Rip Curl Pro - Corona Crown Surf Series Event #5

Surfing New Zealand
Manu Bay Raglan New Zealand
2 - 4 March 2007

Locals Smash the Open Men’s Field

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 March, 2007 : - - Seven out of the remaining sixteen surfers in the open men’s field of the Rip Curl Pro comprise of surfers from Raglan in what was a dominant display of surfing by the locals in 1.0m waves at Manu Bay.  Zennor Wernham (Rag) and Luke Cederman both scored in excess of 16 points out of a possible 20 points while Daniel Kereopa was not far behind also winning his heat. 

At the start of the day a number of surfers remained in contention to make the top 16 on the Corona Crown Surf Series but now only five surfers outside the current top 16 can move up the ratings and gain invitation to the Corona Super 16 next Saturday (10th March). 

As predicted Zennor Wernham was at his mechanical best today and posted the top score of 16.85 for the day. Wernham clocked up the turns as they ran down the point. His vertical approach to the waves at Manu Bay is rivalled by few in New Zealand and it showed. In a different approach, big Luke Cederman, surfing on his forehand, was innovative in his approach heaping pressure on his opponents to easily win his heat with a score of 16.25. 

On one particular wave Cederman completed an aerial manoeuvre on his first turn before setting his fins free out of the back of the wave on his second turn to surf the wave to perfection. If the conditions remain a decent size Cederman will be the one to watch as he attempts to jump up the ratings from his current ranking of seventh.  

Current Corona Crown Series ratings leader Daniel Kereopa also surfed to a high heat score of 15.60 in a masterful display of surfing and superior knowledge of the wave he surfs daily. Given that Kereopa’s closest rival Nathan Welch (Gis) lost in the second round in a shock elimination, Kereopa could further extend his lead although top scorer of the day Wernham, currently ranked third, will have a point to prove.

Of the surfers not from Raglan, AJ Matthews (WGM) continued his good form winning his fourth round heat and moving to the quarterfinal with a total heat score of 15.25.  Matthews placed fourth at the most recent event held in Mount Maunganui and with this string of results has secured his place in the Corona Super 16 next weekend. 

Nick White (Mnt) was another surfer to impress with his tight backhand surfing.  White posted 14.7 to win his heat and progress to the quarterfinals alongside fellow Mount surfer Tim O’Connor who placed second.

A further decrease in swell is predicted for Saturday and organisers may have to utilise the option of the surrounding beach breaks.  A decision as to the location for day two will be made at 7.00am.   

The 2007 Rip Curl Pro is sponsored by Rip Curl and Corona. The event would be not possible without the support of Surfing New Zealand. Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by Corona, Vodafone, Hyundai, SPARC, Smokefree.

www.ripcurl.com 
www.surfingnz.co.nz

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Ben Kennings
benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz

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