| Josh Kerr conquers the Rip Curl MP Classic |
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| Sunday, 31 January 2010 17:10 |
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A champion was crowned today on the final day of the Rip Curl MP Classic presented by Air Asia X at Duranbah Beach. There was no shortage of action on and off the beach as the Rip Curl Surfboard Festival kicked off at Marine Parade Coolangatta in conjunction with the MP Classic. As swell increased for day two of competition so did the surfing performances with competitors raising the level as Australian surfing icon Michael Peterson looked on. Gold Coast surfers continued to dominate in the tricky 1 metre (3 feet) ENE conditions demonstrating local knowledge at their home break highlighting the importance of a win at the most prestigious regional event in Queensland. The final was a star studded affair, leading the charge for the MP Classic crown was 2009 ASP Men’s World Tour surfer Josh Kerr (Tweed Heads, NSW) who threw massive aerial manoeuvres which gave him an early lead in the twenty minute final. The final heat of competition was tightly contested with local ripper Jay Phillips (Fingal Heads, NSW) nipping at Kerr’s heels, although with the ocean not cooperating Phillip’s failed to find a back up score after a massive opening 9.00 point ride. Kerr was to be rewarded the MP Classic Crown for 2010 after nailing another high wave score of 7.90 points which gave him a combined heat score of 16.40 points (8.50 and a 7.90). “I am so happy with this win and the final was really tough.” “I thought Jay was going to get me after his first ride but I was lucky enough to get a good second score and hold on.” “This is such a prestigious event and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Kerr. After the crowning of the 2010 MP Classic champion all the action turned to the Rip Curl Surfboard festival with special activities including talks and shaping demonstrations from World famous surfboard shapers including Darren Handley and Wade Tokoro and an exclusive up close and personal with Rip Curl’s elite team of surfers. The crowd flocked to get a chance to rub shoulders with their surfing idols which included; 2009 ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (Coolangatta, QLD), 2009 ASP Men’s World Champion Mick Fanning (Coolangatta, QLD), 2010 ASP World Tour rookie Owen Wright (Lennox Head, NSW), Sunshine Coast sensation Dean Brady and up and coming shredder Stuart Kennedy (Lennox Head, NSW). The MP Classic and Surfboard Festival presented by Air Asia x and proudly supported by Waeco, XXXX Summer Bright and Connecting Southern Gold Coast was the first event of four on the Queensland Championship Circuit(QCC). For further information regarding the Rip Curl MP Classic presented by Air Asia X visit www.surfingqueensland.com.au or contact Surfing Queensland Event Manager Scott Gillies on 0402 089 854. 2010 Rip Curl MP Classic Final Results 1. Josh Kerr (Tweed Heads, NSW) – 16.40 points
Highest Wave score of the competition – Josh Kerr (Tweed Heads, NSW) – 9.5 points
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