After an early strong showing by the Australians on their home ground, it was Brazilian Pablo Paulino who won through at Sydney?s North Narrabeen beach to be crowned the men's World Junior Surfing Champion for a second time and Tonino Benson (Hawaii) who came in as runner-up.
Pablo exhibited the fire and flair so characteristic of Brazilian sportsmen, putting on show-stopping performances right from the very first round and the 2004 ASP World Junior Champion, then blasted through the final to defeat Tonino with a 15.00 total heat score (out of a possible 20.00), thereby equalling World No. 4 Joel Parkinson's two ASP World Junior Title record.
Arguably, Benson was the day's top performer and he posted the only perfect 10.00 point ride of the event, tucking into a deep barrel against Australian wildcard Owen Wright in the Quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the young Hawaiian was defeated tactically in the final and was not given the waves to repeat this performance, only managing a 9.93.
Labels: 2007, 2008, Australia, Junior World Champion, North Narrabeen, surfing, Sydney
Congratulations to South African, Jordy Smith, who has joined an elite list of surfers to win the Men's division of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. In a nail-biting finish to the 30-minute final at Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia , he held off a strong challange from 2003 winner and current Foster?s ASP World Tour number 20, Adriano de Souza from Brazil.
In the Semi-finals:
Semi 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.40 defeated Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.50
Semi 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.80 defeated Mason Ho (HAW) 4.20
And yes, Mason is related to Coco Ho, who also made the semis in the Women's event; they are brother and sister.
The final team result was:
- South America 2774
- Australasia 2486
- Hawaii 2474
- Africa 2432
- Europe 1967
- Japan 1460
- USA 1270
Labels: Adriano de Souza, Coco Ho, Jordy Smith, Junior World Champion, Mason Ho, Matt Wilkinson, men's
