got that one right under his priority and that’s what he usually does. I thought I’d try and reverse the role. ”
Martinez, who is currently sitting at No. 55 on the men’s ASP World Ranking, knows that he is in need of results to try and improve his seed to remain on the elite ranks and hopes the victory over Slater will turn momentum in his favor.
“I hope this helps my seed, this is the best I’ve done in over a year,” Martinez said. “Last year I struggled a lot and this year I have struggled. I’ve had some tough heats, but everything’s tough these days. Sometimes the waves are tough and if the waves are good your competitor is tough. Nothing is easy, but I’m just trying my best.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, went absolutely mental in his Round 3 match-up to eliminate defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, by belting a combination of furious backhand maneuvers to earn the second-highest single-wave score of the entire competition, a 9.70, and quickly followed up with a 9.40 (both out of 10). Both rides saw Bourez take the highest heat total of Billabong Rio Pro competition in his near-perfect performance of 19.10 out of 20.
“That heat started before the horn because me and Jadson (Andre) were paddling to get the inside ones,” Bourez said. “The first one came and I knew I needed to get a good score and needed to get a good start. That’s what happened, I got a 9.70. Just after that I tried and air and broke by board and thought ‘oh no, it’s not going to happen.’ I got another right and got that 9.40 and after that my board was done, I couldn’t surf, so I just took a couple of close outs.”
Josh Kerr (AUS), 26, was also responsible for an upset of his own when he lofted a big frontside air on a wedging righthander in the final minutes of his Round 3 heat to eliminate Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, in Round 3.
“I’m stoked, the whole game-plan was to go down there on those rights,” Kerr said. “I saw Kelly down there and it looked like there were a couple of good ones. I saw Jordy (Smith) get those lefts, but luckily I got that right and went for the punt.”
Kerr later went on to advance directly through to the Quarterfinals by winning his Round 4 bout.
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, continued his form after a standout performance in Round 2 and built momentum throughout the day to take his Round 3 heat and followed up with the highest single-wave score of the entire event, a 9.73 out of 10 to win his three-man Round 4 heat in the last seconds, advancing directly into the Quarterfinals.
“It’s kind of one of those things where you’re only as good as your last heat and once you have a shocker you don’t want to have another one,” Parkinson said. “It might have been a blessing in disguise (to lose in Round 1). I’m glad I got that one out of the way and my strategy is good and I feel good.”
Parkinson’s guaranteed 5th place result at the Billabong Rio Pro temporarily moves him to the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title Rankings after Slater’s early elimination, but the stylish natural-footer was cautious in claiming his place as the new frontrunner for the ASP World Title.
“It’s too early to think about this early in the year,” Parkinson said. “It’s only the third event of the year to start worrying about it (the ASP World Title). If it was later on in the season, then sure, but as of now, who knows what can happen.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, was one top seed to prevail among the day’s upsets. The veteran campaigner not only took out his Round 3 victory, but also took a commanding win in Round 4 to ignite the day’s second-highest heat-total of 18.40 out of 20.
“That felt good, I felt good out there for sure,” Burrow said. “As long as I can get a wave with an open face I feel like I can get the job done, but that’s the hard thing. Sometimes you just get on a roll and it has a lot to do with confidence. For me confidence is a big thing and it’s a tough one for me. When it’s high, I don’t know what it is, it just does it. I feel like I’ve been on tour long enough to win heats.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, was also impressive in Round 3 today and continued to use the support of his passionate Brazilian fans to lift his performance.
“I’m happy to move to Round 4,” De Souza said. “I can’t believe it, there is this massive crowd down on the beach and I wanted to go for it. I’m proud of myself for making that heat. C.J. (Hobgood) is a world champ and he’s surfing amazing and he does so well in these conditions. It was an amazing feeling to get through and I’ll see how I can do in this event.”
De Souza will surf again in Round 5 of Billabong Rio Pro competition and can potentially overtake Parkinson for the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title race pending the final day’s results.
Event organizers will return to Barra Da Tijuca tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible start to Round 5. To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.40, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.60, Daniel Ross (AUS) 8.76
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.23, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.53, Bobby Martinez (USA) 10.73
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.30, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.07, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4.67
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.67, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.20, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.26
Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.66 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.84
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.33 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 4.03
Heat 3: Dan Ross (AUS) 12.17 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.97
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.50 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 6.77
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.07 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 7.83
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.50 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 14.10
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.87 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.17
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.93 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.87
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.17 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.50
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) 11.66 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 9.80
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 19.10 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 6.83
Heat 12: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.84 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.73
Photo ASP/Cestari &/or SCholtz
Carissa Moore Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Gilmore Knocked Out of ASP World Title Race
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has claimed the Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season, over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in punchy two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves in a hard-fought Final at Barra Da Tijuca.
The electrifying action of the final day of women’s competition at Barra da Tijuca culminated in dramatic fashion with the world’s best female surfers going toe-to-toe with the highly-coveted 2011 ASP Women’s World Title on the line.
Moore and Fitzgibbons nearly matched scores on their opening accounts, but the young Hawaiian notched a solid 8.10 midway through the heat with polished backhand surfing on a lefthander that proved to be enough to solidify Moore’s third elite event victory of the 2011 season.
“I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the Final,” Moore said. “I was just stoked to be in the Final regardless of how I finished. Obviously I’m happy that I won. The girls really didn’t go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today.”
Moore, who marched past local favorite Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, to earn her final berth, appeared in her fifth consecutive final out of the five events held this year and her victory at the Billabong Rio Pro extends her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Season over current ASP Women’s World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons.
“I was really nervous that I wouldn’t make the Final because I was up against Silvana (Lima) and she’s the local favorite,” Moore said. ““I’m excited. We have two events left and it’d be nice to just finish really strong.”
Fitzgibbons built momentum throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, winning her non-elimination Round 3 heat before topping ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie Pauline Ado (FRA), 20, and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Moore in the final and continues to trail the Oahu prodigy for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s a long year and there are a couple of events to go and it has been great here competing in Rio for the first time,” Fitzgibbons said. “Looking into the next few events it’s really going to be about stepping it up and having fun and focusing on my surfing. Hopefully I can get a few more results.”
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title.
Stephanie Gilmore, reigning four-time ASP World Champion, was lethal in her Quarterfinals heat against Laura Enever (AUS), 19, but was unable to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons in their Semifinals matchup, finishing Equal 3rd overall.
“It was tough work out there,” Gilmore said. “Sally (Fitzgibbons) got a couple and I had some opportunities. I only needed a six and was too deep on that wave that came in at the end. Sally’s in the zone right now.”
Gilmore, who made surfing history by winning four ASP Women’s World Titles in four consecutive attempts, was knocked out of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title race today, with her failure to advance past Fitzgibbons and into the Final. This historic moment in women’s sport proved emotional for the Australian icon.
“I’m going through so many emotions right now, it’s hard,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa (Moore) have been on fire. It’s good for the sport and good for me. I really don’t know what to say.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of 2011. The talented Brazilian finished behind Carissa Moore in their Semifinals matchup and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
“I’m so excited to have matched my best result in front of my home crowd,” Lima said. “Of course I wanted to make the Final, but I’m so happy with my result and thanks to everyone for all of the support.”
When men’s competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.
A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.
The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Rio Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.87
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.80
Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.33
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.16 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.23
Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.63 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.50 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.93
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.44 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.97
QF 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.10 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.57
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.30
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.63 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.14
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.40 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.03
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.24
Billabong Rio Pro Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.14, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 1.97
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.26, Paige Hareb (NZL) 4.66
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.73, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.00
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 11.66, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.00, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
ASP Women’s World Title Top 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 47,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 41,650 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 30,620 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 29,350 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 27,920 pts
Billabong Rio Pro Men's Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Photo © ASP / CESTARI
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Prior to the Barrmill APR 2006
Bobby Brown (Endura Disco 2000), Joe Shepherd (Bioracer Belgian Team kit), TMW (Assos late 80's).
Following from Gale forum:
Johnstone Wheelers APR 10th June 2006
Jun 12th, 2006, 12:32am
First of all, a caveat. Some of the following information may be in the wrong order or just generally a bit wonky - it was a bloody hot day!
Got a lift down to Barmill for the Johnstone Wheelers APR with Joe, both of us feverishly slurping back the fluids in anticipation of some hard racing in unfamiliar heat, 28 degrees was forecast and so it transpired though with a stiff wind from the southeast things never got too sticky.
There was a decent turnout for this TLI event including a 3rd Gale, TLI stalwart Bobby Brown. I suppose 45 or 50 riders set off in 3 groups with a 15 minute gap between 1 and 2 and then 5 minutes before the scratch set off. Us Nightingale 3 went off in the 2nd group with the vagaries of Gale fashion clear for all to see .
The race started quite sedately with steady riding on the rolling 9 mile circuit which basically ran round the MOD base between Barmill and Beith. Some sketchy road surfaces and tight corners were noted as was the wind which was significant on the west and south sides of the basically rectangular course. Somewhat ad hoc echelons formed as riders grasped the impotance of minimising effort in what were harsh conditions for us pale Scots. I've got to say though that most riders seemed strong, fit and confident - its the time of year I suppose, a lot of race miles in most folks legs by now.
The rising heat was certainly factored in to most riders efforts and though breaks went off from time to time they were easily brought back by a bunch at ease with itself and getting familiar with the circuit. But then, at some point in the 3rd lap off went Hoey of the Ivy, all on his own, putting an increasing gap into us - I was impressed and wished I'd gone with him...Then whilst I was some way back in the bunch there was more action off the front when Classic Walls rider No 66 and an EK guy sprinted off the front after the pink dot in the distance. I'd missed my chance! I was daydreaming, overheating, lost in the blur of the pack, staring at other peoples hubs, smelling brake blocks burn on the tight downhill lefthander, lost in the race not riding the race so, readers, I did a stupid thing and just went after them. With all my heart I burst after that break which must have been 300 m or so ahead by now. I went in the wrong place and nobody followed, but I was commited, or at least pride dictated that I give a show at least so I got my head down and worked, and worked, and worked and eventually, after a few miles of this, on the exposed ups and doons I saw sense and sat up letting myself be swallowed up by the bunch munching their way behind me. I was trashed, slightly embarassed and worried too as I was hurting all over after my daft - though romantic effort. I mean, you sit in the bunch, you work your time at the front, take cover, take care, spin it out but sometimes I suppose you just have to go! Or at least give it a go. So I did. What was to lose? So it was a rush of blood, a rash decision that lead to a badly executed effort which made the rest of the race so much harder for me. Ah well.
Suddenly, there were the scratch riders, a blur of Couriers and Rockhard riders entered our sphere and woke us all up. I didn't really know what was going on at the time and just hung on numb. Riders sprinting out of sight all of a sudden I found myself alone or at least (I dare not look back) with a real gap between me and those ahead. So I fought and dug and wrenched every gram of gurning I had to stay in touch but with my previous time out alone so recent in my legs it was stunningly hard to have to do it all again - but this time I was fighting just to stay in contact with the race. It took me most of a lap but I did it, I was passing riders shelled out the back of what was now 2 groups ahead of me but still pressing to make it to a steady buch of 5 up ahead. Which to my huge relief I managed. And so in this good company I finally found some rhythm and order to whisk me round the final lap and a half. Even managed a banana. And we pulled out a sprint we did, after 56 miles it felt amazing to cross that line.
So that was a great race, I so nearly fluffed it but in doing so I think I got the hang of something - I certainly had a wild saturday afternoon! Great company, great racing, great carrot cake.
Oh Gordon Murdoch won it by a tyre from a Courier and the young Rockhard guys did brilliant and Bobby got 7th (sort of...).
More photos here
And then I had to go to work.
More of my baseball photography and the scout in me coming out...this pitcher Dalton Lundeen (Streamwood High School/Valparaiso U) is going be drafted and pro...he has great stuff..He is here pitching summer league Crystal Lake Cardinals. In 2014 co-pitcher of year for the Horizon conference and pre season pitcher of the year in 2015. The game is being played at Judson University, Elgin,IL
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Nah, that's not fair in this case really. It's one of the nicknames the track got ever since the FIA catchfencing has been put up - often in places where they can have no safety function whatsoever. Here though, on the outside of Schwedenkreuz...
Another spectacular place to watch during the night, by the way. The bump before the lefthander is one of the places where the brave jump, hitting the rev limiter in the process!
Massive Upsets and Big Scores Unfold for Rounds 3 and 4 of Billabong Rio Pro
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Thursday, May 19, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to the beachbreak of Barra Da Tijuca after two days at the lefthander of Arpoador and saw massive upsets unfold among the event’s highest scores in punchy four foot waves while completing Rounds 3 and 4 of competition.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a crucial role in surfers’ campaigns for the ASP World Title, but also offers important points for competitors out to requalify at the halfway mark in the season.
Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, was responsible for the upset of the event when he defeated reigning 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 39, in a close heat of 14.50 to 14.10. The talented Californian unveiled a lightning-quick forehand attack and impressive backhand aerial game in his hard-fought heat to take the Round 3 win.
“There were some lefts and Kelly (Slater) went down to the rights and you’re always worried that he sees something that you don’t,” Martinez said. “I just got lucky, things worked to my advantage. I got that one right under his priority and that’s what he usually does. I thought I’d try and reverse the role. ”
Martinez, who is currently sitting at No. 55 on the men’s ASP World Ranking, knows that he is in need of results to try and improve his seed to remain on the elite ranks and hopes the victory over Slater will turn momentum in his favor.
“I hope this helps my seed, this is the best I’ve done in over a year,” Martinez said. “Last year I struggled a lot and this year I have struggled. I’ve had some tough heats, but everything’s tough these days. Sometimes the waves are tough and if the waves are good your competitor is tough. Nothing is easy, but I’m just trying my best.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, went absolutely mental in his Round 3 match-up to eliminate defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, by belting a combination of furious backhand maneuvers to earn the second-highest single-wave score of the entire competition, a 9.70, and quickly followed up with a 9.40 (both out of 10). Both rides saw Bourez take the highest heat total of Billabong Rio Pro competition in his near-perfect performance of 19.10 out of 20.
“That heat started before the horn because me and Jadson (Andre) were paddling to get the inside ones,” Bourez said. “The first one came and I knew I needed to get a good score and needed to get a good start. That’s what happened, I got a 9.70. Just after that I tried and air and broke by board and thought ‘oh no, it’s not going to happen.’ I got another right and got that 9.40 and after that my board was done, I couldn’t surf, so I just took a couple of close outs.”
Josh Kerr (AUS), 26, was also responsible for an upset of his own when he lofted a big frontside air on a wedging righthander in the final minutes of his Round 3 heat to eliminate Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, in Round 3.
“I’m stoked, the whole game-plan was to go down there on those rights,” Kerr said. “I saw Kelly down there and it looked like there were a couple of good ones. I saw Jordy (Smith) get those lefts, but luckily I got that right and went for the punt.”
Kerr later went on to advance directly through to the Quarterfinals by winning his Round 4 bout.
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, continued his form after a standout performance in Round 2 and built momentum throughout the day to take his Round 3 heat and followed up with the highest single-wave score of the entire event, a 9.73 out of 10 to win his three-man Round 4 heat in the last seconds, advancing directly into the Quarterfinals.
“It’s kind of one of those things where you’re only as good as your last heat and once you have a shocker you don’t want to have another one,” Parkinson said. “It might have been a blessing in disguise (to lose in Round 1). I’m glad I got that one out of the way and my strategy is good and I feel good.”
Parkinson’s guaranteed 5th place result at the Billabong Rio Pro temporarily moves him to the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title Rankings after Slater’s early elimination, but the stylish natural-footer was cautious in claiming his place as the new frontrunner for the ASP World Title.
“It’s too early to think about this early in the year,” Parkinson said. “It’s only the third event of the year to start worrying about it (the ASP World Title). If it was later on in the season, then sure, but as of now, who knows what can happen.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, was one top seed to prevail among the day’s upsets. The veteran campaigner not only took out his Round 3 victory, but also took a commanding win in Round 4 to ignite the day’s second-highest heat-total of 18.40 out of 20.
“That felt good, I felt good out there for sure,” Burrow said. “As long as I can get a wave with an open face I feel like I can get the job done, but that’s the hard thing. Sometimes you just get on a roll and it has a lot to do with confidence. For me confidence is a big thing and it’s a tough one for me. When it’s high, I don’t know what it is, it just does it. I feel like I’ve been on tour long enough to win heats.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, was also impressive in Round 3 today and continued to use the support of his passionate Brazilian fans to lift his performance.
“I’m happy to move to Round 4,” De Souza said. “I can’t believe it, there is this massive crowd down on the beach and I wanted to go for it. I’m proud of myself for making that heat. C.J. (Hobgood) is a world champ and he’s surfing amazing and he does so well in these conditions. It was an amazing feeling to get through and I’ll see how I can do in this event.”
De Souza will surf again in Round 5 of Billabong Rio Pro competition and can potentially overtake Parkinson for the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title race pending the final day’s results.
Event organizers will return to Barra Da Tijuca tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible start to Round 5. To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.40, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.60, Daniel Ross (AUS) 8.76
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.23, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.53, Bobby Martinez (USA) 10.73
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.30, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.07, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4.67
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.67, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.20, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.26
Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.66 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.84
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.33 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 4.03
Heat 3: Dan Ross (AUS) 12.17 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.97
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.50 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 6.77
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.07 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 7.83
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.50 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 14.10
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.87 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.17
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.93 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.87
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.17 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.50
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) 11.66 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 9.80
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 19.10 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 6.83
Heat 12: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.84 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.73
Photo ASP/Cestari &/or SCholtz
Massive Upsets and Big Scores Unfold for Rounds 3 and 4 of Billabong Rio Pro
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Thursday, May 19, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to the beachbreak of Barra Da Tijuca after two days at the lefthander of Arpoador and saw massive upsets unfold among the event’s highest scores in punchy four foot waves while completing Rounds 3 and 4 of competition.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a crucial role in surfers’ campaigns for the ASP World Title, but also offers important points for competitors out to requalify at the halfway mark in the season.
Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, was responsible for the upset of the event when he defeated reigning 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 39, in a close heat of 14.50 to 14.10. The talented Californian unveiled a lightning-quick forehand attack and impressive backhand aerial game in his hard-fought heat to take the Round 3 win.
“There were some lefts and Kelly (Slater) went down to the rights and you’re always worried that he sees something that you don’t,” Martinez said. “I just got lucky, things worked to my advantage. I got that one right under his priority and that’s what he usually does. I thought I’d try and reverse the role. ”
Martinez, who is currently sitting at No. 55 on the men’s ASP World Ranking, knows that he is in need of results to try and improve his seed to remain on the elite ranks and hopes the victory over Slater will turn momentum in his favor.
“I hope this helps my seed, this is the best I’ve done in over a year,” Martinez said. “Last year I struggled a lot and this year I have struggled. I’ve had some tough heats, but everything’s tough these days. Sometimes the waves are tough and if the waves are good your competitor is tough. Nothing is easy, but I’m just trying my best.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, went absolutely mental in his Round 3 match-up to eliminate defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, by belting a combination of furious backhand maneuvers to earn the second-highest single-wave score of the entire competition, a 9.70, and quickly followed up with a 9.40 (both out of 10). Both rides saw Bourez take the highest heat total of Billabong Rio Pro competition in his near-perfect performance of 19.10 out of 20.
“That heat started before the horn because me and Jadson (Andre) were paddling to get the inside ones,” Bourez said. “The first one came and I knew I needed to get a good score and needed to get a good start. That’s what happened, I got a 9.70. Just after that I tried and air and broke by board and thought ‘oh no, it’s not going to happen.’ I got another right and got that 9.40 and after that my board was done, I couldn’t surf, so I just took a couple of close outs.”
Josh Kerr (AUS), 26, was also responsible for an upset of his own when he lofted a big frontside air on a wedging righthander in the final minutes of his Round 3 heat to eliminate Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, in Round 3.
“I’m stoked, the whole game-plan was to go down there on those rights,” Kerr said. “I saw Kelly down there and it looked like there were a couple of good ones. I saw Jordy (Smith) get those lefts, but luckily I got that right and went for the punt.”
Kerr later went on to advance directly through to the Quarterfinals by winning his Round 4 bout.
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, continued his form after a standout performance in Round 2 and built momentum throughout the day to take his Round 3 heat and followed up with the highest single-wave score of the entire event, a 9.73 out of 10 to win his three-man Round 4 heat in the last seconds, advancing directly into the Quarterfinals.
“It’s kind of one of those things where you’re only as good as your last heat and once you have a shocker you don’t want to have another one,” Parkinson said. “It might have been a blessing in disguise (to lose in Round 1). I’m glad I got that one out of the way and my strategy is good and I feel good.”
Parkinson’s guaranteed 5th place result at the Billabong Rio Pro temporarily moves him to the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title Rankings after Slater’s early elimination, but the stylish natural-footer was cautious in claiming his place as the new frontrunner for the ASP World Title.
“It’s too early to think about this early in the year,” Parkinson said. “It’s only the third event of the year to start worrying about it (the ASP World Title). If it was later on in the season, then sure, but as of now, who knows what can happen.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, was one top seed to prevail among the day’s upsets. The veteran campaigner not only took out his Round 3 victory, but also took a commanding win in Round 4 to ignite the day’s second-highest heat-total of 18.40 out of 20.
“That felt good, I felt good out there for sure,” Burrow said. “As long as I can get a wave with an open face I feel like I can get the job done, but that’s the hard thing. Sometimes you just get on a roll and it has a lot to do with confidence. For me confidence is a big thing and it’s a tough one for me. When it’s high, I don’t know what it is, it just does it. I feel like I’ve been on tour long enough to win heats.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, was also impressive in Round 3 today and continued to use the support of his passionate Brazilian fans to lift his performance.
“I’m happy to move to Round 4,” De Souza said. “I can’t believe it, there is this massive crowd down on the beach and I wanted to go for it. I’m proud of myself for making that heat. C.J. (Hobgood) is a world champ and he’s surfing amazing and he does so well in these conditions. It was an amazing feeling to get through and I’ll see how I can do in this event.”
De Souza will surf again in Round 5 of Billabong Rio Pro competition and can potentially overtake Parkinson for the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title race pending the final day’s results.
Event organizers will return to Barra Da Tijuca tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible start to Round 5. To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.40, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.60, Daniel Ross (AUS) 8.76
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.23, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.53, Bobby Martinez (USA) 10.73
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.30, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.07, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4.67
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.67, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.20, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.26
Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.66 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.84
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.33 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 4.03
Heat 3: Dan Ross (AUS) 12.17 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.97
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.50 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 6.77
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.07 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 7.83
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.50 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 14.10
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.87 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.17
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.93 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.87
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.17 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.50
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) 11.66 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 9.80
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 19.10 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 6.83
Heat 12: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.84 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.73
Photo ASP/Cestari &/or SCholtz
World’s Best Surfers Ignite Aproador to Complete Round 1 of Billabong Rio Pro
APROADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Tuesday, May 17, 2011) – After a week of lay-days, the world’s best surfers tore into consistently changing conditions at the lefthand pointbreak of Aproador to complete Round 1 of the Billabong Rio Pro.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the opening day of men’s competition saw ASP Dream Tour veterans earn the day’s top scores while defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, made an impressive entrance in the Billabong Rio Pro’s opening round.
Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, got off to a strong start to open his Billabong Rio Pro campaign. Slater unleashed two furious tail-drifting backhand turns to notch the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9.00 (out of 10) midway through his bout to overtake ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, and event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, after nearly missing the start of his heat.
“That 9 felt good,” Slater said. “I went down to grab my jersey and there was some confusion. By the time I got out, the heat had already started and Julian got that first one. It wasn’t a good start. I knew there were going to be some good ones and I just had to be patient. That one good wave actually let me bottom turn and hit the lip, most of the waves were soft and had a lot of horizontals.”
Slater, who finished runner-up at the Billabong Pro last year, was also quick to admit that several goofy-footers will be tough to beat at the lefthander of Aproador and noted that the natural-footers will need to be especially selective in their wave choice at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“A little left like this is going to play well for goofy footers,” Slater said. “Owen (Wright) and Jadson (Andre) are probably frothing on it and licking their chops ready to go. We (natural footers) have been on our frontside at Snapper and Bells and now it’s their turn. We’ve just got to try and be smart. Mick (Fanning) looked good and there are waves out there to do it, you’ve just got to be smart.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, opened his Billabong Rio Pro campaign with a sharp backhand attack by belting two Arpoador lefthanders to the tune of a 16.83 (out of 20) on his first two waves to earn the highest heat-total of the day. The Australian veteran notched his Round 1 heat win over dangerous Brazilian rookie Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and event wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20.
“It was kind of scary for a second there, right when they decided to start the competition the wind started howling, but then it cleaned up heaps,” Burrow said. “I got two fun ones at the start so I’m happy.”
Jadson Andre, defending event winner, reveled in Aproador’s lefthanders with a combination of aggressive carves and snaps to take a convincing Round 1 heat victory with the support of the Brazilian crowd behind him.
“I’m so happy to be here competing in Brazil and I love Aproador, I feel like a local,” Andre said. “I’ve competed here several times before and have friends here. I know everyone says I should feel pressure as defending champion, but I’m not worried about it. I’m just thinking about the next heat. That’s what I did last year.”
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, two-time ASP World Champion, slowly built momentum in his opening Billabong Rio Pro heat, eventually igniting two lefthanders by combining a series of seamless backhand turns to notch a 15.07 heat total to advance directly through to Round 3.
“It was tricky trying to find the right one out there, but I watched the heat before and noticed that guys that were doing turns back-to-back were getting scores, so I tried to concentrate on that,” Fanning said. “They weren’t the biggest waves, but they just allowed three turns straight away.”
The Australian talent also expressed the importance of advancing directly through to Round 3 with Brazil’s ever-changing conditions.
“It’s really good to skip as many rounds as possible, especially here in Brazil where it can be really unpredictable,” Fanning said. “I’m stoked to get through Round 1 and I’ll go back and assess what’s going on and hopefully keep going.”
Billabong Rio Pro event organizers will reconvene at Aproador at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible Round 2 start.
To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 13.60, Heitor Alves (BRA) 7.67, Bobby Martinez (USA) 7.47
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.84, Adam Melling (AUS) 11.16, Kai Otton (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.33, Ricardo Santos (BRA) 11.17, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.60
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.07, Simao Romao (BRA) 12.36, Dusty Payne (HAW) 11.66
Heat 5: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 8.13, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.07, Igor Morais (BRA) 6.34
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.17, Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.37, Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 3.84
Heat 7: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.33, Gabe Kling (USA) 10.66, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 7.90
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.56, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.80, Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.43
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.00, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.93
Heat 10: Cory Lopez (USA) 11.54, Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.00, Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.57
Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 14.90, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.96
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.03, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.70, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.34
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
This is Pete, an Aussie transplant who moved out here a decade ago, took over a small sheep farm and live sin the absolute back of beyond where he rides, all alone, a massive deep water lefthander that holds 15ft + swells and breaks into a channel between islands with currents strong enough to give a large boat a hard time. It was several years before he even realised that there were other surfers in the islands. I'll give him the vote for the worlds most hardcore Aussie surfer.
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz
Massive Upsets and Big Scores Unfold for Rounds 3 and 4 of Billabong Rio Pro
BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Thursday, May 19, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to the beachbreak of Barra Da Tijuca after two days at the lefthander of Arpoador and saw massive upsets unfold among the event’s highest scores in punchy four foot waves while completing Rounds 3 and 4 of competition.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a crucial role in surfers’ campaigns for the ASP World Title, but also offers important points for competitors out to requalify at the halfway mark in the season.
Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, was responsible for the upset of the event when he defeated reigning 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 39, in a close heat of 14.50 to 14.10. The talented Californian unveiled a lightning-quick forehand attack and impressive backhand aerial game in his hard-fought heat to take the Round 3 win.
“There were some lefts and Kelly (Slater) went down to the rights and you’re always worried that he sees something that you don’t,” Martinez said. “I just got lucky, things worked to my advantage. I got that one right under his priority and that’s what he usually does. I thought I’d try and reverse the role. ”
Martinez, who is currently sitting at No. 55 on the men’s ASP World Ranking, knows that he is in need of results to try and improve his seed to remain on the elite ranks and hopes the victory over Slater will turn momentum in his favor.
“I hope this helps my seed, this is the best I’ve done in over a year,” Martinez said. “Last year I struggled a lot and this year I have struggled. I’ve had some tough heats, but everything’s tough these days. Sometimes the waves are tough and if the waves are good your competitor is tough. Nothing is easy, but I’m just trying my best.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, went absolutely mental in his Round 3 match-up to eliminate defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, by belting a combination of furious backhand maneuvers to earn the second-highest single-wave score of the entire competition, a 9.70, and quickly followed up with a 9.40 (both out of 10). Both rides saw Bourez take the highest heat total of Billabong Rio Pro competition in his near-perfect performance of 19.10 out of 20.
“That heat started before the horn because me and Jadson (Andre) were paddling to get the inside ones,” Bourez said. “The first one came and I knew I needed to get a good score and needed to get a good start. That’s what happened, I got a 9.70. Just after that I tried and air and broke by board and thought ‘oh no, it’s not going to happen.’ I got another right and got that 9.40 and after that my board was done, I couldn’t surf, so I just took a couple of close outs.”
Josh Kerr (AUS), 26, was also responsible for an upset of his own when he lofted a big frontside air on a wedging righthander in the final minutes of his Round 3 heat to eliminate Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, in Round 3.
“I’m stoked, the whole game-plan was to go down there on those rights,” Kerr said. “I saw Kelly down there and it looked like there were a couple of good ones. I saw Jordy (Smith) get those lefts, but luckily I got that right and went for the punt.”
Kerr later went on to advance directly through to the Quarterfinals by winning his Round 4 bout.
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, continued his form after a standout performance in Round 2 and built momentum throughout the day to take his Round 3 heat and followed up with the highest single-wave score of the entire event, a 9.73 out of 10 to win his three-man Round 4 heat in the last seconds, advancing directly into the Quarterfinals.
“It’s kind of one of those things where you’re only as good as your last heat and once you have a shocker you don’t want to have another one,” Parkinson said. “It might have been a blessing in disguise (to lose in Round 1). I’m glad I got that one out of the way and my strategy is good and I feel good.”
Parkinson’s guaranteed 5th place result at the Billabong Rio Pro temporarily moves him to the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title Rankings after Slater’s early elimination, but the stylish natural-footer was cautious in claiming his place as the new frontrunner for the ASP World Title.
“It’s too early to think about this early in the year,” Parkinson said. “It’s only the third event of the year to start worrying about it (the ASP World Title). If it was later on in the season, then sure, but as of now, who knows what can happen.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, was one top seed to prevail among the day’s upsets. The veteran campaigner not only took out his Round 3 victory, but also took a commanding win in Round 4 to ignite the day’s second-highest heat-total of 18.40 out of 20.
“That felt good, I felt good out there for sure,” Burrow said. “As long as I can get a wave with an open face I feel like I can get the job done, but that’s the hard thing. Sometimes you just get on a roll and it has a lot to do with confidence. For me confidence is a big thing and it’s a tough one for me. When it’s high, I don’t know what it is, it just does it. I feel like I’ve been on tour long enough to win heats.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, was also impressive in Round 3 today and continued to use the support of his passionate Brazilian fans to lift his performance.
“I’m happy to move to Round 4,” De Souza said. “I can’t believe it, there is this massive crowd down on the beach and I wanted to go for it. I’m proud of myself for making that heat. C.J. (Hobgood) is a world champ and he’s surfing amazing and he does so well in these conditions. It was an amazing feeling to get through and I’ll see how I can do in this event.”
De Souza will surf again in Round 5 of Billabong Rio Pro competition and can potentially overtake Parkinson for the No. 1 position on the ASP World Title race pending the final day’s results.
Event organizers will return to Barra Da Tijuca tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible start to Round 5. To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.40, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.60, Daniel Ross (AUS) 8.76
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.23, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.53, Bobby Martinez (USA) 10.73
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.30, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.07, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4.67
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.67, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.20, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.26
Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.66 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.84
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.33 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 4.03
Heat 3: Dan Ross (AUS) 12.17 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.97
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.50 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 6.77
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.07 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 7.83
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.50 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 14.10
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.87 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.17
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.93 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.87
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.17 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.50
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) 11.66 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 9.80
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 19.10 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 6.83
Heat 12: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.84 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.73
Photo ASP/Cestari &/or SCholtz
Merci à Mister Y , he tagged me…
#1. first of all, about languages: I really hate to hear bad Russian, unfortunately even many Russians speak Russian badly. But you are compelled to suffer my bad English, this is not good, I know, but it`s time to tell only the truth!... in fact I think that all my contacts speak English, but not all of them understand French…
#2. some facts: when I was born, my parents were only 21 years old and they were studying, so I spent all my time with my imagination and with my grandparents (therefore my habits have conservative character …)
#3. in the childhood I often walked with my grandfather in the evenings (he served at the Space Coordination Committee) and dreamt to be a cosmonaut or an astronomer … but after school I prematurely entered in the oil and gas university…walking right after that I casually encountered the Medical academy and decided to try to pass exams there just for fun… In 5 years I finished Medical academy…
#4. so I can spend a lot of time thinking about something in the future but finally do it impulsively …
#5. about photography: my father was really a fan of the photography! When I was about 6 years old I asked him to teach me to use the camera, he took it very seriously and gave me few lessons ... Then I had broken his 2 Zeniths and 1 Lomo, he told me that my hands were growing out of my ass… So I took a camera again only in 15 years! But my real passion began only when I have got acquainted with Flickr. Thanks to the photography it constantly gives me a lot in my life!
#6. and first of all, it`s my riches – my flickr-friends (and all my friends!) !...
Actually, in my life I meet only good people all over the world! For this one there are 2 explanations – bad people do not exist (may be there are only miserable people as Mikhail Boulgakov said) and the second, that God loves me
#7. now you see that I believe in God and respect all other religions a lot
#8. but I really hate … (may be it`s my last words on Flickr because our FSB (=KGB in the past) never sleeps…) our government (and not only our)!
#9. When I was 16 years old I had read “the manifesto of the communist party” by K. Marx and I understood nothing … but to read Arthur Schopenhauer (he is my favorite) and others was so easy after the Manifesto!
#10. the great pleasure for me: to touch the piano in the silence in an empty flat with burning candles… when I`m sad - I hear Chopin, when I`m happy – I hear Chopin…
#11. I like to review my past and to dream about my future, so sometimes I forget about the present...
#12. I walk everywhere I can… unfortunately I have some problems with my navigation system in my head, so that`s why usually I walk more than I can…
#13. Ok, what else? … I`m a lefthander and nobody has managed to retrain me…
#14. I drink a lot of tea but only with sugar! and I hate tea bags!
#15. I like my work, it gives me a lot of ideas… I used to work in a pharmacy, at the Vaccine Quality Control Department, at the Medical Academy, at laboratory – so, I have a great collection!…
#16. if I had a possibility to choose a life, I would prefer only the mine... Certainly I make a lot of mistakes, but if it has not killed me yet it makes me more wisely…
« Tout est pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes possibles! »
(Everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds... by Voltaire...)...
Noticed this in a women's clothes shop. Jimi Hendrix jewellery! What next? Wonder if the holders of the rights to the Hendrix legacy or the photographer who provided the picture insert know about this. Anyhow, it's looks real nice and the work on it has been well-executed. Not too expensive either.
I know this will make a few people want to get out in the water. I always wanted to get one of those perfect wave pictures. This is by no means a perfect wave but it's the first pics I have liked of waves. Need to get out and shoot more wave/surfing pics.
World’s Best Surfers Ignite Aproador to Complete Round 1 of Billabong Rio Pro
APROADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Tuesday, May 17, 2011) – After a week of lay-days, the world’s best surfers tore into consistently changing conditions at the lefthand pointbreak of Aproador to complete Round 1 of the Billabong Rio Pro.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the opening day of men’s competition saw ASP Dream Tour veterans earn the day’s top scores while defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, made an impressive entrance in the Billabong Rio Pro’s opening round.
Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, got off to a strong start to open his Billabong Rio Pro campaign. Slater unleashed two furious tail-drifting backhand turns to notch the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9.00 (out of 10) midway through his bout to overtake ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, and event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, after nearly missing the start of his heat.
“That 9 felt good,” Slater said. “I went down to grab my jersey and there was some confusion. By the time I got out, the heat had already started and Julian got that first one. It wasn’t a good start. I knew there were going to be some good ones and I just had to be patient. That one good wave actually let me bottom turn and hit the lip, most of the waves were soft and had a lot of horizontals.”
Slater, who finished runner-up at the Billabong Pro last year, was also quick to admit that several goofy-footers will be tough to beat at the lefthander of Aproador and noted that the natural-footers will need to be especially selective in their wave choice at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“A little left like this is going to play well for goofy footers,” Slater said. “Owen (Wright) and Jadson (Andre) are probably frothing on it and licking their chops ready to go. We (natural footers) have been on our frontside at Snapper and Bells and now it’s their turn. We’ve just got to try and be smart. Mick (Fanning) looked good and there are waves out there to do it, you’ve just got to be smart.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, opened his Billabong Rio Pro campaign with a sharp backhand attack by belting two Arpoador lefthanders to the tune of a 16.83 (out of 20) on his first two waves to earn the highest heat-total of the day. The Australian veteran notched his Round 1 heat win over dangerous Brazilian rookie Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and event wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20.
“It was kind of scary for a second there, right when they decided to start the competition the wind started howling, but then it cleaned up heaps,” Burrow said. “I got two fun ones at the start so I’m happy.”
Jadson Andre, defending event winner, reveled in Aproador’s lefthanders with a combination of aggressive carves and snaps to take a convincing Round 1 heat victory with the support of the Brazilian crowd behind him.
“I’m so happy to be here competing in Brazil and I love Aproador, I feel like a local,” Andre said. “I’ve competed here several times before and have friends here. I know everyone says I should feel pressure as defending champion, but I’m not worried about it. I’m just thinking about the next heat. That’s what I did last year.”
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, two-time ASP World Champion, slowly built momentum in his opening Billabong Rio Pro heat, eventually igniting two lefthanders by combining a series of seamless backhand turns to notch a 15.07 heat total to advance directly through to Round 3.
“It was tricky trying to find the right one out there, but I watched the heat before and noticed that guys that were doing turns back-to-back were getting scores, so I tried to concentrate on that,” Fanning said. “They weren’t the biggest waves, but they just allowed three turns straight away.”
The Australian talent also expressed the importance of advancing directly through to Round 3 with Brazil’s ever-changing conditions.
“It’s really good to skip as many rounds as possible, especially here in Brazil where it can be really unpredictable,” Fanning said. “I’m stoked to get through Round 1 and I’ll go back and assess what’s going on and hopefully keep going.”
Billabong Rio Pro event organizers will reconvene at Aproador at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible Round 2 start.
To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 13.60, Heitor Alves (BRA) 7.67, Bobby Martinez (USA) 7.47
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.84, Adam Melling (AUS) 11.16, Kai Otton (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.33, Ricardo Santos (BRA) 11.17, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.60
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.07, Simao Romao (BRA) 12.36, Dusty Payne (HAW) 11.66
Heat 5: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 8.13, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.07, Igor Morais (BRA) 6.34
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.17, Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.37, Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 3.84
Heat 7: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.33, Gabe Kling (USA) 10.66, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 7.90
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.56, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.80, Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.43
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.00, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.93
Heat 10: Cory Lopez (USA) 11.54, Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.00, Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.57
Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 14.90, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.96
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.03, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.70, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.34
Photo ASP/Scholtz
ITAUNA BEACH, Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Wednesday, May, 25, 2011) – The ASP World Prime Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime was begun in good waves at Wednesday at Itauna beach. The first call at 7am was observed in near flat conditions. However, in the second call at 11:30am, the low-tide brought clean and consistent 3-5 ft. (1-1.5 meter) waves which increased in size throughout the day with light winds. Feeling right at home in the peeling lefthander point break, current No. 20 in the ASP World Ranking, Jadson Andre (BRA), scored the day’s highest heat-wave total with an 18.20 out of a possible 20 points.
On his first wave, he started off with a floater and connected it with a huge full rotation air to earn a solid 9.17 points. On his second wave, he began with a big front side punt, followed by several cutbacks all the way to the shore, for a 9.03 to punch in the day’s highest scores; only to be topped by Raoni Monteiro (BRA) in the following heat.
“This event is really important for me,” said Jadson Andre. “Not just because it’s a Prime, but also because it’s being presented by my sponsor (Oakley), so I really want to do well here.”
When asked about how easily he won his heat by using his aerial attack, Jadson commented: “Actually the conditions aren’t that great for throwing airs because the wind is blowing sideways, away from the lefts. But I’ve got a magic board, I feel confident and I’ve got a special way of setting up aerials when the wind is like this. I just let the board follow the wind and the wave. Everything went right and I’m happy to begin this event well.”
Raoni Monteiro (BRA), who lives in Saquarema, threw a powerful backhand hack with total commitment and a high degree of difficulty to get the event’s highest single-wave score, a 9.40 out of 10. “I had some good scores, so I tried to catch the biggest waves of the set because they were really good, opening-up and with a nice face,” said Monteiro.
On the day’s highest single-wave score, Monteiro said: “That high score came off of a left that opened up well and I made that first turn the way the judges like to see them, by really blowing-out the tail. Afterwards, I just kept surfing powerfully until the end of the wave.”
The first heat of the day saw currently ranked #11 ASP World Ranking surfer Michel Bourez (PYF), take control of the smaller waves in the beginning of the contest to win by a small margin over Jay Quinn (NZL) who obtained second-place, 11.50 to 11.27 points. Bourez was questionable to partake in the contest due to a shoulder injury in a wipeout during the Brazilian ASP World Tour in Barra da Tijuca last week.
“It’s still really difficult to surf,” said Bourez. “I’d say I’m at about 60% right now, but the ocean helped me out a lot today. The waves weren’t that powerful, which was good for me because I’m still in a lot of pain”.
Another elite surfer who made it directly to the Round of 48 was Australian, Matt Wilkinson. Wilko qualified in second-place behind Nathan Yeomans (USA), eliminating Shaun Joubert (ZAF) and young surfer Caio Ibelli (BRA).
“The waves were really tough during my heat,” said Wilkinson. “I ended up making a bunch of mistakes, but I was still able to qualify. The waves started breaking in different directions and it was a really difficult heat. I hope the next few days bring bigger and better waves so I can surf better than I did today (Wednesday).”
The second heat of the day was an all-international affair, with Marc Lacomare (FRA) getting the day’s first single-wave high score of an 8.5 out of 10 to defeat Yadin Nicol (AUS), Alain Riou (PYF) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA) respectively.
“It’s my first time here in Saquarema,” said Lacomare. “These kinds of waves really suit my style, I like them a lot. So much so that I was able to win the heat with one really good wave which I rode to the end. I like this place a lot. It´s really beautiful and I want to do my best here.”
Heat 3 of the day saw each surfer finish in the 12 point range. Granger Larsen (HAW) who was sitting at #31 of the ASP World Ranking (the first 32 qualify for the elite tour after the mid-season rotation) was eliminated from the event. The closely fought heat was won by Lincoln Taylor (AUS) with 12.90 points and Ben Dunn in second place with a 12.40. Larsen with 12.24 and Chris Waring (USA) with an exactly 12 points were eliminated.
Leading the hunt for the ASP World Tour title, #1 ranked surfer, Adriano de Souza (BRA), was scheduled to surf in the last heat of the day (Heat 12) at Itauna beach. However, due to the setting sun’s diminishing light, the heat will be the first to start off tomorrow (Thursday) at 7am local time against Hodei Collazo (EUK) and fellow Brazilians, Junior Faria and Gilmar Silva.
The Coca-Cola presents Oakley Saquarema Prime 2011 is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Oakley with support from the State of Rio de Janeiro through the Secretary of Sport and Leisure, the City of Saquarema, CCR and the Surfing Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Photo ASP/Daniel Smorigo
Billabong Rio Pro Returns to Arpoador to See Top Scores in Round 2
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) – The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Arpoador for the second consecutive day and saw top talent including C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Stop No. 3 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro not only plays a vital role in deciding the 2011 ASP World Champion, but is also an important event for competitors looking to solidify their position among the elite ranks prior to the midyear cut.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, unleashed his powerful forehand repertoire on Aproador’s lefthanders in the opening minutes of his match-up against dangerous ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson while detonating the highest heat-total of the entire event, 16.50 out of 20. Hobgood’s impressive opening rides proved to be enough to take the win over the progressive Australian despite a late-heat press by Wilson.
“That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, rebounded after a close Round 1 loss yesterday and went on an absolute rampage on his backhand in Round 2 to defeat wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20, with one of the highest heat total of the event, 16.43 out of 20.
“It’s a good rebound after yesterday’s loss and I’m really stoked with my performance out there,” De Souza said. “I just tried to capitalize on Ricardo’s mistake in that heat and was really lucky to find two good waves out there. I’m happy to see all of my friends on the beach, that’s what’s most important for me.”
De Souza used his veteran experience on the elite ASP World Tour ranks to calm the nerves that come along with competing in front of his fans, but the passionate Brazilian still admitted he has high expectations for himself at the Billabong Rio Pro.
“When I started the tour I was only 17 and I would be nervous and make mistakes in my heats,” De Souza said. “I’ve been on tour for six years now and I think the experience helps me stay more relaxed and comfortable. Although I’m relaxed, I really hope I can get a good result this year. I was a little disappointed with my performance last year with the 9th and I want to do better at my home event this year.”
Adam Melling (AUS), 26, put in a deadly performance to eliminate Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, while matching the highest single-wave score of the event of a 9 and expressed the importance of each heat win with the midyear cut rapidly approaching.
“The cut is lingering all year, so it always feels good to get heat wins” Melling said. “We’ve got the two cuts in one year and it’s on everyone’s mind. It can throw you off or you can also use it to fire you up a bit.”
Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, got the best of a hard-fought battle against Arpoador local and event wildcard Simao Romao (BRA). After several wave-for-wave exchanges, Bourez notched a 6.00 on his last ride in the remaining minutes of the heat to overtake the Brazilian to earn the Round 2 victory.
“Simao surfs really well and he’s from here,” Bourez said. “It was hard for me to find the right waves out there. I finally got some good scores and made my heat. That was really heavy for me because we were really tight and he had the best score. I realized I really needed a good one and that’s when I got the score.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, 2010 ASP World Runner-up, looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”
The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to www.billabongpro.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27
Upcoming Billabong Rio Pro Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Photo ASP/Scholtz