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Standout competitors in the Rip Curl GromSearch National Finals
by George Mojo
15/03/2008:// Standout competitors James Woods and Paige Haggerston have both earned the chance to compete in the Rip Curl GromSearch National Finals being staged during the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in Australia.
Woods and Haggerston received wildcard entries based on their high finish in the newly introduced GromSearch Ratings system, applied over the seven event National series this year.
They join winners of the 16 & Under division in each event of the series, who have automatically won their place in the coveted National Final.
Woods finished number one on the ratings in the 16’s Boys division, despite not winning an individual event.
“I was stoked that I got a wildcard after winning the ratings for the year. I came second in two events this series but just couldn’t get a win so I thought I’d missed the chance for the National Final at Bells, but I was lucky enough to end up top of the ratings and get a gig that way” said Woods.
Haggerston finished fourth on the ratings, just behind ratings leaders Ellie-Jean Coffey, Laura Enever and Nikki Van Dijk, who had all secured their spots in the National Final with event wins.
Coffey managed a win at both the Duranbah and Cronulla events to take top spot in the girls ratings and give her a great lead up to the National Finals.
Woods and Haggerston will be joined by Wes Bainbridge, who received a second ‘sponsors’ wildcard into the boy’s National Final, helped by his strong fourth place finish in the overall ratings.
Jess Laing, from Phillip Island, will also join the National GromSearch finalists as the highest placed Victorian in the series.
With the National Finals scheduled to run at Bells, competition will be fierce amongst the groms with the ultimate prize being the prestigious National GromSearch Championship Title.
The National Finals will see eight of Australia’s best male and female 16’s surfers battle it out in an effort to win a spot in the International Final where they will represent Australia against the Internationals from Brazil, USA, South Africa, New Zealand and Indonesia.
[Carissa Moore (in yellow) receiving the winner's prize]
[The number of high-rated Australian surf competitions are set to increase]
[Pablo Gutierrez winner of the Superbock Pro]
Hawaiian Carissa Moore won the Roxy Pro Junior surfing in her first ever contest in France
ASP International has announce the inception of their fourth regional branch, ASP Australasia
Twenty-six-year-old Pablo Guitierrez took top honours in the Superbock Pro in Portugal after defeating fellow Portugeuse surfer Eduardo Fernandes in the final
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