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Pires becomes the first Portuguese surfer to join the elite World Championship Tour
by George Mojo
17/03/2008:// The 26-year-old, from Ericeira, got his 2008 Dream Tour campaign underway as a rookie a couple of weeks ago at Snapper Rocks and had a difficult start among the world's surfers, losing to Brazilian Leonardo Neves in the second round to finish in equal 33rd place.
Pires, who built a solid experience during a decade on the World Qualifying Series, now gets his second outing at Bells, a righthander very similar to his home point break of Ribeira d'Ãlhas where he won the WQS Buondi Billabong Pro in 2005 and 2006.
He is one of record four Europeans on the 2008 ASP World Tour, and is currently training in Victoria.
Before the kick-off of the longest running professional surfing contest, Pires spoke to Drift's George Mojo about the tour so far.
GM: Looking back on the first event, how do you feel about your result? TP: had a shocker on both my heats! I was nervous for the first heat and didn't play the game as I should have. And on my second heat I was too picky on a very inconsistent day at Snapper Rocks during full high tide, so I blew it too! There is always something positive to remember even in a loss, and I realized that even on the ASP World Tour you can sometimes surf average waves, and you cannot just expect perfect waves!
GM: What about the feeling in between the Europeans? TP: It is really funny to share these moments in between best friends. It is the kind of thing we would dream of when we started as professional surfers, so we try to give each other the best support we can and be there for the good as well as for the tough times. I think that's the most important thing, friendship and loyalty. Jeremy's stunning start has really motivated me to do good in the next contests...it's ON.
GM: Any specific training for Bells? TP: The waves are so similar to my home town of Ericeira! It's really cool to feel as good as home. I'm gonna surf as most as I can and just get my equipment ready to go. I brought about ten boards and I'm still testing all them!
GM: How do you get back in the right state of mind after a difficult start in Snapper Rocks ? TP: It's a normal thing when you are among the best 45 in the world. You can either do good or loose to anyone, because everyone has the potential to win an event! So I guess you can lose but actually never regret anything because you always learn something and this is what keeps me going!
GM: What about the 2008 Top 45? I think the level is just amazing... This year's Top 45 has an impressive variety oftalents. It is all there for a great show.
[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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