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Nordsurf => Pro Surfing => Thema gestartet von: Jens am Juli 01, 2010, 15:59:45
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
ASP World Title Races and Rebirth at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
(http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/JBAY09/fanning_m9049jbay09cestari_l.jpg)
Pictured: Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 4, will look to ignite his 2010 ASP World Title campaign at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
Credit: © ASP / CESTARI
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Thursday, July 1, 2010) – The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, is poised to be one for the ages as the best assemblage of surfing talent in history prepare to do battle on one of the world’s greatest canvases, the iconic righthanders of Jeffreys Bay.
After three events this season, the ASP World Tour journeys to South Africa amidst a red-hot ASP World Title race as well as the cutthroat, mid-year field reduction to the ASP Top 32.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion, has had an uncharacteristically slow start to the season, collecting two 9ths and a Runner Up, putting him in the ASP World No. 4 spot. A former two-time winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2002, 2006), Fanning will look to regain some magic in South Africa in order to rein in former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1 Kelly Slater (USA), 38.
“This time last year, I was in fourth position so it's early days,” Fanning said. “I'll approach the remainder of the year as if the race is still wide open, which it is. Kelly's had two solid results so hopefully I can narrow the gap with a strong finish at J-Bay.”
The big concern for all the top seeds at Jeffreys is a lethal crop of rookies intensified by the threat of a mid-year cutoff. Following the fifth event of the season, the ASP Top 45 will be reduced to the Top 32 and Jeffreys is one of the last opportunities for surfers to vault themselves inside the bubble.
“There's definitely been a more aggressive approach from the lower seeds this year and you can't go into any heat holding back.” Fanning said. “With the cut off approaching I'd say we're going to see even more desperation and intensity from those outside the Top 32. It's going to be a challenge but exciting to watch.”
While an event favorite himself, Fanning is very aware of all the threats that exist at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
“Jordy Smith is going to be dangerous,” Fanning said. “He's the only surfer on tour that has made the final series of each event in 2010. With that kind of momentum and confidence going into J-Bay, a wave he knows so well, he'll be one to keep an eye on. Kelly (Slater) is always a standout at J-Bay. His Round 2 heat at Jeffreys last year is still in my head. He was throwing away two nine-point rides. Parko (Joel Parkinson) is the other major threat. He's had an average start compared to last year and J-Bay was the last event he won. I've been surfing with him quite a bit and he's back to his best.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, current ASP World No. 2, is having a career-best start in 2010, collecting a Runner-Up finish on the Gold Coast before Equal 5ths at Bells and in Brazil.
“I’ve definitely felt better this year than previous years,” Smith said. “I’ve kind of found my feet and it’s working out great. I think the main thing I’ve done differently is probably just the face that I’ve been more relaxed going into heats; not worrying about who I’ve got in my heat or anything like that. I’m just going out there and surfing and having fun.”
Although in an unfamiliar position, Smith is poised and ready to strike at the ASP World Title ratings’ lead, and the powerful natural-footer is calm about the remainder of the year.
“I guess sitting at second in the world is always good,” Smith said. “I always look at it (the ASP World Title Race) as a boxing match, and we’ve got 10 rounds and have only been through the first three and we’ve got plenty to go. Coming into J-Bay, that’s always cool. I’ll be up against a wildcard early on, but hopefully I can get a good result here and keep it going throughout the year.”
Clearly the danger man at Jeffreys Bay, Smith has arguably logged in more time at the icy pointbreak than any of the Top 45, making him the man to beat once competition kicks off.
“The Billabong contest at J-Bay is definitely one of my favorites,” Smith said. “To be in front of my home crowd and get to surf J-Bay with only three guys out, I couldn’t ask for much more. I definitely feel good about the wave. I’ve been going there since I was 7-years old. Every time I arrive there is a good feeling. You smell the aloe in the air; it’s just a really awesome place. It’s a really fast righthand pointbreak which I love, and it has incredible barrel sections. I hope we get waves like last year.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 29, 2009 ASP World Runner-Up and current ASP World No. 8, hasn’t enjoyed the same juggernaut start in 2010 as he did last season, but the stylish natural-footer is positive heading into the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
“Eighth place right now is inconsequential,” Parkinson said. “There’s over two-thirds of the season left to run, and if I surf well and surf well consistently, then I will be moving up the ratings. That’s in my hands, not in anyone else’s. Whoever’s in front of me is irrelevant.”
A two-time winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2009, and in 1999 as a wildcard), Parkinson’s rapport with Jeffreys Bay borders on supernatural. When the wave is on, the Gold Coast is as dangerous as any, applying a beautiful forehand approach to the running righthanders.
“I think without any doubt that J-Bay brings out the best in me and in my surfing,” Parkinson said. “It gives me reason to be motivated and excited, and, above all else it, allows me to realize how lucky we are, to be able to go back there year after year. It’s such an incredible corner of the world and I’ve had some really special days out there. The wave itself, well, you couldn’t design a righthand point much better. There are long barrel sections, big open walls, and it really tests all aspects of your surfing. The waves we had for the contest last year were some of the best I’ve ever surfed in my time on the tour.”
Another top seed heading into Jeffreys Bay, Parkinson is likely to draw a lower seed early in competition, and with the mid-year cutoff looming, is aware that things could get intense.
“Every heat is important,” Parkinson said. “My approach has always been the same; expect your opponent to come with their A game and make sure you are ready to deal with them, what they bring and what the conditions will provide and all should be good. Coming off a long break like we just had, I expect everyone to be ready to go. The guys looking at the cut off will be hungry. The guys at the top will be keen to maintain their lead. The guys a little way back will be looking to make a move. Everyone has got their own motivation. When you look at it like this J-Bay is going to be epic.”
The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010.
The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
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Nach der Fussball WM gibts also bald wieder richtigen Sport. Würd mich aber nicht wundern wenn vielleicht der ein- oder andere Surf-Star beim WM-Finale im Stadion sitzt
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ich warte auch schon mit großer spannung. sollte ein großes spektakel geben. schade das parko nicht dabei ist.
http://tracksmag.com/201007091509/Latest/Break-a-leg-Parko.html
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Kleiner Heissmacher:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJ5YxFwBqo
Und hier der Heat-Draw nachdem Parko und Kai Otton nicht dabei sind:
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Luke Munro (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 2: Jadson Andre (BRA), Andy Irons (HAW), Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Luke Stedman (AUS), Nate Yeomans (USA)
Heat 4: Dane Reynolds (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Blake Thornton (AUS)
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Tom Whitaker (USA), Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA), Damien Hobgood (USA), TBA
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), TBA
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW), TBA
Heat 11: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 12: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 13: Michel Bourez (PYF), Dean Morrison (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 14: Chris Davidson (AUS), Mick Campbell (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 16: Owen Wright (AUS), Travis Logie (ZAF), Drew Courtney (AUS)
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was ist denn mit kai otton? verletzt?
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Wohl irgendwelche Probleme mit den Halswirbeln wenn ich das richtig verstehe:
http://twitter.com/ottz79 (http://twitter.com/ottz79)
Forecast sieht allerdings guuut aus!
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Und FS ist mal wieder DOWN! ARRRRGH! Hab mein Team noch nicht aufgestellt!
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Trials sind ON, Hauptevent startet um 8 Uhr, Wellen pumpen!
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Und FS ist mal wieder DOWN! ARRRRGH! Hab mein Team noch nicht aufgestellt!
Ich habe es zwar noch geschafft, aber das bringt mir ja eh immer kein Glück, ich bin ja soooo planlos ;D
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Habs gestern auf die schnelle auch noch geschafft. Ha puh! Mal sehen was rauskommt.
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Wird wohl langsam Zeit das sinkende Schiff fantasysurfer zu verlassen und zur http://www.fantasyactionsportsleague.com (http://www.fantasyactionsportsleague.com) zu wechseln. Übrigens inzwischen offizielles Fantasy-Game der ASP.
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jau, sah gut aus heute. und zum we noch besser. und fantasysurfer? :o was es nicht alles gibt ;)
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
Epic Conditions Witness World’s Best Dominate Day 1 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
(http://64.78.18.131/aspnewsphotos/ed10/mfbbgjb10big.jpg)
Pictured: Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion, was the form surfer on Day 1 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
Credit: © ASP / CESTARI
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Thursday, July 15, 2010) – The 2010 ASP World Tour returned with a vengeance today, bearing witness to Day 1 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay and the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history tearing into excellent four-to-six foot (2 metre) waves at the iconic pointbreak.
With clear skies, idyllic surf and the world’s greatest surfers on hand, Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay saw the 2010 ASP World Title Race reignited with the top seeds putting in sensational performances.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion and two-time past winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2002, 2006), kick-started his 2010 campaign in fine form today, lacerating the pristine walls of Jeffreys Bay with the highest heat total of the event, a 16.70 out of a possible 20, to advance through to Round 3.
“The conditions changed a bit in our heat and we were slightly out of sorts,” Fanning said. “We were all hunting for the barrel because a lot of the previous heats had them, but they didn’t pan out for us. After I readjusted to the conditions, I was really focusing on my turns and if a barrel presented itself, I would go from there.”
Currently ranked No. 4 in the hunt for the 2010 ASP World Title, Fanning is confident in his ability at Jeffreys Bay and looks to ignite a similar form that saw him steam to world No. 1 in 2009.
“This year, you have to take every heat seriously,” Fanning said. “There are so many threats and even the rookies can do damage. I feel like I’ve been surfing well all year and I’m just focusing on every heat, and hopefully that takes me to a solid result.”
Jordy Smith (AUS), 22, current ASP World No. 2, showed the world just why he is the most dangerous man in South Africa, comboing opponents Tom Whitaker (AUS), 30, and Joan Duru (FRA), 21, with a 16.37 out of a possible 20 for an effortless display of forehand power gouges and beautiful tube-riding.
“I think the only kind of pressure that exists is that which I put on myself,” Smith said. “Winning last week in Durban was a great feeling, but this is where I love to be and getting to surf firing Jeffreys with only two other guys out is an incredible experience.”
Representing South Africa alongside fellow ASP World Tour campaigner Travis Logie (ZAF), 31, Smith enjoyed the full support of the locals today, who broke out their Vuvuzelas to cheer on their countrymen.
“Being No. 2 in the world and in South Africa is an interesting feeling,” Smith said. “Obviously I want to get a good result and make my country proud, but all that really isn’t on my mind when I’m out there and Jeffreys is firing. All you can think about it surfing your best. Hopefully I can continue the momentum throughout the next few days.”
Kelly Slater (USA), 38, former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, nearly missed his opening round heat today, suffering a bevy of travel delays only to arrive this morning. Despite the delay, the iconic natural-footer proceeded to put on a Jeffreys Bay clinic, hunting barrel after barrel, blasting off the top and executing carving 360s.
“Everything that could have gone wrong on my trip over here did,” Slater said. “My flight got delayed on the East Coast because of storms, and then there were mechanical failures and more delays. I had to overnight in Johannesburg and then my bags didn’t show up. I think it took me 40 hours door-to-door and I only arrived this morning. That said, sometimes all that happens for a reason and I ended up having a fun surf there and getting through Round 1.”
Currently sitting in the No. 1 spot in the hunt for an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title, Slater is firmly in the driver’s seat and looking for another solid result at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
“They’re all important events to get results at but you definitely know when you need to strike,” Slater said. “It’s approaching the middle part of the year and you definitely don’t want to be picking up any throwaways. You want keepers from here on out and Jeffreys has historically been a venue where I can perform.”
While the ASP World Title Race took center stage today, coming a close second was the dramatic battle to survive the mid-year cut-off from the ASP Top 45 to 32.
Andy Irons (HAW), 31, former three-time ASP World Champion and past winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2004), returned from his 2009 sabbatical with a vengeance today, seamlessly threading the barrel and mixing it up with his signature forehand blasts to advance to Round 3 past Jay Thompson (AUS), 27, and Jadson Andre (BRA), 20.
“J-Bay is a special place for me,” Irons said. “I’ve had some of the best results of my career here and I’ve also had some of the hardest losses. To come back here after taking last year off and to get such amazing surf for Day 1 is a great feeling.”
Currently rated No. 23 on the ASP World Title Race rankings, Irons will be looking for a good result in Jeffreys Bay and Tahiti to survive the mid-year field reduction from the ASP Top 45 to the Top 32.
“So happy to get through Round 1 here,” Irons said. “At the last event in Brazil, I came there rated 13th, got a 33rd and dropped down to 23rd so this is an important event for me. No one is immune from that mid-year cutoff and yeah, it can be stressful.”
Nate Yeomans (USA), 28, 2010 ASP World Tour rookie and current ASP World No. 41, secured his first elite tour victory this morning, powerfully dispatching of Bede Durbidge (AUS), 27, and Luke Stedman (AUS), 34, with an impressive 15.83 out of a possible 20.
“I haven’t been looking at the ratings this year and just trying to focus on getting through heats,” Yeomans said. “I thought I was in the 20s or something, but 40s, wow, that’s a ways to go. It’s all good though. I’ve got through that first heat and will just be looking to push harder from here on out.”
In his first trip ever to Jeffreys Bay, Yeomans’ backhand assault was surgical on the Jeffreys righthanders as the young Californian drove through bottom turns and sliced off top turns.
“The waves today are awesome,” Yeomans said. “I’ve been here about a week and it’s been good preparation to sort out boards and try to get myself adjusted to the wave. The surf came up this morning and I saw a friend of mine, Grant Baker, in the lineup who gave me some tips for today. They obviously paid off.”
Yeomans led today’s rookie class assault on the world’s best that saw wins from fellow first-years Adam Melling (AUS), 25, Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 21, and Owen Wright (AUS), 20.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling for a slight decline in surf tomorrow before another pulse fills in on Saturday.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
When competition resumes, up first will be Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, up against Sean Holmes (ZAF), 32, in the third heat of the elimination Round 2.
The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Adam Melling (AUS) 12.17, Taylor Knox (USA) 10.80, Luke Munro (AUS) 10.17
Heat 2: Andy Irons (HAW) 14.77, Jay Thompson (AUS) 10.56, Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.24
Heat 3: Nate Yeomans (USA) 15.83, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.74, Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.43
Heat 4: Dane Reynolds (USA) 15.30, Marco Polo (BRA) 12.97, Daniel Ross (AUS) 12.10
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) 16.43, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.37, Blake Thornton (AUS) 7.60
Heat 6: Tiago Pires (PRT) 15.23, Tim Reyes (USA) 13.27, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 9.07
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.37, Joan Duru (FRA) 11.90, Tom Whitaker (USA) 10.57
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.93, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.40, Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 12.37
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.20, Dale Staples (ZAF) 13.34, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 9.83
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.70, Sean Holmes (ZAF) 10.27, Roy Powers (HAW) 8.33
Heat 11: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 13.60, Neco Padaratz (BRA) 9.60, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 9.17
Heat 12: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.60, Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 12.34, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.27
Heat 13: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.53, Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.76, Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.43
Heat 14: Chris Davidson (AUS) 15.17, Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.86, Brett Simpson (USA) 11.63
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.87, Ben Dunn (AUS) 11.50, Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.77
Heat 16: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.56, Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.93, Drew Courtney (AUS) 7.73
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.70 def. Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 9.44
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.17 def. Dale Staples (ZAF) 14.67
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 3: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Sean Holmes (ZAF)
Heat 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 5: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 6: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Blake Thornton (AUS)
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 8: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 9: Roy Powers (HAW) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 12: Daniel Ross (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 13: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 14: Luke Munro (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 15: Pat Gudauskas (USA) vs. Ben Dunn (AUS)
Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Mick Campbell (AUS)
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Rounds 2 and 3 ON in Pristine Conditions
(http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/JBAY10/flores0575jbay10kirstin_l.jpg)
Pictured: Jeremy Flores (FRA), 22, will face 2010 ASP World Tour rookie Brett Simpson (USA), 25, in Heat 11 of Round 2 at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
Credit: © ASP / SCHOLTZ
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Friday, July 16, 2010) – The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay is back on this morning with clean, consistent three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) waves racing down the point.
Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will look to complete the remaining 14 heats of Round 2 before entering into Round 3. Depending on the consistency of the conditions throughout the day, event organizers will consider the option of activating the Dual Heat System.
“We have another beautiful day of swell on offer this morning and we’ll be commencing as soon as possible with the first heat looking to start around 7:30am,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “We’re running 30-minute heats at the moment, but will monitor conditions to see if there is an opportunity to run the Dual Heat System and take advantage of the surf we have today.”
Up first this morning is Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, up against Sean Holmes (ZAF), 32, in the third heat of the elimination Round 2.
The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
The event will be broadcast LIVE on FUEL TV in Australia.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling for a slight decline in surf today before another pulse fills tomorrow.
The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 3: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Sean Holmes (ZAF)
Heat 4: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 5: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 6: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Blake Thornton (AUS)
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 8: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 9: Roy Powers (HAW) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 12: Daniel Ross (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 13: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 14: Luke Munro (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 15: Pat Gudauskas (USA) vs. Ben Dunn (AUS)
Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Mick Campbell (AUS)
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
High Drama as World’s Best Battle for Survival at Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
(http://64.78.18.131/aspnewsphotos/ed10/owbbgjb10big.jpg)
Pictured: Owen Wright (AUS), 20, 2010 ASP World Tour rookie and current ASP World Tour No. 11, dominated today’s Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay and looks to be a major threat as the event moves into the business end.
Credit: © ASP / SCHOLTZ
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Friday, July 16, 2010) – South Africa’s premier pointbreak delivered once again with clean three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) surf roping along the shoreline as Round 2 and the opening four heats of Round 3 were completed at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
The fourth stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay is seeing the development of two important storylines: 1) the intensifying of the 2010 ASP World Title race, and 2) cutthroat battle for survival amongst the lower seeds to remain amongst the world’s elite following the mid-year field reduction from the ASP Top 45 to 32 (plus two surfer wildcards).
Owen Wright (AUS), 20, 2010 ASP World Tour rookie and current ASP World No. 11, came into this season touted as one of the most dangerous surfers in the world, and his recent momentum is certainly qualifying the accolade. This evening saw the powerful goofy-footer explode in a fury of progressive backhand surfing in his Round 3 heat, collecting the round-high 17.00 out of a possible 20 and dispatching of Rip Curl stablemate Ben Dunn (AUS), 24.
“I’ve been feeling very comfortable out at Jeffreys,” Wright said. “I got here a week early and have been working the place out on boards and sections. It’s such a fun wave. I saw Ben’s heat in Round 2 and he was looking really good so I knew I would have to pull out something special. I didn’t feel nervous at all though, I went out and tried to maximize each wave I caught.”
After a slow start to the season, Wright posted an impressive Equal 3rd at the last event in Brazil which appears to have opened the proverbial flood gates. The young Australian is well within the mid-year qualifying cutoff, and appears to be campaign for a position amongst the ASP Top 10.
“I’m definitely feeling more comfortable as the season moves on,” Wright said. “I felt like I was surfing well in the first few events but had some bad luck. Things obviously went better for me in Brazil and I’m loving it here in J-Bay. Excited to see how things shape up for tomorrow.”
Wright will battle current No. 2 on the ASP World Title Race rankings, Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, in Round 4 of competition.
Smith continued his juggernaut run through the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay today. The powerful natural-footer assaulted the walling righthanders with style, punch and bite this evening, netting a 15.07 out of a possible 20 to dispatch of California’s Nate Yeomans (USA), 28, in Round 3.
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 23, current ASP World No. 8, stumbled in his opening round heat, but after a late Round 2 victory yesterday, unleashed a barrage in his Round 3 heat this afternoon. The lightning-fast Brazilian appears completely in tune with his body and boards and boasted a forehand assault that netted him a 16.67 out of a possible 20 as he advanced through to Round 4.
“Every heat I feel like I am gaining more confidence in my abilities,” De Souza said. “I have really good boards right now and am just enjoying surfing excellent waves at Jeffreys Bay. I’m inside the Top 10 right now and I just want to keep pushing here and at the next events to the Top 5, the Top 3 and eventually a World Title.”
De Souza applied pressure early on in the bout, building momentum throughout before dispatching of Round 2 standout Jay Thompson (AUS), 27.
“Jay (Thompson) had a really good heat earlier today,” De Souza said. “I knew I had to take him seriously. I feel confident though. I was able to put up good scores to start and felt like I built momentum throughout the heat. I chose to run up the beach instead of paddle back up because I wanted to build the hunger inside me more and get excited for the rest of the heat. I know I can perform here and just want to show everyone.”
Despite his Round 3 elimination, Thompson set the Jeffreys Bay community alight this morning, utilizing his powerful frame to blast away at a solid set to the tune of an 8.83 out of a possible 10, before backing it up with the first Perfect 10 of the event. Thompson threaded through an impossible long barrel, exiting to the eruption of cheers on the beach before executing two vicious hacks on the end section.
“It’s funny to think back on what was going through my mind in that barrel,” Thompson said. “I was watching that Kelly Slater film, ‘Letting Go’, a few nights again and he’s talking about that layback barrel from a few years ago in Tahiti when he beat Bruce (Irons). I was thinking about that as I was in the barrel. I just had so many emotions going through my mind. I have a lot on my plate at this event and I had so much time to think while I was in there. When I came out, I could hear everyone on the beach just roaring, and I don’t usually claim waves but I had to on that one.”
Thompson finishes with an Equal 17th and will hunt a solid result in Tahiti if he is to remain amongst the world’s elite.
Adrian Buchan (AUS), 27, current ASP World No. 13, was one to notice the effects of the mid-year cutoff firsthand today, battling a rampaging Travis Logie (ZAF), 31, in their Round 3 bout.
“You definitely see the urgency and intensity at this event,” Buchan said. “It was certainly the case today and even yesterday. Everyone on tour this season is so talented and the fact that there are only two more events means that everyone is fighting for survival. It’s a great thing for the spectators to watch and great for the event as well. It’s going to make things very interesting heading into Tahiti.”
Tanner Gudauskas (USA), 22, 2010 ASP World Tour rookie, survived a tightly-fought Round 2 battle today, overcoming the experience and forehand assault of Tom Whitaker (AUS), 30.
“It was a chess match out there,” Gudauskas said. “I think only four waves came through the whole time – I got two and Tommy (Whitaker) got two. I just happened to be on the fortunate side of the priority pendulum and the waves I got opened up a lot more.”
Currently rated No. 31 on the ASP World Title Race rankings, Gudauskas understands the necessity for a result at Jeffreys Bay, but focuses on the immediate in the heat of battle.
“I do my best to think about it but it’s always there,” Gudauskas said. “Everyone is here to win, and when you’re in Round 2, it’s hard to block that out of your mind. But you have to. I just focus on my next heat and my next wave, and when you’re in the lineup, everything just starts by looking down the stringer.”
Gudauskas will face Bede Durbidge (AUS), 27, in the opening heat of the day when competition resumes.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
The event will be broadcast LIVE on FUEL TV in Australia.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling for an increase in surf over the next 24 hours which could see the world’s best surfers back into some solid juice at Jeffreys Bay as early as tomorrow.
The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 2 Results:
Heat 3: Sean Holmes (ZAF) 13.50 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.07
Heat 4: Joan Duru (FRA) 13.83 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 11.50
Heat 5: Tim Reyes (USA) 13.34 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.23
Heat 6: Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.86 def. Blake Thornton (AUS) 11.50
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.04 def. Marco Polo (BRA) 11.30
Heat 8: Jay Thompson (AUS) 18.33 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 14.47
Heat 9: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 11.36 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 10.93
Heat 10: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 15.03 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.00
Heat 11: Brett Simpson (USA) 15.40 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.26
Heat 12: Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.83 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 11.37
Heat 13: Luke Stedman (AUS) 14.14 def. Drew Courtney (AUS) 12.93
Heat 14: Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.60 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 12.00
Heat 15: Ben Dunn (AUS) 16.33 def. Pat Gudauskas (USA) 9.83
Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS) 15.84 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 9.03
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.67 def. Jay Thompson (AUS) 9.27
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.27 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.80
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.00 def. Ben Dunn (AUS) 10.74
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.07 def. Nate Yeomans (USA) 9.10
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 6: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 7: Luke Stedman (AUS) vs. Andy Irons (HAW)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Sean Holmes (ZAF)
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 10: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
Heat 11: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 12: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 13: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 14: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Dean Morrison (AUS)
Heat 15: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 16: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
Smith Ascends as Slater Falters in ASP World Title Race at Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
(http://64.78.18.131/aspnewsphotos/ed10/jsbbgjb10big.jpg)
Pictured: Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, is the new leader in the hunt for 2010 ASP World Title.
Credit: © ASP / SCHOLTZ
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Saturday, July 17, 2010) – The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay sprung back into action today as the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history assaulted the clean three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) waves rifling down the point in Jeffreys Bay.
The fourth stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay experienced its most dramatic day thus far, with major upsets and a change in the 2010 ASP World Title Race frontrunner.
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, continued to be a dominant force at Jeffreys today, blitzing the roping righthanders with an unparalleled repertoire to defeat rampaging rookie Owen Wright (AUS), 20, in a dynamic Round 4 bout.
“Owen (Wright) has had the best backhand out here all event,” Smith said. “I knew I had to get a jump on him early and was fortunate that there were plenty of waves in that heat. I opened with an average one before I got that 8.60, but Owen was right there with a high 7 so it was tight all the way through. Then he let me go on that one where he had priority and it turned into my best wave. Just allowed me to put in a variety of maneuvers.”
With his Quarterfinals berth at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Smith surpasses former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 38, in the hunt for the 2010 ASP World Title, but the young South African is humble when regarding the remainder of the season.
“That’s cool but there’s still a long way to go,” Smith said. “Kelly (Slater) may have lost today but he won’t be out of the title race until the hooter sounds at Pipe at the end of the year. Still, it’s a great position for me to be in and I’ll look to consolidate with a solid result here at Jeffreys.”
Sean Holmes (ZAF), 32, wildcard into the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, continued to wreak havoc amongst the world’s best, derailing Slater’s Billabong Pro campaign in this morning’s Round 3 heat despite nursing a sore back. With sparse waves throughout the affair, Holmes allowed Slater a wave off his priority with moments to go before taking a bigger wave and cementing his win.
“Look, Kelly (Slater) is going to belt the score he needs on any wave,” Holmes said. “For me, with my back, I wasn’t going to improve my score on the smaller wave so there was no point in me taking it. That was the tactic I was playing with throughout the heat and I was fortunate that the ocean cooperated with me at the end.”
For Slater, today’s loss allowed Smith to capitalize and pull ahead in the race for the 2010 ASP World Title, but the legendary Floridian is prepared to rebound at the next ASP World Tour stop in Tahiti.
“It’s a long year ahead,” Slater said. “I think I entered this event two or three heats ahead of Jordy (Smith) and if he wins this event, he’ll be two or three events ahead of me. So I’ve got a month to think about it before the next one. I’ll go home, recharge and focus on Tahiti.”
“I never felt in sync here this year,” Slater continued. “I’ve been tired ever since I arrived. I’ve been going to bed at 8pm and waking up at 1am. I’ve been up today for 8 hours already. That said, Sean is always in sync out here at Jeffreys. He knows the spot really well and is always on the best waves.”
Holmes supernatural rapport with Jeffreys Bay would serve him well again this afternoon, eliminating former nemesis Andy Irons (HAW), 31, in another tight Round 4 match.
“I’m stoked to get through but I’m a little bummed for Andy (Irons),” Holmes said. “He and I are very good friends, and he’s just so fired up at the moment and wants to do well. He’s been surfing well but seems like he’s having a tough year. I’m sure he’ll sort it out in Tahiti though. Happy to get through another one and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, highlighted the afternoon’s affairs, posting the highest heat total of the event, an 18.87 out of a possible 20, to dispatch of Tiago Pires (PRT), 30. The Western Australian’s forehand assault was executed viciously and with unrivalled speed leading pundits to speculate about a possible win for the man from Yallingup.
“It was just really fun,” Burrow said. “I felt like I could surf my waves a bit better actually, but I was able to surf them from start to finish. I just get really excited looking down the line at a four-foot open face and I have so many turns going through my mind, I almost don’t know which I want to do.”
Coming into the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay rated No. 3 on the ASP World Title Race rankings, Burrow appears to have reignited the form evident prior to an uncharacteristic 17th in Brazil and is en route to another strong finish in South Africa.
“I’m feeling better with each heat,” Burrow said. “It certainly helps with the ratings and makes things interesting. There’s been some big upsets, but at the end of the day, I just want to surf to my best out in the heat. I feel like I’m working my way towards it and I just want to perform at my best.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA), 23, current ASP World No. 8, continued his ruthless assault on the Jeffreys Bay walls this afternoon, dispatching of Adrian Buchan (AUS), 27, in Round 4 of competition.
“This is my fourth time at this event and my fourth time making the Quarters,” De Souza said. “I really hope to improve here this season. I feel very good. I’m healthy, my boards are good so I am ready. I am No. 8 in the world right now and I am looking to better with a result here.”
The end of the day was highlighted by the Americans with Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, executing the turn of the event to take out rookie compatriots Brett Simpson (USA), 25, and Damien Hobgood (USA), 31, causing a major upset eliminating reigning ASP World Champion, Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, in the final heat of the day.
“I thought there were going to be a lot of waves in our heat but it ended up being fairly slow,” Hobgood said. “The waves we had were actually pretty tough to surf on your backhand. I made a mistake early on, but was able to put together two okay scores and Mick (Fanning) didn’t really find a rhythm until later on. That last wave he got didn’t look good, but he turned it into something and came close to getting the score. I’m happy to get through and hope the waves get bigger for the Quarters.”
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
When competition resumes, up first will be 2010 ASP World Tour rookies Adam Melling (AUS), 25, up against Dusty Payne (HAW), 21, in the final heat of Round 4.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
The event will be broadcast LIVE on FUEL TV in Australia.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling
The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 3 Results:
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.33 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 8.50
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.80 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 3.97
Heat 7: Andy Irons (HAW) 12.33 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 9.43
Heat 8: Sean Holmes (ZAF) 13.10 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.06
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.93 def. Joan Duru (FRA) 10.64
Heat 10: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.60 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 13.80
Heat 11: Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.23 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 12.50
Heat 12: Brett Simpson (USA) 14.63 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 14.06
Heat 13: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.23 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 13.10
Heat 14: Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.63 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.40
Heat 15: Adam Melling (AUS) 16.06 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 8.00
Heat 16: Dusty Payne (HAW) 15.33 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.20
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.63 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.44
Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.87 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 15.83
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.53 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.90
Heat 4: Sean Holmes (ZAF) 15.60 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 15.17
Heat 5: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.87 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.00
Heat 6: Dane Reynolds (USA) 16.93 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 13.20
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.77 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.00
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
QF 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Sean Holmes (ZAF)
QF 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
QF 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBD
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay ON, Potential Winner Crowned Today
(http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/JBAY10/burrow4046jbay10kirstin_l.jpg)
Pictured: Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, will take on Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, in Quarterfinal 3 at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.
Credit: © ASP / SCHOLTZ
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Sunday, July 18, 2010) – With two-to-three foot (1 metre) surf running down the point this morning, event organizers at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay have called competition on for today, with the potential to crown a champion by day’s end.
The fourth stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay has just come off the heels of three days of pumping waves and will look to utilize the rest of the swell on offer. With a dismal forecast for the coming week, event organizers will attempt to finish the event before the end of the day.
“We obviously don’t have the same conditions we’ve had the past three days, but there is still contestable surf out there and we’re starting as soon as possible,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “The projection for surf looks pretty bad and we’ve decided that today will be the best day remaining in the waiting period.”
Up first this morning will be 2010 ASP World Tour rookies Adam Melling (AUS), 25, up against Dusty Payne (HAW), 21, in the final heat of Round 4.
The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
The event will be broadcast LIVE on FUEL TV in Australia.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling surf to drop throughout the day.
The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
QF 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Sean Holmes (ZAF)
QF 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
QF 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBD
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Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
July 15 – 25, 2010
Jordy Smith Takes Maiden Win and ASP Ratings' Lead at Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
(http://www.aspworldtour.com/photos/JBAY10/smith_JORDY4845jbay10kirstin_l.jpg)
Pictured: Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, has taken the 2010 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay and the ASP World Title Race ratings’ lead!
Credit: © ASP / SCHOLTZ
JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Sunday, July 18, 2010) – Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, has claimed his maiden ASP elite victory, taking out the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay over Adam Melling (AUS), 25, in front of a capacity hometown crowd.
Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay was nothing but blaring Vuvuzelas and roars from the bluff as these two titans went tit-for-tat in an incredible Final exchange. The young South African proved the victor, dominating from the outset and securing an emotional first win.
“This is the best day of my life,” Smith said. “The crowd on the beach has been supporting me the last few days and hearing the cheers and the Vuvuzelas just gets me fired up to perform. It feels like they’re pushing me along. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
The most experienced surfer at Jeffreys Bay, Smith left very little to chance in the Final against Melling, opening his account with a blazing 8.90 before backing it up with some scintillating forehand surfing for a 9.03. The combination of scores (17.93 out of a possible 20) proved insurmountable for Melling.
“I knew the swell was dying and I had to take advantage of every wave that came through,” Smith said. “Adam (Melling) is such a dangerous surfer. He’s been in form all day and I knew that if he got the waves, he would get the scores. I went out there knowing I had to open up strong.”
After taking the ratings’ lead over former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 38, yesterday, Smith solidified his position as the ASP World No. 1 with today’s emphatic victory.
“It definitely is a different feeling,” Smith said. “To be chasing the lead and defending the lead are two different things. It’s a long year ahead and you can’t count anyone out until it’s over. I’m going to enjoy this feeling for now.”
Smith’s Final’s berth almost never was, as the big South African was comboed by lethal Australian Bede Durbidge (AUS), 27, with four minutes remaining in their Semifinal clash. Catching two waves in under a minute, Smith unloaded a barrage of aerials and forehand blasts to claw his way back into the lead.
“I’m still not too sure what happened – it’s all a blur,” Smith said. “I got that first one where I did the little grab air that I didn’t think was good, but the judges scored the whole wave pretty well. Then I backed it up and put everything I had into it.”
Melling’s “Cinderella” climb to the Finals was nothing short of sensational. Rated a lowly 41st on the ASP World Title Race rankings heading into Jeffreys Bay, the 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie powered his way through five rounds of competition before coming short in the Final. His Runner-Up finish sees him bumped up to ASP World No. 19, well inside the safety zone for the dreaded mid-year field reduction.
“The ocean didn’t cooperate with me in the Final so that’s a shame but I couldn’t be happier,” Melling said. “We had amazing waves and to get the best result of my career is huge. I came into Jeffreys with a long road ahead if I were to make the mid-year cut-off, and now that I’m 19th, I feel like I have a bit of a buffer heading into Tahiti. I worked really hard to get here and I want to stay here.”
Durbidge suffered one of the hardest losses of the event, having defeat snatched from the jaws of victory by a last-minute crusade by Smith. Despite the bitter loss, Durbidge’s Equal 3rd vaults him from 10th to 7th on the ASP World Title Race rankings heading into the fifth event of the year.
“I had him comboed with only four minutes to go,” Durbidge said. “He took off on that one-footer and pulled that ‘Superman’ air and finished off well, then came out and got another one. I think he got two waves in a minute or something. It’s a hard way to lose, but Semifinals is my best result of the year and it’s something to build on. The focus is on Tahiti now.”
Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, consistently wowed audiences with his performance from Round 1 onwards, collecting the event’s highest heat total in yesterday’s Round 4. Despite today’s Semifinal loss at the hands of Melling, the Western Australian moves up to ASP World No. 2 heading into Tahiti.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/jbay10/
The event will be broadcast LIVE on FUEL TV in Australia.
Official forecasts for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay brought to you by Surfline.
The next stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour is the Billabong Pro Tahiti from August 23 through September 3, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Final Results:
1 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.93
2 – Adam Melling (AUS) 10.00
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.83 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.40
SF 2: Adam Melling (AUS) 14.00 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.67
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.43 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 9.20
QF 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.17 def. Sean Holmes (ZAF) 11.83
QF 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.00 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 3.66
QF 4: Adam Melling (AUS) 16.43 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 5.67
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Remaining Round 4 Results:
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) 17.07 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 11.50
Current ASP World Title Race Top 5 (after South Africa):
1. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 28500 pts
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 24750 pts
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 23500 pts
4. Dane Reynolds (USA) 20000 pts
5. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 19500 pts
6. Mick Fanning (AUS) 19250 pts
7. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 18750 pts
8. Bobby Martinez (USA) 16500 pts
9. Jadson Andre (BRA) 16000 pts
10. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14750 pts
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1Lsdg9gWAI