Jun Shiiba emerges triumphant in Round 1 heat at Murasaki Quiksilver Jeju Open of Surfing
Japanese surfer Jun Shiiba made his way through into the second round (Round of 16) at the inaugural Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 2-Star Murasaki Quiksilver Jeju Open of Surfing after putting on an impressive performance to clinch victory in the third heat of Round 1 (Round of 32) that continued at Jungmun Beach in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, on Friday, June 15.
Japan’s Arashi Kato accompanied Shiiba into the next round of the competition after managing to secure runner-up position. Their compatriot Tatsuya Fukagawa was unable to extend his life in the competition after having to settle for a third-place finish.
Turning its focus to Korea for the first time in history, the ASP’s decision to sanction an event at Jeju Island proved right indeed. Despite its infancy status, the ASP 2-Star event had attracted a large number of surfing talent from around the globe. The appeal of the $US5, 000 prize money and 500 ASP ranking points had brought in both the local as well as international up-and coming talent.
With the opening day of the competition taking place underway sunny sky and in waves that lay within the one-to-three foot range, the day promised to be an exciting one indeed. A large crowd had gathered at Jungmun Beach to enjoy the action and cheer for their favourite surfer in the lot.
The third heat featured Shiiba, Kato and Fukagawa in a three-man bout for the Round 2 spot.
As the battle got underway, Shiiba got off to a confident and energetic start. Taking very little time to find his rhythm, he paddled towards a juicy wave and unleashed a flurry of tricks on it to earn a 7.50 from the judges. Keeping the momentum going, he managed to add an additional 6.65 points to his account. The resultant heat-total of 14.15 points remained unbeatable and served to take him through into the next round.
Kato was successful in extending his life in the event as well after scoring a 5.70 and 6.80 off his best-two waves for a heat-total of 12.50 points, which served to put him in runner-up place.
Fukagawa finished with a heat-total of 10.40 points, comprising of a 5.10 and 5.30-point wave, which resulted in his early removal from the race for the event title.
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