Julian Wilson prevail in Round 1 of Billabong Pro Tahiti – 2011 ASP World Tour
The thrilling action featuring the world-class surfers from around the globe continued at Teahupo’o in Taiarapu, Tahiti, with the 12th heat of Round 1 at the fifth stop on Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour, Billabong Pro Tahiti,
on Saturday, August 20.
Australia’s Julian Wilson came up with the most impressive performance during the three-man battle to clinch victory and secure his place in the third round. His compatriot, Josh Kerr, had to settle for runner-up place, while Brazil’s Adriano de Souza finished
third.
Currently sitting No.13 on ASP World Rankings, Wilson faces no pressure as the ASP World Tour approaches the mid-season rotation in September. However, the World Tour sophomore intended to do something more than just keep his place among the elite Top 34
surfers at Tahiti.
As the final heat of Round 1 kicked off, Wilson did not get off to a very confident start. However, he slowly built momentum and by the time the heat reached its half-stage, the Australian sensation locked his first business-wave to score 6.67 points off
it.
After a determined search, Wilson caught a really juicy wave to unleash a Houdini-esque no-hand barrel, collecting a near-perfect 9.83 for the mesmerising move. His heat-total of 16.50 points saw him off to victory.
Talking to a reporter after the event, Wilson said, “There have been 10’s out there all day – you just have to be in the right spot and you have to want them when they come to you. I made some mistakes at the start of the heat, but slowed myself down and
found the right ones in the end. It’s so good to be in Tahiti and the forecast looks amazing.”
The 27-year-old Kerr got an ideal start, collecting 9.07 points off his very first wave. However, he failed to back it up with another strong wave. Earning a 6.77 off his second wave, he finished with a heat-total of 15.84 points.
De Souza had gotten off to a blazing start this season, but seemed to be gradually losing his form. Following a couple of disappointing performances in the recent past, the Brazilian once again got off to a shaky start, this time in Tahiti. Only managing
to earn 4.67 and 5.60 points off his two best waves, he finished with a heat-total of 10.27 points.
Kerr and De Souza will have to make it through the second round successfully to extend their life in the competition.
For updates on Round 2 of Billabong Pro Tahiti, stay tuned to bettor.com
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