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Brazilian wins Billabong ASP World Junior Championships
by George Mojo
07/01/2008:// It’s been three years since Brazilian Pablo Paulino called himself World Junior Champion but at Sydney’s North Narrabeen beach, the 20-year-old surfer made sure he could again shoulder the honour, winning the 2007 edition of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
Earning his spot into the main event as an ASP International wildcard, the 2004 ASP champion blasted through the last of four rounds of competition, to defeat fellow wildcard Hawaii’s Tonino Benson; with a 15.00 total heat score (out of a possible 20.00) to Benson’s 9.93.
“It’s a dream come true to win at Narrabeen again,” Paulino said equalling Joel Parkinson’s two ASP World Junior Title record.
“It was my dream to win it twice and this year was my last shot. I am so happy.”
A standout from start to finish, Paulino revealed all the fire and flair of a Brazilian sportsman, putting on show-stopping performances right from the very first round.
“The new school style of surfing is where I feel most comfortable,” Paulino explained. “I was doing aerial manoeuvres early in the event but I started to feel the pressure in the Final. I knew I would need the scores against Tonino, so I focussed on power carves instead and it was enough to see me through.”
Paulino’s achievement earned him a top seed placement into every ASP World Qualifying Series event in 2008, where he hopes to qualify for the elite ASP Men’s World Tour.
Runner-up Tonino will join Paulino in the Round of 96 on the WQS this year.
Arguably the top performer of the final stages of the event, Benson posted the only perfect 10 point ride, tucking into a deep barrel against Australian wildcard Owen Wright in the Quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the young Hawaii could not repeat this performance in the Final.
“I’m happy for Pablo, he’s my friend and he deserved the win,” Benson said. “I got out of rhythm in the Final and everything seemed to be going his way. I am happy to reach the Finals and just grateful to compete in these amazing waves.”
The ocean certainly delivered for the final day of the Boys competition, serving up flawless 4 to six feet.
Finishing equal third were Tanner Gudauskas (USA) and Chris Martin (GLP), both surfers unanimous standouts throughout the event but unlucky not to put it together in the semi-finals.
Semi-final Heat 1 saw a ‘see-saw’ battle between Benson and 19-year-old Gudauskas, the two surfers raising the stakes on each exchanging ride. Benson ultimately earning him golden ticket into the Final.
“It’s a bitter-sweet feeling,” Gudauskas lamented. “You’re super bummed that you lost on the one hand and on the other, you’re stoked to make the Semi’s. It’s a good result for me, I learnt so much in every heat and I’ll be back for a spot in the Final next year, for sure.”
Semi-final Heat 2 just didn’t go Chris Martins way. While Paulino pounced on each wave like a brazen predator would its prey, the Caribbean surfer couldn’t seem to keep his feet on his board.
“It was a hard heat, I didn’t choose the good ones, I lost my priority on bad waves and I kept falling,’ Martin said, "but I’m pretty proud to represent my country and place high in this contest.”
The Australian surfers suffered a disappointing finish, toppling at the hands of their international rivals with five equal fifth place finishes.
Their consistency was however rewarded, the team emerging as the overall ratings leaders, ahead of Europe who finished in second and South America who took third on the point standings.
South African surfer Klee Strachan won the Panasonic Expression Session.
[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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