Big action, big surf start Men’s
6 Star Mr Price Pro Ballito 0
Mr. Price Pro
ASP 6-Star WQS Mens event
ASP 6-Star WQS Womens event
Ballito, KZN South Africa
29 June – 5 July 2009
live coverage
ACTION PACKED START TO MENS MR PRICE PRO BALLITO
KwaZulu- Natal, Ballito — Thrilling rides, spectacular wipeouts, broken surfboards and nail-biting victories were the order of the day as the Men’s 6 Star Mr Price Pro Ballito got underway in a powerful two-meter swell, that lashed the Ballito coastline today.
After a two-day wait for the world’s best to perform in Ballito, spectators were rewarded as the men shone in the Round of 144 at the event’s new mobile home. Stylish Durban surfer Simon Nicholson stood out in the wind ravaged waves, his experience and knowledge of the Ballito break translating into a winning performance, that proved the first of five heat wins for the South African contingent.
“Ballito’s not an easy wave to ride and I’ve been surfing here for over ten years,” said Nicholson. “I didn’t manage to get out in time when the heat started because I got caught by a big set, by the time I got out I was exhausted. I think I just got lucky because I managed to get two long running rights. I tried to put in some decent turns and I got those scores so I was stoked.”
Former Mr Price Pro Champion (2006) Ricky Basnett (Bluff) looked comfortable in the sizey conditions edging out Hawaii’s Torrey Meister with a series of clean carves and a controlled floater. “Conditions are pretty hard today – there’s a lot of swell around, it’s super windy and icy cold,” said the former ASP World Tour campaigner. “There’s a lot of power out there and some good surfing.”
Basnett, South Africa’s only Mr Price Pro Champion since Shaun Thomson’s six year reign in the 1970’s, fell off elite ASP World Tour competition in 2008 and will be looking to emulate his 2006 form on the North Coast this year.
“The change of venue is pretty amazing,” continued Basnett, “It’s similar to the Bluff where I live because it’s got a lot of power to it. Hopefully I can win it, make some money and get back on the ‘QS full time in 2010.
Cape Town’s Brandon Roberts captured a bittersweet victory for South Africa, narrowly advancing ahead of WQS No. 3 Adam Melling (Aus), while eliminating Shane Thorne (Bluff) and Dylan Stone (Port Elizabeth) from the event.
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