The opening day of the 2009 ASP World Tour season got underway, with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG completing Round 1 in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at the backup venue of Duranbah Beach.
Jeremy Flores, 20, Dream Tour No. 10 in 2008, had opened the contest early in the day in Heat 1 of Round 1 besting former event winner Dean Morrison (Gold Coast, AUS) and Hawaiian rookie Dustin Barca (Kauai, HAW). Flores, who has been Europe's undisputed surf leader for three years now, found one of the few barrels of the day to secure his lead and advance despite his ankle hurting him.
"I just wanted to get a few waves quickly and take the lead and that's what I did so I am happy," Flores said. "That little barrel put me ahead and I was lucky to be there at the right time. You never want to lose that first heat so it’s all good."
Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning and nine-time ASP World Champion, took to experimenting with his equipment during Round 1, opting to ride an unconventional self-shaped, 5’4” round-tail quad en route to victory over Dayyan Neve (AUS), 30, and Daniel Wills (AUS), 33.
Miky Picon (Capbreton, FRA) and Aritz Aranburu (Zarautz, EUK) were not able to get away with a win in their respective heats and will surf Round 2 when competition resumes on the Gold Coast of Australia.
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile will be webcast LIVE via www.quiksilverpro.com.au
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Credit photo: ASP/Kirstin
ROUND 1, Results
Heat 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.67, Dustin Barca 11.87, Dean Morrison (AUS) 9.70
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) 17.50, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.83, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 4.93
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.17, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.00, Daniel Wills (AUS) 10.67
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.10, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.73, Miky Picon (FRA) 9.06
ROUND 2
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 12: Miky Picon (FRA) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
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