Islas Canarias Santa Pro Junior

ASP Grade 3 Junior Mens event
Realejos, Tenerife
2 - 6 September 2009

Live Coverage  |  Results/Photos/Videos etc

Santa Surf Pro Junior Kicks Off at Tenerife, Bulard Controls Round 1

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 September, 2009 : - - Los Realejos, Tenerife -- The ASP Grade-3 Santa Surf Pro Junior got underway today kicking off the final event of this year’s ASP European Junior tour at the end of which the regional champion and his fellow Top 4 surfers will qualify for this year’s ASP World Junior Championships (WJC).

With five days allocated for the event to wrap-up the regional showdown, the first round of competition was completed in three foot (one meter) consistent waves with event low seeds and late entries getting their chance to join big names and title contenders in Round 2.

While defending champion and reigning ASP European Junior champion Maxime Husecnot (REU), 17, and current ratings’ favorite Marc Lacomare (FRA), 18, were watching proceedings not starting their run in the event before tomorrow, and saw current ratings’ No. 2 Jatyr Berasaluce (Sopelana, EUK), 20, and Kieren Bulard (REU) take control of Round 1 in style.

Bulard, who has been on tour for a couple of years now, came-up with his custom-made style to post an impressive 16.60 point heat score and easily win his first battle to join tomorrow’s battles, netting the day’s best wave ride with a near perfect 9.27 point ride (out of a possible 10). Bulard, 18 years old, displayed great surfing this summer peaking with a quarterfinal finish at San Sebastian in July, and will be a dangerous event contender who could cause serious damage in the race to the regional title.

“It’s the first time for me at this beach and I had lots of fun competing today,” Bulard said. “The water is as warm as at home in Reunion Island and I felt pretty comfortable for my heat. I am not concerned by the ratings’ race so I am focused on enjoying my surfing and having a good time here at Tenerife.”

From classic bottom-turns to impressive aerial maneuvers, Bulard was able to display all his ss and confidently lead his encounter from start to finish. He will face serious top seeds David Leboulsh (Bidart, FRA), 18, and Portuguese solid surfer Frederico Morais (PRT) tomorrow.

Coming-up with the second best performance of Day 1 was Berasaluce, the Basque contingent leader having to surf in first round due to a late entry in the Santa Surf Pro Junior. Surfing in his last event as a junior competitor at Tenerife, Berasaluce was again in excellent form showing he was ready to wrap-up his Under-21 career at his best. Finishing his first encounter with 15.17 points (out of a possible 20) to advance through to Round 2 where he belongs, Berasaluce confirmed he remains in contention for the regional title even if his fate will depend more on Lacomare’s result.

“It wasn’t easy out there and the waves were pretty tricky eventhough there were a lot,” Berasaluce said. “The good thing is there was plenty of sets so each of us could surf relaxed and focus on his rides. It’s good to get that Round 1 heat out of the way and I am going to take things one by one.”

Berasaluce, who is almost 1000 points behind leader Lacomare, knows his chances of claiming the regional title are small but can always count on a major upset that could change his fate tomorrow.

“Marc (Lacomare) is pretty much almost untouchable at this stage so I am kind of relaxed about this,” Berasaluce said. “I have no pressure and I am looking forward to winning an event after the few finals I got this year. Winning here is my goal and I hope things go my way.”

Along with the top performers of the first day of competition were other late-entry surfers and ratings’ top athletes Joachim and Luka Guichard (DNK), the twin brothers confirming as well their good form. All big names and title contenders will get on with competition tomorrow, after officials re-assess at 9 AM.

Previous reports:
# 1 :  Junior revolution returns to Tenerife for Santa Pro Junior
# 2 : Coming soon
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon  

www.lasantasurf.es
www.aspeurope.com

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