Mitch Crews.
After two sensational days of surfing at the TNS Rangiroa Pro Junior in Tahiti the eight remaining quarterfinalists fought harder than ever to remain in this years competition, if not for the prize money, then for one more opportunity to surf in perfect waves with just one other surfer out.
A standout from the first round, local surfer Tamaroa McComb shot into the limelight once again, posting one of the highest heat scores of the day, a near perfect 19.75 (out of a possible 20.00) to advance into tomorrow’s semifinal.
McComb defeated James Woods (Gold Coast) the victory sweetened by the presence of his home crowd.
“It has been a dream for me to surf a pro junior in my home country,” said McComb. “This is probably my first contest at a reef break right-hander and it’s so similar to where I grew up that I feel really comfortable and confident out here.”
Another local surfer oozing with confidence was Enrique Ariitu who’s two-wave heat total of 19.80 (out of 20.00) saw him eliminate Billy Kean (NSW), to advance into arguably the toughest match-up of the semifinals.
Ariitu will take on Tamaroa McComb in the all-Tahitian affair.
Tamaroa McComb.
Niuhi Marere (Tahiti) was the cause of yet another casualty for the Australian contingent, the talented local surfer emerging top of a fierce battle against Australian standout Perth Standlick (Bondi, NSW).
While Standlick matched the performances of the top Tahitians yesterday, he was not able match the pair of near perfect nine-point scores posted by Marere today. Standlick was eliminated from this year’s competition in equal fifth place.
“I got the barrel of my life out here yesterday so although I’m disappointed to go out today, I’m stoked to have competed in probably the best event of my career,” said Standlick.
The only Australian to advance into the semifinals today was Mitch Crews (Currumbin, QLD).
Taking an early heat lead with a solid 7.00 ride, Crews edged out Ty Watson who posted a 5.5 and a 5.15, just not enough to overcome Crews’s 10.95 two-wave heat total.
Junior surfers enjoyed epic conditions in Rangiroa all week and are set for an intense showdown with both the semifinals and the finals scheduled for tomorrow, Friday March 19, 2010.
“We’ve seen some amazing conditions here this week, with a building swell yesterday, clean offshore winds and the barrels getting better and better in the afternoon,” said head judge Ian ‘Ratso‘ Buchanon. “ This is a pretty intense wave, it’s thick and chunky and very mechanical but it’s produced some unbelievable surfing from the juniors.”
The inaugural Tahiti Nui Satellite Rangiroa Pro Junior sees 48 of the world’s best pro junior, 20 years and under, compete in Tahiti from the 15 – 19 March 2010. The surfers will compete for US$25,000 in prize money and valuable ratings points to qualify for the ASP World Junior Tour.
For full results log on to http://www.rangiroaprojunior.com/
