The 25th anniversary du Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau
Quiksilver.com/Eddie launched a few days ago with the announcement of the 28 coveted Invitees and 24 Alternates to this year's 25th Anniversary celebration of The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, fueled by Monster Energy. The ASP sanctioned event will be held on one day, between December 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010, when waves exceed the 20-foot minimum threshold and Invitees contend for the $98K prize purse. The traditional opening ceremony honoring this silver anniversary will be one to remember, taking place at 2pm, December 3rd, 2009, at Waimea Bay.
Monster Energy will be presenting the Monster Drop Specialty Award for the surfer who makes the most critical drop and rides out of it during the event. The judges will determine the winner the day of the competition and will present the chosen surfer with a unique Monster Drop Specialty Award Trophy.
Held in honor of the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Eddie Aikau, The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau gathers the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the globe. It is the world's longest running and most prestigious big-wave invitational.
The universal appeal and strength of "The Eddie" is a testament to the human spirit it honors and that we all seek to connect with: a life lived with passion, dedicated with meaning, and exited from heroically. Just 31 when he lost his life in an attempt to save others, Aikau has physically been gone now for as long as he was here. But far from being forgotten, his life story is now woven into the fabric of Hawaii.
Check the list of invitees here: quiksilver.com/eddie
Joan Duru Claims Maiden ASP European WQS Title after Final event in Lanzarote
Joan Duru (Ondres, FRA), 20, has won the 2009 ASP European WQS title at Lanzarote after closest follower and only title contender Gony Zubizarreta (Vigo, ESP) was eliminated from the Islas Canarias Santa Pro on Lanzarote island in spectacular surf conditions of the Quarterfinals.
Joan Duru, despite an equal 25th place that did not make the Frenchman better his overall regional ratings’ points total, claims his maiden regional title after an exceptional year of performances and results that puts him in position to qualify for next year’s ASP World Tour at this stage.
“It’s great to get the title after such a year,” Duru said. “I am super happy to add it to my career and hopefully things keep going the same way until the end of the year for me.”
Duru, who opened his spectacular season with a win at the ASP WQS 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro in April, peaked with his career best win in the ASP WQS 6-Star Sooruz Lacanau Pro becoming the second French ever to win a major event in France, twenty-seven years after Thierry Fernandez (Lacanau, FRA).
“It was amazing to win that event in front of the French crowds and with all my family and friends around,” Duru said. “It was a great moment for me and it was really special out there.”
Considered a world class surfer by many, Joan Duru not only made big impressions at all events in Europe but managed to secure a series of solid results that have rocket him to a promising No. 9 rank on the current ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings.
At 20 years of age only, the former ASP European Junior champion (2006) has been following the footsteps of European leading surfers Jeremy Flores (FRA) and Michael Picon (FRA) amongst others, the goofyfooter building a custom-made mix of explosive progressive maneuvers and massive powerhouse turns.
With two major events coming-up on the world famous North Shore of Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago, Joan Duru will head next to Haleiwa and Sunset where he will try and seal the deal for next year’s ASP World Tour, his dream.
Since the ASP European WQS Tour ratings include all events sanctioned by ASP Europe from 1-Star to 6-Star Prime, every tour winner has been a qualifier for the Elite ASP Top 45 at the end of each season. Joan Duru is on his way…
2009 ASP EUROPEAN WQS BEST RESULTS
1st, ASP WQS 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro
9th, ASP WQS 6-Star Estoril Quiksilver Pro
3rd, ASP WQS 6-Star Prime O’Neill CWC Scotland by Swatch
5th, ASP WQS 5-Star Relentless Boardmasters
1st, ASP WQS 6-Star Sooruz Lacanau Pro
5th, ASP WQS 5-Star Movistar Ferrolterra Pantin Classic
Credit Photo: Ricardo Bravo
Jeremy Flores Gives Update on Ankle Injury
Jeremy Flores (Capbreton/New Caledonia, FRA), 21, has pulled out of the last couple of events of the ASP World Tour stopping his 2009 season right after the Quiksilver Pro France. Suffering from an ankle injury, the best French and European surfer ever will not compete in any other event this year, and is currently running from one doctor to another.
ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) champion in 2006, ASP Rookie of the Year in 2007 and ISA World Champion in 2009, Flores has already broken all records of France’s and Europe’s surfing history, at 21-years-old only. With a bright future ahead, the youngest surfer ever to qualify for the elite ASP Top 45 (at 18, in 2007) sends a few words and an update about his situation.
“I have a few different injuries all affecting one of my ankles. I have a small fracture and the ligament I hurt more than a year ago in Bali hasn’t healed yet… I’ve been meeting with a lot of doctors and surgeons all specialized in sports and the French Surfing Federation’s medical team is also helping out... I won't be competing again if I'm not at 100% for sure..."
Check the Interview on quiksilver-europe.com/tv
Mick Fanning Claims Back-to-Back ASP Dream Tour Events, Takes Quik Pro France
SEIGNOSSE, France (Sunday, September 27, 2009) - Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, has just claimed his second consecutive ASP Dream Tour event, taking out the 2009 Quiksilver Pro France presented by Orange over fellow Finalist Bede Durbidge (AUS), 26, in punchy one-to-three foot (0.5 - 1 metre) waves at Les Bourdaines.
Event No. 7 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro France opted to utilize today's swell to complete the event given the dismal surf forecast for the remainder of the waiting period. Despite today's challenging conditions, the world's best surfers executed well, blending their rapid-fire approach with progressive fin-free and aerial surfing.
Fanning continued to build momentum through the final day of competition before erupting in the Final with a flurry of excellent scoring rides, a 7.83, an 8.83 and a 7.33 in the opening half of the competition.
"I was really fortunate to get those couple of good ones at the start because I really ran out of gas there at the end," Fanning said. "It's two back-to-back events where I have had to surf four heats on the final day to get the win and it takes a lot out of you. The conditions were deteriorating and I was fortunate to get those scores on the board early on."
Today's victory marks the second in a row for Fanning, having proven victorious in Southern California last week. The win further cements Fanning in second position on the 2009 ASP World Tour ratings, cutting the distance between himself and frontrunner Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, from 936 points (pre-France) to a scant 146 points heading into Spain.
"It's back on," Fanning said. "Everyone though Joel (Parkinson) was going to run away with it and it's unfortunate for him that he fell out early, but I've put in a lot of work to get these last two wins and I'm just psyched on heading into the rest of the season."
Durbidge was in excellent form throughout the final day of competition, eliminating a rampaging Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, compatriot Ben Dunn (AUS), 23, and lethal local Patrick Beven (FRA), 31, en route to the Final. Although surfing well, the big Australian couldn't overcome Fanning's speed in the trying conditions.
"I felt good and fit as but I was trying to push my turns too hard on a couple of waves and I was caught in the bump a lot so I guess that's the difference from the other heats today," Durbidge said. "The conditions were a bit bumpier and I couldn't get any clean sections out there. It feels good to be in the Final though, it's the best I've done this year and coming from a 3rd at Trestles, it is petty good."
Durbidge's Runner-Up finish rockets him from 7th to 4th on the 2009 ASP World Tour ratings, placing him in solid position heading into the remainder of the year.
"That's good news (ratings jump) but my goal is just to finish the year off good and be in a good position to start next year," Durbidge said. "I would like to finish the year inside the Top 5 for sure so I hope to keep things rolling."
Tiago Pires (PRT), 29, ASP Dream Tour sophomore, halted what many considered to be the juggernaut of the event when he eliminated reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, in the Quarterfinals of the Quiksilver Pro France.
"I'm over the moon right now," Pires said. "Kelly (Slater) is my favorite surfer and I have so much respect for him. I knew I had to wait for the bigger waves to get the scores to beat him. I've had a really tough year, but have been training very hard for this and I'm so happy to get through."
While the Floridian opened up with some fluid-yet-explosive surfing on his backhand to amass a daunting 17.43 out of a possible 20 heat total, it was Pires who would answer back with a 9.57 followed by a 8.13 to take the heat.
"After I put up that first big score, I was still needing another really big one so I knew I had to wait," Pires said. "Kelly (Slater) likes to stay busy and he keeps getting scores all the time, but I still had to wait for a good one. I had been watching all day and I knew there would be sets so when it came, I just put everything I had into it.
Although Pires would eventually down to Fanning in the Semifinals, his Equal 3rd place finish sees him bolt from 33rd to 23rd on the ASP World Tour ratings.
"I couldn't have asked to a better start to these next events in France," Pires said. "I've worked very hard and I am hoping to turn things around during the European leg. I feel comfortable here - it feels like home and I believe I can put up some very good results."
Patrick Beven (FRA), 31, who gained entry into the event through the Moskova Trials, had a banner run at the Quiksilver Pro France, eliminating current ASP World No. 1, Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, as well as ASP Dream Tour stalwarts Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 27, before falling to Durbidge in the Semifinals.
"Bede (Durbidge) is a great surfer and he pushed me in a couple of average waves," Beven said. "I was feeling really tired in that heat, I didn't eat today and focused so hard on each of my heats. I was a bit confused out in the line-up and I didn't catch the good ones. I was a little stressed halfway the heat and I didn't surf as good as in my previous heats."
Supported by thousands of spectators throughout the final day of competition, the giant-killer Beven put on a show using smart heat tactics and razor-sharp backhand turns to prove a standout in the Les Bourdaines beach beaks.
"The crowds pushed big time in that event," Beven said. "They were behind me and it felt so good when the crowds cheered after my waves. It is a big part of my result today and I hope I can keep that confidence for the next events on the ASP WQS. I am stoked to get the chance to show my surf and beat some of the world's best surfers. That run today is pretty unbelievable."
The hunt for the 2009 ASP World Title has become even more interesting with the early elimination of frontrunner Parkinson and the win from Fanning. They'll battle other top seeds C.J. Hobgood (USA), 30, Durbidge and Slater as the ASP Dream Tour continues the European leg.
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE FINAL RESULTS:
1 - Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.66
2 - Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.87
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.76 def. Patrick Beven (FRA) 12.90
SF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.43 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.33
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.70 def. Ben Dunn (AUS) 13.60
QF 2: Patrick Beven (FRA) 14.86 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.00
QF 3: Tiago Pires (PRT) 17.70 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 17.43
QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.00 Taj Burrow def. (AUS) 12.33
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.33 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 12.40
Heat 2: Ben Dunn (AUS) 13.83 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.37
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) 11.43 vs. Taylor Knox (USA) 10.30
Heat 4: Patrick Beven (FRA) 14.10 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.67
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.23 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.33
Heat 6: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.83 def. Tim Boal (FRA) 9.36
Heat 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.40 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.00
Heat 8: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.74 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 10.40
CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10 (After Quiksilver Pro France):
1 - Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5896 points
2 - Mick Fanning (AUS) 5750 points
3 - C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4872 points
4 - Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4792 points
5 - Kelly Slater (USA) 4638 points
6 - Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4573 points
7 - Taj Burrow (AUS) 4417 points
8 - Damien Hobgood (USA) 4384 points
9 - Bobby Martinez (USA) 4314 points
10 - Taylor Knox (USA) 4216 points
Winning the trials, Alain Riou clinches his wildcard for Quiksilver Pro France, ASP World Tour 7th stop.
The Polynesian surfer, scoring a 15,40 during the final has secured his spot for the main event.
Next call, Wednesday, at 7.30AM
Round 1:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 3: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tim Reyes (USA), Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 5: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dean Morrison (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), TBA
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Campbell (AUS), TBA
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), TBA
Heat 11: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 12: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW), Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Jay Thompson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Tim Boal (FRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 16: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Dustin Barca (HAW)
Check it out LiveWebcast on quiksilverlive.com
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