Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro

1 star WQS pro men’s, 3A pro juniors & 3A women’s
New Pier, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
25- 27 March 2005

Heatdraws/Results
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RED HOT REDMAN TAKES LIZZARD NANDOS TITLE

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 March 2005: - - Daniel Redman took the extra hot option at the Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro, claiming his first ever World Qualifying Series title and a R15 000 check at his local break, New Pier on Sunday.

The goofy footer was on fire throughout the contest, posting the highest score of the event in the quarterfinals with his near perfect 9.9 and continuing on his campaign for victory, stunned crowds with a turn so far under the lip, it looked as if he was part of the wave- earning an outstanding eight points out of a possible ten.

And while Mathew Kruger of Durban tried his best to put pressure on Redman with his powerful roundhouse cutbacks, a massive set wave floater minutes before the end sealed the deal for the Redman.

Holding his Amphibious Lizzard Man Trophy Redman commented “I am so happy to have won my first international event, these were the hardest conditions I've ever surfed in at an event at New Pier but I was feeling confident on my backhand having surfed in good conditions here all week.”

Third place finisher Brandon Jackson who scored a semi final finish in the pro juniors division was simply exhausted by the finals but still managed to finish in third above an out of sorts Frankie Oberholzer of Warner Beach.

WQS campaigner Ricky Basnett took the pro juniors division title, and although not enjoying the testing conditions, powered through the final with energy and flair. With his international experience glaringly obvious Basnett earned himself a cool R4000 moving in to top position on the local Pro Surf Tour seedings.

Powerhouse Josh Schmeltzer finished second ahead of Capetonian Dave Richards in third and Rudy Palmboom in fourth.

Roseanne Hodge : photo Pierre Tostee/Tostee.com

Seventeen-year-old Roseanne Hodge of East London took the Women’s title over defending Lizzard Champion Sarah Johnston who broke a total of two boards in the 30 minute final.

Hodge, who also surfed in the pro juniors division was evidently comfortable in the big surf and showing both the power and control that has landed her many wildcard invitations into World Championship Tour events, left her competitors needing a combination of scores to catch up to her.

“It was really challenging out there but it’s my first South African contest and my first victory this year so I'm feeling really blessed,” said the bubbly women’s champion.

Penny Robarts of the Strand placed third above Michelle Hill of Cape St Francis, both of whom put in a valiant effort.

Antonio Bortoletto of Durban had no problem expressing himself in the Nandos Expression Session, earning himself R2500 for the biggest aerial maneuver, while Lizzard Team rider Devyn Matthys earned R1500 for the deepest tube ride.

Barrels were on offer today : photo Pierre Tostee/Tostee.com

The Zigzag performance award went to Manfred Adrio for ‘blowing up’ throughout the event earning R1000 for his semi final finish.

The Minister of Sport and Recreation for KZN Mr. Amichand Rajbansi came down to watch the final and present the prizes. The honorable Minister commented, “The surfing was excellent and Durban, as the worlds number one sporting city, will continue to encourage and support the development of surfing in the future.”

The Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro is a one star World Qualifying Series pro mens event that includes a 3A rated pro junior and women’s divisions and a total of R80 000 prize money as well as coveted WQS ratings points for top finishers in the men’s division.

Previous reports:
# 1 : All Systems Go for the Lizzard Nando's Surf Pro in Durban
# 2 : Wave size increases at Lizzard Nandos Surf Pro in Durban

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Lizzard International
Raymond Gerardy
raymond@lizzard.co.za

Kirstin Scholtz
kirstin@tostee.com

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