Daniel Kereopa wins yet once again at Billabong Pro NZ

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 January, 2007 : - - Eight days of celebrations after securing his first open men’s national title could not stop Raglan’s Daniel Kereopa from storming to victory at the Billabong Pro completed at Whangamata today.  Kereopa seemingly had Mother Nature on his side when late in the final the best wave of the day popped up in front of him allowing him to score 7.40 and move from third to first .

“I did see a couple of waves breaking in the same place and I was never in ‘the spot’ then when that wave came it was real cool because Paco was wanting it but I was on the inside and I just looked at him and said nah you’re not having it with a smirk on my face” commented Kereopa.  “But that is what you have to do in finals – wait and catch the good ones”.  The win extends his lead on the Corona Crown Surfing Series and after three of six events he is almost guaranteed a berth in the all important Corona Super 16 to be held in mid March. 

It was the polished act of Kereopa over the innovative surfing of the young guys that edged him ahead in the final heat of the day with the Paco Divers (Sandy Bay) and Nathan Welch (Gis) having the win slip from their grasp.  A meagre 0.45 separated third from fourth with defending champion Bobby Hansen (Gis) only one point further behind in fourth. 

“You couldn’t write it any better, it’s just awesome” commented Kereopa of his win however he was aware of what the young guys were up to and their strategy “You know, pretty much when the hooter went I could tell that Paco was keen to go, paddling hard and fast going on what he could.  I had to just hang in there, wait, do what I do and get the bigger waves and smash them”.

The lead changed several times through out the final with Paco Divers leading for much of it.  Surfing seven heats over the day the energetic surfer did not look at all fatigued.  His innovative surfing had the beach crowding cheering him on as he completed aerial manoeuvre after aerial manoeuvre.  His best wave was actually the highest of the final – a 7.65 point ride. 

Nathan Welch (Gis) on the other hand did not catch a wave for the first fourteen minutes.  However once he (Welch) got going he was almost unstoppable also surfing innovatively to score 14.10 out of 20.  Bobby Hansen (Gis) who was surfing under an injury cloud surfed extremely fast making seemingly impossible sections on the small half metre swells.  Not being able to find the bigger set waves hurt his chances and he returned to the beach with close to two minutes remaining on the clock conceding defeat.

Earlier it was Hansen and Kereopa who ended the hopes of Maz Quinn (Gis) and Jarred Hancox (Tara) while Welch and Divers disposed of Jay Quinn (Gis) and local surfer AJ Matthews. 

Jessica Santorik (Rag) got back on the winners podium today taking out the women’s final in a very close battle.  The surf pushed the girls to the limit in trying conditions but it was Santorik’s dogged determination to find the better waves that pushed out in the lead early in the heat.  Comeback girl Michelle Langdon (Mnt) looked close to taking the win on several waves but fell at critical times limiting her scoring potential. 

Twelve year old local girl Grace Spiers more than impressed everyone making the final and then pushed for the lead at times.  The young surfer continues to grow in confidence and this result will boost that further on the back of her under 16 girls national title.  Fellow local surf Pipi Sopp finished in fourth place.

Ryan Hawker continued in his winning ways today dominating the 25 minute junior mens final.  His 7.0 point ride mid way through the final was the highest of all four surfers and a pivotal point in the final.  Hawker completed three big forehand re entries in his typical powerful approach.  While Paco Divers looked to have the wood on his opponents he could not turn his lightening speed into points. 

One particular wave, Divers put it all on the line ‘punting’ a huge aerial manoeuvre to complete his wave but came unstuck failing to score the 6.9 point ride he required to win.  Tim O’Conner (Mnt) placed third in the final ahead of the only goofy foot surfer – Sean Peggs (Tai).  Earlier Divers and Peggs eliminated an in form Matt Hewitt (Mnt) and Johnny Hicks (Gis) while in heat two O’Conner and Hawker eliminated Bodhi Whitaker (Gis) and local surfer Braedon Williams.

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Ben Kennings
benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz

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