KERAMAS, Bali/Indonesia (Wednesday, October 10, 2012) – The 2012 Oakley ASP World Junior Championships Bali relocated to the other side of the island and set-up at Keramas for Round 2, 3, Quarterfinals and the Semifinals of the Women’s draw today. There were some long lulls in-between sets, but it was well worth the wait with 3 to 4 foot (1.5 – 2 meter) beautiful waves on offer. After a long day of surf action there are only two women left in the event vying to be crowned ASP Women’s World Junior Champion.
Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) used her sharp backhand attack to advance to the Final defeating reigning ASP Women’s World Junior Champion Leila Hurst (HAW) and New Yorker Quincy Davis (USA). Buitendag, who has qualified for next year’s ASP Women’s World Championship Tour is in red hot form and has posted solid scores throughout the entire event.
“I can’t believe I’ve made it this far,” Buitendag said. “I’ve had a good event so far and now I’m focused on the Final. I grew up surfing on my backhand so I’m super comfortable going right out here. This is such a great contest, all the girls are surfing amazing. I’ve had some really tough heats, I’m just glad that I’ve been able to post some big scores.”
Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) eliminated fellow Australian and last year’s Oakley World Pro Junior runner-up Philippa Anderson (AUS) in a back and forth battle. Van Dijk will now face Buitendag in Final, the pair have had a number of battles at ASP 6-Star events throughout the year so the stage has been set for an epic Final duel.
“I’m so excited!” Van Dijk said. “It’s been such a great day. Getting to surf Keramas with just one other girl has been so much fun. I can’t believe I’m in the Final and have a 50/50 chance of winning the ASP World Junior Championships. If you told me this would happen at the start of the year I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Quincy Davis (USA) advanced to the Semifinals over Mahina Maeda (HAW) with some last minute heroics, but was unable to get past Buitendag in their Semifinal bout. Davis is the highest placed American surfer, finishing equal 3rd in the Oakley ASP World Junior Championships Bali.
“This event has been a great learning experience for me,” Davis said. “I lost in Round 3 at this contest last year, so it feels amazing to have made the Semifinals.”
The Oakley ASP World Junior Championships Bali will run from October 6 – 17. For LIVE webcast, event videos and more check www.oakleyprojunior.com.
UPCOMING OAKLEY ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS WOMEN’S FINAL:
Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
OAKLEY ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS WOMEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS: SF 1: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 15.60 def. Quincy Davis (USA) 13.94 SF 2: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 14.17 def. Philippa Anderson (AUS) 11.17
