Jean Da Silva advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Mahalo Eco Festival.
ITACARE, Bahia / Brazil (Friday, Oct, 18, 2013) - Competition continued for the fourth consecutive day at the ASP 4-Star Mahalo Surf Eco Festival presented by Skol at Praia da Tiririca in Itacare, Brazil. Fair conditions with moderate winds and waves in the 2-3 foot range (1 meter) were maintained throughout the day. The initial 128 athletes that started the competition have dwindled down to the remaining 8 Quarterfinalists that will battle for essential ASP World Ranking points and a portion of the U$95,000 in prize money.
Krystian Kymerson (BRA) continued his outstanding week-long performance by boosting a full rotation aerial to earn the day’s highest single-wave score of an 8.33 (out of a possible 10 points) from the judges. Kymerson, who is defending his title at the Mahalo Surf Eco Festival, is focused on repeating his victory once again.
“It feels great to have found that good righthander and land that air at the beginning of the heat,” said Krystian Kymerson. “Now I’m relaxed and I’m going to give it my all tomorrow (Saturday) and will try to win the event again.”
Halley Batista (BRA) and Victor Bernardo (BRA) also advanced into the Quarterfinals by defeating Kanoa Igarashi (USA) and local favorite Bino Lopes (BRA) in Heat 3 of the Round of 16.
“That was such a tough heat,” said Halley Batista. “Everyone has been surfing so well all week, but I was able to throw that big layback snap that made the difference in my heat. Tomorrow the heats will be in a man-on-man format and I hope to reach my goal and make it to the final.”
Showing a fluid style and committed turns, Jean da Silva (BRA) has been obtaining 8-plus scores all week long and had guaranteed his spot in the last day of competition.
“I’ve just been trying to do my job out in the water, searching for the right waves and concentrating on my heats,” said Jean da Silva. “Although conditions are difficult, I was able to find that good left and get the scores to win my heat. I’m stoked to make it this far in the event and will try to use my experience in the two-man heats tomorrow. Everyone remaining has been surfing so good, so I think whoever finds the best waves is going to come out on top.”
Local surfer Alandreson Martins (BRA) had the crowd on their feet beach as he took down ex-WCT surfer Heitor Alves (BRA) in his first heat of the day and continued his torrid pace as he advanced into the final day of competition alongside Artur Silva (BRA) by defeating Ian Gouveia (BRA) and Dylan Lightfoot (ZAF) in Heat 2 of the Round of 16.
“I’m so happy and so thankful for being in this position,” exclaimed Alandreson Martins. “The waves were tough to find today (Friday), but I was lucky enough to win my heat and make it to the man-on-man part of the event, which is a format that I enjoy. I’m hoping for the best, but of course I’d love to win this event here at home and at the beach where I learned how to surf.”
A call is set for 10 am (local time) on Saturday for the final day of competition. Jean da Silva will be faced up against Artur Silva in Heat 1 of the Quarterfinals.
The Mahalo Surf Eco Festival presented by Skol is produced by Dende Produções and sponsored by Mahalo, Petrobras, Bahiatursa and the City of Itacaré and is supported by Backdoor, the Tourism Institute of Itacaré, the Bahia Surf Federation and the Itacaré Surf Association. The event is approved by the ASP South America as a 4-Star event and is transmitted live on the internet: www.surfecofestival.com.br
