Mitch Crews (Red), and Mikey Wright (White) on the winner’s stage at the Quiksilver Open Japan.
Tsurigasaki Beach, Ichinomiya, Chosei, Chiba/JAPAN -（Sunday, June 2nd, 2013) - The 2013 ASP Japan Men’s ASP 4-Star event, the largest surfing event in Japan the QUIKSILVER OPEN JAPAN finished with an action packed final day today and crowned the champion for the 2013 edition at Tsurigasaki Beach, Ichinomiya, Chosei, Chiba.
The waves at Tsurigasaki Beach today were 3 to 5 foot (2 meters) with wind affected conditions with improved weather. The Australian surfers dominated the final day securing all four Semifinal positions. But the last man standing was Gold Coast up-and-comer Micth Crews (Currumbin, QLD/AUS) who was by far the event’s top performer after consistently posting scores in the excellent range including a perfect 10-point-ride.
“I’m frothing!” said Crews. “I feel like I’ve done a bunch of these events and made a lot of Finals and Semis and Quarters and to finally win one feel so nice. Japan is epic! I went there when I was 18 and had an awesome time, you can fly direct from the Gold Coast and I thought I’d go over and have some fun and I ended up winning the thing. It’s a big confidence boost, I won a little event at home and now I won the event in Japan. It’s showing my hard work and training out of the water is paying off. I’m going to Mexico in two weeks and then South Africa for couple of bigger competitions so hopefully I can keep it going and qualify for the ASP World Championship Tour.”
Michael Wright (AUS), 16, who divides his home time between homes at Lennox Head and Gerringong on the South Coast, finished runner-up to Crews posting the biggest breakthrough performance of the event, after making the final of his first ever ASP World Tour event. Wright has surfing success in his blood as he’s the youngest sibling in the Wright surfing clan with older brother and sister Owen and Tyler both competing on the elite ASP World Championship Tours.
“I had such a great day!” said Wright. “I can’t complain with second, just to make the final in my first ever ASP Star event makes me so happy. Thanks to my support team and a massive congrats to Mitch Crews.”
North Narrabeen pair Cooper Chapman (AUS) and Davey Cathels (AUS) both finished equal third after being eliminated in the Semifinals.
2013 QUIKSILVER OPEN JAPAN champion Mitch Crews now has 3622 ASP World Ranking points and currently No.37 in the world well within sights to qualification.
QUIKSILVER OPEN JAPAN 2013 FINAL RESULTS:
1st, 1000Pts, U$15,000: Mitch Crews AUS
2nd, 750Pts, U$7,500: Michael Wright AUS
3rd place, 563Pts, U$4,250: Cooper Chapman AUS; Davey Cathels AUS
QUIKSILVER OPEN JAPAN was broadcasted live via internet from the official web page as well as videos on demands.
