PLAYA DE SAN JUAN, Teguise / Lanzarote – Canary Islands (Saturday, September 27, 2014) – Luke Dillon (GBR) 19, and Tessa Thyssen (GLP) 17, have won the inaugural ASP 2-Star Teguise 2014 Franito Pro Junior in 2-to-3-foot surf at the pristine San Juan pointbreak.
Dillon came out victorious of an exciting final against Miguel Blanco (PRT) 18, in which the two surfers battled in multiple exchanges on back-to-back waves to deliver an action-packed 35-minute bout. His polished, radical backhand attack got Dillon the winning edge with an excellent 8.27 to seal the deal.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable to win here in front of everybody,” an ecstatic Dillon said. “This is like my second home and I had all my family and friends here. This is a major European contest and I’m over the moon to get the win today. I’ve been training here for five or six weeks, and I’ve been coming here for years so I’d say I know the wave pretty well and that helped me a lot.”
The last minute heroics Dillon proved capable of in Lanzarote vaulted the young British surfer up to fourth place on the European rankings, synonym of a coveted ticket for the ASP World Junior, next month in Portugal.
“There’s load of good kids coming up in England so hopefully my win here today just shows that it’s possible for us British surfers too,” Dillon added. “Get a few of you over, concentrate, train a lot and have a laugh and good things will come. That’s what the older guys have told me and that’s what I’m telling the younger kids now. Before I came over I sort of thought it was possible to qualify for the World Junior but for it to come true honestly it’s incredible.”
Portugal’s Blanco, carrying momentum from a couple of big performances in the quarters and semis, started the final off great with solid surfing to take an early lead. In a tight battle for first place, Blanco eventually missed a final opportunity, sitting in the lineup for a long ten minutes but unable to find a big set wave. Runner-up in Lanzarote, the talented regular-footer nets a career high result and looks strong for the 2015 junior season.
“It was a good final, Luke and I had big scores and it was exciting,” Blanco confirmed. “He got the two best waves so I’m a bit disappointed cause I wanted more, but I have one more season in the Juniors so I’ll be coming back for more ! I came close to winning an event twice so that’s my main goal now for sure.”
In an all-Guadeloupean Women’s final, Thyssen and Kim Veteau (GLP) 17, started on medium scores to gradually build towards excellence with powersurfing in a regular vs. goofy opposition. Thyssen on her forehand capitalized on her powerful and stylish snaps to post two solid scores and take the win.
“I was so stoked to surf against Kim in the final because I knew this was the culmination of the whole season,” Thyssen commented. “We didn’t get as many waves as we hoped but we had a good fight and in the end I was lucky to find the two good waves. I concentrated on really pushing the first bottom turn and first snap cause I knew the judges like when we attack the first and most critical section.”
With one victory each under their belt before the final showdown in Lanzarote, Thyssen and Veteau battled not only for the event crown but also for the European Junior title.
“I’m so happy with my season,” Thyssen added. “I won the first and last event this year so it’s definitely satisfying to put together a consistent year. I’m super proud to represent Europe with Kim at the World Junior, I know we’ll both give our maximum and I’m looking forward to the next couple of Junior seasons as well, they should be really exciting !”
Veteau, author of the event’s highest combined heat total of a 17.43 earlier this week, couldn’t unfortunately keep her excellent rhythm into the final heat, missing on the best waves coming through the lineup during the 35-minute heat.
“We had a long lull in the final and I needed a big scores” Veteau said. “I knew I could do it, but I also knew an average wave wouldn’t be enough so I waited and never found a set. It’s a little frustrating, but I’m super stoked for Tessa and I’m happy to qualify for the World Junior too.”
Going head-to-head with Thyssen all-year, Veteau put on a great fight and will be a force to be reckoned with when the season recommences in 2015. The two French Carribean surfers, only just starting their professional careers, carried maturity and fair-play everywhere they competed and will be great role models for the up-and-coming crowd of talent hailing from their native island.
“We’ve competed together and against each other for years with Tessa,” Veteau admitted. “We love where we’re from. Guadeloupe is just starting to show on the global surfing map and we want to represent it the best we can. In the water it can get tense, but out of the water we’re great friends and always supporting each other through highs and lows.”
The ASP 2-Star Teguise 2014 Franito Pro Junior is scheduled from September 24-28, 2014 in Teguise, Lanzarote / Canary Islands, SPAIN. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to aspworldtour.com.
The Teguise 2014 Franito Pro Junior is supported by Ayuntamiento de Teguise and Franito Surf School as well as Cabildo de Lanzarote, Rusty, Be Live hoteles and Lineas Romero among others.
TEGUISE 2014 FRANITO PRO JUNIOR MEN’S FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Luke Dillon (GBR) 15.34
2 – Miguel Blanco (PRT) 14.33
TEGUISE 2014 FRANITO PRO JUNIOR WOMEN’S FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Tessa Thyssen (GLP) 14.50
2 – Kim Veteau (GLP) 10.77
TEGUISE 2014 FRANITO PRO JUNIOR MEN’S SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Luke Dillon (GBR) 14.96 def. Andy Criere (FRA) 14.93
SF 2: Miguel Blanco (PRT) 14.50 def. Diego Mignot (FRA) 10.90
TEGUISE 2014 FRANITO PRO JUNIOR WOMEN’S SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Tessa Thyssen (GLP) 17.16 def. Lucia Martiño (ESP) 10.73
SF 2: Kim Veteau (GLP) 10.43 def. Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) 8.50
HOSSEGOR/SEIGNOSSE, Southwest Coast/France (Saturday, September 27, 2014) – Les Gardians delivered pristine three-to-four foot (1 – 1.5 metre) waves for the world’s best surfers today as nine heats of the Quiksilver Pro France Round 2 were completed as well as the deciding of the Roxy Pro France Quarterfinalists.
http://youtu.be/G8gVQOH0Jjg
Kelly Slater (USA), 11-time ASP World Champion and current World No. 2, posted an early victory over dangerous wildcard Dane Reynolds (USA) to advance into Round 3. At 42 years of age, Slater continues to push the limits of high-performance surfing and will look to gain ground on current frontrunner Gabriel Medina (BRA) with a big result in France.
“I’m nervous about each heat now,” Slater said. “The pressure is on me to perform and to win events if I want to catch up to Gabriel (Medina). I’ve been coming to France to surf for 25 years now and I’m about as comfortable as one can get. It’s about adaptability. The tide, waves, wind, banks and general conditions are always changing so you’re never overly confident. The guys who have surfed well here over the years, like Mick (Fanning) and Andy (Irons), have figured that out.”
Mick Fanning (AUS), three-time ASP World Champion and current World No. 4, faced off against a difficult wildcard of his own in Matt Banting (AUS). Banting is the current ratings leader on the ASP Qualification Series (QS) and will likely join the world’s elite in 2015.
“I’m feeling good and focused, but you can never discount the conditions here in France nor an opponent like Matt (Banting),” Fanning said. “Fortunately the waves cooperated and we had good surf for the heat. My surfing is feeling strong and boards feel good, but we really can’t get too far ahead of ourselves.”
John John Florence (HAW) continued to impress with his aerial repertoire and go-for-broke approach to competitive surfing. The Hawaiian executed a number of dynamic and powerful turns to dispatch of Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and advance through to Round 3.
“The waves were super fun for our heat out there,” Florence said. “You never know what you’re going to get in France with the conditions for your heat, but we had really racy righthanders that were good for turns and airs.”
Kolohe Andino (USA), current ASP World No. 9, lost a close Round 1 heat yesterday, but the high-flying Californian put on an impressive display in today’s Round 2 over compatriot Brett Simpson (USA).
“I felt like I got a bit underscored yesterday and there was some debate over whether or not I was completing the maneuvers,” Andino said. “I made sure there was no confusion today. Super fun waves though and hope for more tomorrow.”
Travis Logie (ZAF), current ASP World No. 31, delivered the first upset of the event this morning in eliminating high-rated Nat Young (USA). Logie’s speed-based precision backhand served him well in his advancement into Round 3.
“It’s a crucial part of the season for me,” Logie said. “I’m in need of a result, but I feel confident in Europe and hope to climb the ratings before the leg is finished.”
The Roxy Pro France, Event No. 8 of 10 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, completed Round 4 this morning, locking in the Quarterfinalists for a potential finish tomorrow.
Johanne Defay (FRA), 2014 ASP Women’s World Tour rookie, took on compatriot Pauline Ado (FRA) in front of a passionate home crowd this morning. While her elder opponent found opportunity in terms of waves, it was Defay’s power-based approach that earned her the win.
“The support I have received from home and now at home this year has been very appreciated,” Defay said. “It’s a dream to be surfing at this level in front of my family and supporters and I’m very happy to be into the Quarterfinals.”
Defay was joined by fellow rookie Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) in advancing through to the Quarterfinals.
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), five-time ASP Women’s World Champion, was electric in her Round 4 match-up against Lakey Peterson (USA), putting a hypercharged approach to work in the clean morning conditions.
“Lakey (Peterson) is a tough opponent,” Gilmore said. “We saw her take out Carissa (Moore) last week at Trestles so I definitely wasn’t taking her lightly. Since Trestles, I feel like I’ve been surfing well. I have a good batch of boards with me and I’m feeling more in rhythm. If there’s opportunity for me to gain ground here in France, I want to do it.”
Gilmore will face reigning two-time ASP World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Roxy Pro France Quarterfinals when competition resumes.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Quiksilver Pro France, are calling for:
Reinforcing swell due for the weekend holds into Monday before fading into mid next week. Another, potentially stronger, shot of swell is expected for late next week.
Highlights from the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro France will be available at ASPWorldTour.com
Quiksilver Pro France Round Results (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd Finishes Equal 25th) :
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.27 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.84
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.70 def. Matt Banting (AUS) 9.43
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) 15.83 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 13.97
Heat 4: Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.10 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 9.97
Heat 5: Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.74 def. Nat Young (USA) 12.00
Heat 6: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.07 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 9.20
Heat 7: Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.13 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.90
Heat 8: Dion Atkinson (AUS) 13.93 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.77
Heat 9: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.03 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.60
Remaining Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 10: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 11: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 12: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Running in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro France is Stop No. 8 of 10 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Roxy Pro France:
Roxy Pro France Round 4 Results (1st advances to Quarterfinals, 2nd finishes Equal 9th):
Heat 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.77 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.66
Heat 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.66 def. Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.07
Heat 3: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 14.17 def. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 9.70
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.60 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 14.33
Roxy Pro France Quarterfinals Match-Ups (1st advances to Semifinals, 2nd finishes Equal 5th):
QF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)
QF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
QF 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
http://youtu.be/uBc-UQqxyZQ
An epic Finals day at the Fiji Women’s Pro, Stop No. 5 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT), saw Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) reign supreme and claim victory after a day of pumping surf at Cloudbreak. She went head-to-head with five-time ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in their first match-up of the 2014 WCT season.
Fitzgibbons claimed her second WCT victory of the year after winning the Fiji Women’s Pro today. She will retain her ASP World No. 2 position after taking the win over Gilmore. The pair wasted little time in getting to their feet in the Final, catching small scores to kick off the heat. With less than 15 minutes on the clock, Gilmore found a crucial wave for a narrow lead over Fitzgibbons. The World No. 2 fought back in need of only a 2.73, and found a wave, overtaking the lead with a 3.00. Her modest scores proved enough for the victory, marking back-to-back wins on the 2014 ASP Women’s WCT. She previously faced Tyler Wright (AUS), Laura Enever (AUS) and Malia Manuel (HAW) on route to the Final.
“I guess wins come in waves for me! To win in beachbreaks in Rio last week and then in reefbreaks in Fiji this week is a huge boost to my confidence,” saidSally Fitzgibbons. “I knew that I’ve been surfing well this year and I just needed things to fall my way before the wins started coming. Carissa (Moore) had a huge start to this season, but the year’s a long way from being finished. I’m looking forward to the US Open.”
Gilmore was in excellent form through the duration of the competition, topping Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) and Dimity Stoyle (AUS) on her way to the Final, but failed to find the score needed to surpass Fitzgibbons for the win. The second place finish sees her move up in the rankings to current ASP World No. 3.
“The surf certainly got tricky there at the end of the day,” said Stephanie Gilmore. “There had been good waves coming in all day, but it’s a challenging lineup and easy to find yourself out of place. It was a pretty slow Final and I fell on a couple that I could have capitalized on. All in all though, it’s been a great day, the girls all charged and it’s been a great return to Fiji for the ASP Top 17. Onto the next one.”
Malia Manuel (HAW) secured an equal 3rd place finish, her best result since 2012, after facing the event winner Fitzgibbons in the Semifinals. The heat had numerous broken boards and heavy wipeouts with both athletes putting it all on the line, but it was Fitzgibbons’ heaving tube ride that got the better of the Hawaiian. Manuel goes home as one of the Fiji Women’s Pro top performers despite sustaining an injury in Round 4.
“It’s been an emotional day,” said Malia Manuel. “The waves have been pumping and the girls have been going so hard. I got hurt pretty early on in my Round 4 heat, but I was able to pull it off. The doctors went from thinking my hand was broken to thinking that it was a concussion. I don’t know if it was the adrenaline, but once they wrapped it, I felt like I could manage. I definitely felt it when I was grabbing rail on a few and maybe if I wasn’t hurt, I could have pushed through. Congrats to Sally (Fitzgibbons) though. She had an amazing barrel and has been surfing well all week. Thanks to the Fijians for hosting us in the beautiful islands this week too.”
Dimity Stoyle (AUS), the highest-ranked rookie on Tour, caused the upset of the event after taking down the World No. 1 and reigning ASP Women’s World Champion in the Quarterfinals. She went on to face event runner up Gilmore in the Semifinals but failed to find the excellent score need to best the five-time Champion.
“This has been the best event of my life,” said Dimity Stoyle. “The waves have pumped at Cloudbreak and then Restaurants and then back at Cloudbreak today and the girls have taken it head on. I would have liked to have put up some bigger scores today, but to take down Carissa (Moore) and come up against my hero Steph (Gilmore) in the Semifinals in pumping Cloudbreak is like a dream. Really stoked to be here. Vinaka ASP.”
Fiji Women’s Pro Final Result:
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 9.00 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 8.73
Fiji Women’s Pro Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.50 def. Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 5.33
Semifinal 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.24 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.86
Fiji Women’s Pro Quarterfinal Results:
Quarterfinal 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.50 def. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 13.50
Quarterfinal 2: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 6.83 Carissa Moore (HAW) 5.34
Quarterfinal 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.27 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 1.90
Quarterfinal 4: Malia Manuel (HAW) 9.50 def. Johanne Defay (FRA) 8.93
Fiji Women’s Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 16.90 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 14.84
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 17.07 def. Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) 15.13
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.57 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.93
Heat 4: Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.50 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 7.00
