| Bonga Perkins crowned ASP World Longboard champion |
| Monday, 10 November 2008 09:58 |
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The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Longboard Tour (WLT) crowned Bonga Perkins (HAW), 36, the 2008 ASP World Longboard Champion at the Oxbow World Longboard Tour event at San Onofre State Beach over fellow finalist Antoine Delpero (FRA), 23. This year’s title is Perkins’ second ASP World Longboard Championship, with the other win coming in 1996. The Oxbow World Longboard Tour sponsors two ASP WLT events, with the top seed at series’ end claiming the title of ASP World Longboard Champion. The other stop on ASP WLT is held in Anglet, France. Perkins proved to be unstoppable throughout the event’s entirety and defeated Delpero 16.95 to 13.90 in the Final. The 2008 ASP World Longboard Title came down to the wire, with both surfers having to win the event in order to earn longboarding’s top honors, but it was Perkins who jumped out to an early lead in the Final, holding his lead throughout the heat. “I’ve been bridesmaids and thirds and fourths so many times now and I was hoping that my second title would come soon before I bow out,” Perkins said. “I can’t event speak, I’m blown away right now.” Perkins, who entered the Oxbow World Longboard Tour event rated third, issued powerful rail-to-rail surfing throughout the contest, consistently compiling some of the highest heat totals. The Hawaiian did the same in the Final, netting two eight-point rides in the opening minutes of his heat. “I’ve been doing it almost every heat, trying to sneak a couple in and get a couple under my belt, and they ended up being my stronger waves every heat,” Perkins said. “That 30 minute heat felt like a long time. I felt like I was holding my breath.” Despite his amazing performance throughout the contest, Delpero was unable to put a stop to the polished Hawaiian veteran. Delpero’s second place finish at San Onofre State Beach also puts him at No. 2 in the world behind Perkins. “I just could not find a wave in that heat,” Delpero said. “I would have liked to win, but that’s life, that’s competition." Delpero proved why he was rated ASP WLT No. 2 entering the contest, as he was a force to be reckoned with from Round 1. The young Frenchman combined style and grace in all of his heats with massive sweeping cutbacks and long noserides. “I feel good,” said Delpero after his Quarterfinals heat victory. “I’m happy with the way that I surfed in that heat. I feel like that was the first time that I have surfed to my potential in this entire event.” Ned Snow (HAW), 23, who finished equal third at the Oxbow World Longboard Tour, was on fire throughout the contest and was responsible for posting the only perfect 10 point score. Snow defeated the ASP WLT ratings leader entering the Oxbow World Longboard Tour event, Harley Ingleby (AUS), 25, and 2006 ASP World Longboard Champion Josh Constable (AUS) on the way to his Semifinals berth. “I really want to help bring the title back to Hawaii,” Snow said. “That’s where surfing started and I feel like for many years it has been overlooked. With Bonga (Perkins) still going and myself, I wanted to help him bring the title back to Hawaii.” Alex Salazar (BRA), 48, who was also a standout throughout the event, ousted top performers such as Joe Aaron (USA) 17, and Matthew Moir (ZAF), 31, on the way to his Semifinals finish. Unfortunately for Salazar, he was unable top Delpero in the Semifinals. “This event means so much to me.” Salazar said. “This contest is really important to my whole country and I’m glad I could compete in it.” The Oxbow World Longboard Tour event at San Onofre State Beach marked the last event for the 2008 ASP WLT and the Oxbow World Longboard Tour will be back again in 2009. For all of the event’s photos and news log on to www.oxbowpro.com For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com Oxbow World Longboard Tour Final Results: Oxbow World Longboard Tour Semifinals Results: Oxbow World Longboard Tour Quarterfinals Results: Oxbow World Longboard Tour Round 4 Results:
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