HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, June 28, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America Pro Junior Series kicked off the ASP Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s Surfboards in peaky two-foot (1 metre) conditions at South Huntington Beach Pier and saw a barrage of up-and-coming talent battle for the heightened points available at the premier event.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure’s ASP Grade-4 status makes the event the most critical stop on all surfers’ campaigns in qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia. All surfers on the ASP North American Pro Junior Series are looking to compile their best four results throughout the year in an attempt to finish within the top three on the ratings to earn their spot in the coveted event.

Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 15, convincingly won two heats today over the tough international competition at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure despite the drastic change in conditions from his low-tide morning heat to his high tide afternoon heat which had a gusty north wind. Andino’s combined heat totals of 16.50 and 15.40, both out of 20, saw him advance into the Round of 32 where he will face the event’s top seeds.

“I’m stoked to have two good heats out here,” Andino said. “Each heat gets harder and even though the conditions are worse overall, when you get a good one, I think they’re actually better. They’re bigger and fuller on the higher tide and this morning it was pretty dead on the low tide.”

The young San Clemente standout is hoping he can carry his early round momentum through to the Round of 32, where he has struggled to advance in the past.

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New York, New York — The iconic Vanity Fair publication has been a staple in the American publishing community. Covering a variety of cultural topics ranging from Watergate to the Academy Awards, Vanity Fair has also served as the vessel for shooter-to-the-stars Annie Leibovitz’s portraits of mega-celebs such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise and so on.

Now, the publication has set its mega-scotlight onto the next generation of women’s surfing and lo and behold, several members of the ASP Top 17 are gracing the historic pages. This…is their story…

For full photo shoot, check out Vanity Fair’s ’Girls of Surfing’

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Veteran ASP World Tour surfers Cory Lopez (USA) and Travis Logie (South Africa) conquered the windswept conditions as the final 24 surfers were decided at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME rated six star World Qualifying Series (WQS) Sri Lankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives today.

Today’s strong cross shore winds actually made the waves super high performance and excellent scores were plentiful throughout the day with the point break wave providing multiple powerful sections for surfers to perform big manoeuvres.

Cory Lopez, (USA/Florida) lead the experienced surfers charge as the 32 year old progressed in second place in the opening round three heat behind fellow USA surfer Pat Gudauskas (Cal).

“ I’m feeling good after that heat and now I’m into the final 24 surfers in this event it is starting to get exciting” said Lopez.

“I’ve had 18 months away from full time competition but just maybe I’m looking at requalification” he added.

“ I’ve already entered the coming five major ASP WQS events and I’ll assess my situation as I go.”

Travis Logie (South Africa) was full of excitement after his impressive heat win today where he comprehensively defeated Jadson Andre (Brazil) who advanced in 2nd place.

The 30 year old Durban based surfer has struggled with injury over the past two years but is now fit and focused on requalifying on the ASP world tour.

“It’s been a tough two seasons for me with a knee injury but I’m back now fully fit, stronger than ever, surfing better than ever and ready to get back to the highest level” said Logie.

“These are fantastic waves even with the strong winds and I’m really looking forward to my coming heats.”

At the other end of the scale exciting emerging star Owen Wright (AUS) won through to the final 24 displaying his typical progressive surfing style.

In contrast to last year when Hawaiian surfers dominated, many were eliminated today however Tonino Benson (Kailua/Hawaii) dominated his heat posting the events top scoring ride of a 9.43 and the events top heat tally to date of 17.10.

Late in the day Jean Da Silva (BRA) and Leigh Sedley (AUS) both won their heats and with solid swells pulsing on dusk the scene is set for some fantastic surfing tomorrow.

Follow this event live at http://www.srilankanairlinespro.com/

Round four draw when event resumes tomorrow:

Heat 1: Pat Gudauskas (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA)
Heat 2: Cory Lopez (USA), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Tonino Benson (HAW)
Heat 3: Yadin Nichol (AUS), Travis Logie (ZAF), Shaun Gossman (AUS)
Heat 4: Romaine Cloitre (FRA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Brian Toth (PRI)
Heat 5: Heitor Alves (BRA), Owen Wright (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA)
Heat 6: Blake Thornton (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 7: Austin Ware (USA), Jean da Silva (BRA), Jonathon Gonzales (CNY)
Heat 8: Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Drew Courtney (AUS), Leigh Sedley (AUS)

SriLankan Airlines Pro 2009 is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: SriLankan Airlines, John Keells Group, Chaaya Island – Dhonveli, Atoll Travel, Atoll Adventures, Ocean & Earth International, Dhiraagu, Maldives Tourism & Promotions Board, ASP Australasia.

ASP Australasia as the event managers will deliver a quality live Webcast along with Television News Feeds, complimentary Digital Images for newspapers and websites, Web highlight packages and a dedicated 30 minute international television program.

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