EL GRINGO, Arica / Chile (Saturday, Jun 16, 2012) - The remaining heats in the Round of 16 were completed at the ASP 3-Star Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour under challenging conditions with waves breaking in the 3-4 foot range (1-1.5 meters) at El Gringo in Arica, Chile.
The highlight of the day was provided by Hawaiian surfer, Eala Stewart, who scored a 9.0 (out of 10) on his best barrel-ride of the day, in addition to scoring the day’s highest heat wave total of a 15.75 (out of 20). Stewart qualified directly into the Quarter-Finals where he will face Manuel Selman (CHL).
?I’m so happy to win that heat and get into the Quarters Finals,? said Stewart. ?This is my best result so far in an ASP event and I’m really pleased. The waves got a little smaller today (Saturday), but they’re still really good. I voted to continue with the event today, but I respect the majority’s decision to hold off the competition until tomorrow.?
The initial schedule was for the completion of the Quarter-Finals, but with deteriorating conditions, the remaining eight competitors were brought together to vote on whether to continue with the event, but with a favorable forecast in store, the decision was made to conclude the Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour tomorrow.
Another surfer that continued to show his prowess in tubular waves was former ASP World Tour competitor, Paulo Moura (BRA). Moura was also able to qualify into the Quarter-Finals in a close battle over Cristian Merello (CHL).
?I’m so stoked, even though my hands are full of holes from the sea urchins,? said Moura. ?It was the result of a wave that I finished off right on the rocks. But, I guess its part of the conditions here, which I think is really special in all aspects. I thought I had lost the heat, but I was able to turn things around on that last wave right at the end of the heat.?
The Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour will finish off tomorrow where the winner will take home U$8,000 dollars and 750 World Ranking points. Heat 1 of the Quarter-Finals will see young Brazilian, Ian Gouveia against Lucas Santamaria (ARG). The first call is set for 8am (local time).
Upcoming Quarterfinals Heats:
Heat 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) x Lucas Santamaria (ARG) Heat 2: tManuel Selman (CHL) x Eala Stewart (HAW) Heat 3: Camilo Hernandez (CHL) x Cristian Merello (CHL) Heat 4: Anthony Walsh (AUS) x Paulo Moura (BRA)
