Drucken

Bitte loggen sie sich ein oder registrieren sie sich.
1 Stunde 1 Tag 1 Woche 1 Monat Immer
Einloggen mit Benutzername, Passwort und Sitzungslänge

[Jens]

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



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

[Jens]

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

[GoofyFooter]

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

[Jens]

Kleiner Heissmacher:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJ5YxFwBqo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJ5YxFwBqo</a>

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)

[GoofyFooter]

was ist denn mit kai otton? verletzt?

[Jens]

Wohl irgendwelche Probleme mit den Halswirbeln wenn ich das richtig verstehe:

http://twitter.com/ottz79

Forecast sieht allerdings guuut aus!

[Börni]

Und FS ist mal wieder DOWN! ARRRRGH! Hab mein Team noch nicht aufgestellt!

[Jens]

Trials sind ON, Hauptevent startet um 8 Uhr, Wellen pumpen!

[Christoph]

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 

[Börni]

Habs gestern auf die schnelle auch noch geschafft. Ha puh! Mal sehen was rauskommt.

[Jens]

Wird wohl langsam Zeit das sinkende Schiff fantasysurfer zu verlassen und zur http://www.fantasyactionsportsleague.com zu wechseln. Übrigens inzwischen offizielles Fantasy-Game der ASP.

[GoofyFooter]

jau, sah gut aus heute. und zum we noch besser. und fantasysurfer? was es nicht alles gibt 

[Jens]

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



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)

[Jens]

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



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)

 

[Jens]

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



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)