Adriano de Souza becomes highlight of 2011 Oakley Saquarema Surf Pro International press conference
The press conference of the 2011 Oakley Saquarema Surf Pro International, fourth Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime event of the year, was held at the primary event site, Itauna beach, in Saquarema, a town in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
on Tuesday, May 24th.
Quite a few of the event’s 96 participants were present at the press conference to talk about their expectations in the event, along with various other factors related to it. However, it was Brazil’s Adriano de Souza who received the maximum attention from
the media.
The 24-year-old Brazilian has found himself in limelight for over a month now, ever since eliminating America’s Kelly Slater in the quarter-finals of the Rip Curl Pro, the second stop of 2011 ASP Men’s World Tour, at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia. Media
has been focusing even more on him ever since his victory in the recently concluded ASP World Tour event, Billabong Rio Pro, at Barra de Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro. The win had allowed him to replace Slater on the top in ASP World Tour rankings.
Talking about his expectations in the latest ASP Prime event on Tuesday, De Souza said, “The last time I was here was six years ago. I know about the city’s history and the wave here at Itauna which is one of the best in Brazil. It’s going to be a great
event and I’ve got high expectations. I’m coming off of a great week at Barra da Tijuca and I’m going to try my best here too.”
The reporters did not miss on the chance to bring up his victory in Billabong Rio Pro and becoming number one in the ASP rankings. When asked how he felt about it, De Souza said it was the best feeling in the world and he still finds it hard to believe that
he won the event. He had dreamt about shining at Darra de Tijuca for a long time and his dream has finally become a reality. However, he is now focused on the ASP Prime event and giving his best in it.
Talking to the media during the press conference, Brazilian surfer and contender for the 2011 ASP World Tour title, Jadson Andre, commented on the ASP Prime event and the surfing conditions at Itauna beach.
“It couldn’t be more fair or well deserved for this event to turn Prime,” said Andre. “Saquarema has some of the best waves in Brazil and in the last two years, it has been one of the best events that I’ve competed in. Whoever wins here is going to earn
crucial rating points, so the fight for the title is going to be good.”
The Oakley Saquarema Surf Pro International is currently on hold due to unsuitable surfing conditions at Itauna beach.
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