| Wiggoly Dantas conquers the Rip Curl Boardmasters |
| Monday, 11 August 2008 09:32 |
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Wiggoly Dantas (Ubatuba, BRA), 18, won the Rip Curl Boardmasters in association with Relentless today, claiming his maiden ASP World Qualifying Series title in testing four to six foot (1.2 to 2 meter) waves at Fistral Beach after defeating Pablo Paulino (BRA) in a 100% Brazilian final. Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) was the fittest surfer today winning four heats in a row against some of the world's best surfers including WQS Top 25 surfer Leigh Sedley (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS) and David Weare (ZAF) respectively in Round 5, Quarters and Semis, finsihing his run with an impressive 16.40 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) in the final. "I had a great time in England and people were so nice to me all week", Dantas said. "We had great waves at the start and tough ones today but it was always lots of fun. So stoked to get this first title, such a big thing. It is a great confidence boost for the upcoming events." Dantas, who came to Newquay sitting way back in the ratings compared to all the surfers he defeated, was definitely the outsider of the final day. He will move up the ratings from No. 122 into the Top 80 and heads to France confidently. "Pablo (Paulino) surfed so well and I want to congratulate him", Dantas said. "It was one of my dreams to win the event here as I really love the waves and the atmosphere here. I am very happy and I hope things can keep going as good for me." Pablo Paulino (BRA), 2X and reigning ASP World Junior Champion, placed second in the event and secures precious 1750 points for his ASP World Tour qualification quest. Paulino, who is seen as one of Brazil's most promissing surfers towards a possible ASP World title in the future, impressed with his powerful prowesses and tactics in the tricky solid waves. "Things are going well for me so I am still very happy with that second place", Paulino said. "I am slowly get closer to my only goal and dream which is to qualify for the ASP World Tour." Brazil's domination in the Rip Curl Boardmasters was impressive this week and all three representatives who started this morning made it to the semifinals at least, Henrique being the one failing just before the final to Paulino. Pedro Henrique (BRA), 26, posted a solid run in the event including one if the event's top rides with a 9.33 point ride (out of a possible 10) in Round 4. Henrique, who has been on a good roll this year with several big results, was exhausted in his last heat. "I was very tired in that heat and the conditions were tough all day", Henrique said. "I felt like my legs were not responding anymore and I was not able to complete my turns well enough. It's been a great event though and I am alread looking forward to competing in France." Henrique, who came to Newquay after getting a runner-up finish in the ASP WQS 6-Star in Japan last week, secures another solid result that will get him closer to a possible ASP Top 45 inception. "I have had a great year so far and it is so enjoyable", Henrique said. "It has been lots of heats still and it very hard to remain at your best with all the travel inbetween events but I hope I can be 100% fit for Lacanau coming up. So stoked with this year." David Weare (ZAF), 27, a former ASP Top 45 member, was the only non-Brazilian surfer in the Semifinals and got closer to his requalification today clinching valuable 1500 ratings' points that will secure his ASP WQS Top 5 spot firmly. Weare, who posted the highest heat score of the day in a great Quarterfinal clash against Marlon Lipke (DEU), could not get any wave in his semifinal against 18-year-old Dantas and finished with a low 3.73 point heat score (out of a possible 20). "I was just in the wrong spot all heat and could not get any good wave out there", Weare said. "I got far today but just one short to the final, I am still happy with it and congratulations to Wiggoly (Dantas). He surfed a smart heat." Weare, who has had a strong start this year, gets back on the favorites' stage with his equal 3rd result in the Rip Curl Boardmasters and will be a serious contender at all upcoming events including the ASP WQS 6-Star competition starting Tuesday. "It is a good result for me, one of my best four this year so it is definitely good enough", Weare said. "I just hope to get things together and keep going as good in the next events." Marlon Lipke (DEU), 24, was the best European in the event finishing his excellent run in Quarterfinal No. 1 against Weare in an amazing exchange. Lipke, who had Weare way behind him as sevent minutes only remained in the duel, posted two solid 8.83 and 8.57 point rides (both out of a possible 10) but got knocked out in the last seconds. "I did not really know wha was going on out there because the on shore wind was just too strong", Lipke said. "I saw get on that bomb and I knew he could get a huge score, he is such a good surfer and winner here. He got a 9.77 but I was still ahead and then I got that 8.57 and was still not enough after his last wave put him ahead. It is disappointing." Lipke, who came to Newquay rated No. 17 on the ASP WQS international stage, secured valuable 1300 points and climbs up the ratings before attending the ASP WQS 6-Star event coming up in France. "I am not really looking at the ratings and there is nothing really big until I reach my goal which is to qualify for the ASP World Tour", Lipke said. "I have been working hard to get to it and I am looking forward to surfing good and having fun during my heats." Lipke jumps to 5th on the ASP WQS European Series and will be chasing a maiden regional crown this year as well. The ASP Caravan will be back ON Tuesday, August 12, from Lacanau in France. Videos, photos and podcasts through www.aspeurope.com and www.ripcurlboardmasters.com The Rip Curl Boardmasters in association with Relentless was webcast LIVE at www.aspeurope.com
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SEMIFINALS QUARTERFINALS ROUND 5
SOURCE: ASP
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