| Dramatic knockouts in ASP Oxbow World Longboard Tour in Maldives |
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| Wednesday, 28 October 2009 18:32 |
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High drama in the Maldives today as several ASP World Longboard World Title contenders were knocked out while others advanced through Round 2 of the ASP Oxbow World Longboard Tour event in Maldives, completed in good 1.25 meter (3 to 4 feet) surf. Defending ASP World Longboard Champion, Bonga Perkins (HAW), saw his title defence disappear as a rampaging Ben Skinner (UK) out-manoeuvred and out-surfed the champ. “Bonga (Perkins) is a legend of our sport and I have absolute respect for the guy but I went in confident of winning today,” Skinner said. “I have defeated him recently and out here I feel really well suited to this wave so I knew I could do it. With five minutes remaining, Bonga required a 7.25 to defeat me and while I held priority for the next wave I knew Bonga could score a 9 point ride easily, I simply focused on holding my position and making certain if a great wave came I was on it and not Bonga – It was the longest 5 minutes of my life and fortunately I won!” Current ASP World Longboard Tour ratings’ leader Harley Ingelby kept his 2009 ASP World Longboard Title hopes firmly alive today, taking a solid win over fellow Australian Jared Neal. “I’m not concerned about the results of the other surfers here,” Ingelby said. “I’m just focusing on doing my best, winning each heat as they come up and the world title ratings, they’ll take care of themselves.” Brazil’s Phil Rajzman won the closest heat of the day defeating Taylor Jensen (USA) by just 0.05 of a point on a score line of 14.80 to 14.75. The win by Rajzman keeps the popular Brazilian in world title contention. Late in the day, French surfer Antoine Depero registered the day’s top scoring ride of an 8.75 along with the highest heat score of 15.15 in his big win over Australia’s Josh Constable. With Quarterfinalists now decided and a great outlook for swell and winds tomorrow, the event will likely finish and an ASP World Longboard Champion will be crowned. Still in contention for the 2009 ASP World Longboard Title are Harley Ingelby, Phil Rajzman, Eduardo Bage and Antoine Delpero. The Ingelby vs. Rajzman Quarterfinal tomorrow could very well decide the 2009 ASP World Longboard Title. The event is live on the web and can be accessed via the mini site on the front page at www.aspworldtour.com OXBOW ASP WORLD LONGBOARD TOUR MALDIVES ROUND 2 RESULTS: OXBOW ASP WORLD LONGBOARD TOUR MALDIVES QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
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