Daniel Kereopa : photo aotearoasurf.co.nz

Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event #4

Surfing New Zealand
Christchurch New Zealand
17 - 18 February 2007

Daniel Kereopa Snatches Another Victory at Hyundai Pro Longboard Open

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 February, 2007 : - - The Hyundai Pro Longboard Open Men’s final was won by Daniel Kereopa from Raglan. Kereopa left nothing to chance as he picked off two long left hand waves. Combining power and finesse he clinched the title with a combination score of 15.50. The win extends Kereopa’s lead in the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour with just two events to run.

The other three finalists were separated by only 0.47 points which typified the close nature of the competition. Kelly Ryan (Gis) edged out Michael Burling (Akld) and Michael Fitzharris (Gis) for second place. These competition points could prove vital as the battle for the overall title heats up.

Earlier in the day both semi-finals had came down to the wire. Michael Burling (Akld) easily won his heat combining explosive bottom turns and big speed floaters with traditional nose riding. His heat combination of 17.9 was the highest of the day. The battle for 2nd and a spot in the final was phenomenal and only 0.65 separated the other 3 surfers but it was Daniel Kereopa’s (Rag) competitive edge which saw him sneak into 2nd place.

The other semi-final was also tough to call with all four surfers only separated by 3.5 points. Michael Fitzharris (Gis) and Kelly Ryan (Gis) were the two surfers to progress.

Darryn McBride : photo aotearoasurf.co.nz

HYUNDAI WOMENS OPEN

The Hyundai Women’s Open title went to Anna Jolly from Piha. In tough onshore conditions Jolly got two solid scoring waves to extend her lead in the race for the tour title. Daisy Thomas (ChCh) could not quite catch Jolly and ended up with a heat total of 9.45 for 2nd place. Local girl Hannah Phillips took the other podium position with Sophie Moore from Murawai finishing in 4th place.

HYUNDAI MENS OVER 40’S

In the Hyundai Over 40’s local knowledge proved to be the answer as it was an all Canterbury final. Glen Shuker claimed the win with some excellent scoring rides. His heat total of 17.67 was well ahead of his Christchurch rivals. Grant Cochrane took 2nd place with Mark Andrews 3rd and Paul Bennett 4th.

HYUNDAI OVER 50’S

In the Hyundai Over 50’s division Mike Thompson from Raglan surfed strongly and linked some fine manoeuvres together to easily take out the win. Thompson was too classy for the other three surfers as they battled it out for the minor placings.  The Christchurch connection of Paul Bennett and Jan Everett took 2nd and 3rd respectively with David Stork from Piha finishing in 4th.

RESULTS:

HYUNDAI OPEN MENS FINAL
Daniel Kereopa (Rag) 1
Kelly Ryan (Gis) 2
Michael Burling (Akld) 3
Michael Fitzharris (Gis) 4

HYUNDAI OVER 40’S
Glen Shuker (ChCh) 1
Grant Cochrane (ChCh) 2
Mark Andrews (ChCh) 3
Paul Bennett (ChCh) 4

HYUNDAI OVER 50’S
Mike Thompson (Rag) 1
Paul Bennett (ChCh) 2
Jan Everett (ChCh) 3
David Stork

HYUNDAI OPEN WOMENS
Anna Jolly (Piha) 1
Daisy Thomas (ChCh) 2
Hannah Phillips (ChCh) 3
Sophie Moore (Murawai) 4

Current leaders of the Corona Crown Series - DK, Jess Santorik and Paco Divers

Previous reports:
# 1 : Top seeds rule at Hyundai Longboard Pro Christchurch

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Ben Kennings
benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz

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