Australia’s Joel Parkinson will surely be finding it really hard to get some sleep at night these days, with only days left before he begins his title defence at the opening event of the 2013 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship
Tour, Quiksilver Pro Gold Coat, which is all set to kick-off at Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia, this Saturday, March 2.
The 31-year-old Australian was up against some serious competition, which comprised of the likes of 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater, as well as Australia’s Mick Fanning and Taj Burrow.
With the tour taking the world’s best surfers across the globe to take each other on in a series of battles of skills and wits, only the most consistent performers manages to take home the most coveted and prestigious honour in the sport, the ASP World Title.
Parkinson had been nothing short of superb as he put on one exquisite performance after another during the course of the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour to eventually claim the throne.
However, things are not going to be any easy for the reigning champion as he is about to share the waves with Slater, Fanning, Burrow, Brazil’s Adriano de Souza, Hawaii’s John John Florence and other surfers that will be participating in the elite tour.
Rather than feeling the pressure, Parkinson is really looking forward to begin his title defence and surf against the best in the business.
“Winning the title has definitely removed a big amount of pressure for me,” Parkinson said. “I feel great now and loose and ready for the season. I’m healthy and keen to surf at 110% every wave and every heat.”
His form is great, something he proved during the ASP 6-Star rated Burton Toyota Pro at Merewether Beach less than a week ago.
While there was plenty of talent in the recently concluded event, Parkinson will find himself putting far more effort and thinking far too much as he takes on his fellow countryperson Matt Wilkinson and an event wildcard in the opening round of Quiksilver
Pro Gold Coast.
Parkinson is a clear favourite at the Australian stop of the ASP World Championship Tour, though the reigning champion would hardly have anything but the most humble opinion about his chances of clinching the win.
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