2. Platz für Nicolau
ASP WQS 1-STAR O'NEILL PRO CORDOAMA RESULTS
FINAL
1st, Gordon Fontaine (FRA) 13.50 pts
2nd, Nicolau Von Rupp (DEu) 11.83 pts
3rd, Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 11.53 pts
4th, Luka Guichard (DEN) 9.80 pts
Event runner-up Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU), 18, was surfing his first ASP WQS final as well, the German Algarve resident finishing just behind Fontaine after leading the exchange for most of the 30-minute decider. Von Rupp, who was looking to better his best result in Cordoama, a Semifinal finish, achieved his goal by placing second and will use his experience and confidence in the upcoming Under-21 events.
“I borrowed a board this morning as I was not feeling good on mine and it took me to the final,” Von Rupp said. “The waves were very hard to surf but I made the final which is already a great result. I was close to winning the thing though.”
Von Rupp, a former ASP European Junior No. 2, remains a serious Under-21 regional title contender and is focused on it for 2009. With an average start thus far, Von Rupp will be looking to build momentum from his excellent run in Portugal.
“I am looking to get back to my best level and do well at the Pro Junior events,” Von Rupp said. “It is my main focus this year and I haven't had a good start yet so this is my priority now. Hopefully things will work out.”