Subsequent changes at Itauna Beach forced athletes to face challenging conditions at the 2014 ASP Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Powerade. Rain, strong onshore winds and waves in the 4-6 foot range (1.5-2 metres) were on hand as the Quarterfinalists were decided for the first Prime event of the ASP South America Series.
Adriano de Souza continued his rampage at the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime.
Adriano de Souza (BRA), who sits atop the standings on the ASP Qualification Series (QS), led the charge for the Brazilians as he guaranteed himself a spot in the Quarterfinals.
“I had a hard heat against Tomas Hermes (BRA) in Round of 16, and I was able to find some good enough ones to make it through,” De Souza said. “I’ve been facing Brazilians in every heat, and things won’t be any different against Jadson Andre (BRA) in the Quarters, but it’ll be an honor to surf against him.”
New Zealander Billy Stairmand progressing through Round 5.
Billy Stairmand (NZL) caused the upset of the day by eliminating local favorite and WCT competitor Raoni Monteiro (BRA) by a score of 12.43 to 11.74 respectively.
“I’m so happy to be amongst the best surfers here,” claimed Stairmand. “Raoni Monteiro is a local legend here and has so much support from the crowd and that is unbelievable.”
Hawaii’s Keanu Asing toppled Brazilian favorite Filipe Toledo in Round 5.
Another upset of the day came when standout performer, Filipe Toledo (BRA) was brought down by an in-form Keanu Asing (HAW) by a score of 12.13 to 11.54 in their heat.
“It was such a difficult heat against Filipe because he is so hard to beat,” said Keanu Asing. “I arrived at the beach early today (Saturday) and watched the ocean and tried to imagine how I could defeat him.”
Charly Martin making a charge up the rankings with his performance in Saquarema.
Standings have been altered once again after today’s results at the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime. Charles Martin (GLP) was catapulted up to second place on the QS ranking. Ricardo Chirstie (NZL) also moved up a few positions into ninth place after his victory over Nic Von Rupp (PRT). Only the top 10 surfers on the QS will qualify for the 2015 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour.
The 2014 ASP Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Powerade is brought to you by the Brazilian Association of Surfing Professionals (ABRASP) and sponsored by the State of Rio de Janeiro, the City of Saquarema, Powerade, Quiksilver, Peugeot and Barra GR Hygiene and Cleaning and is supported by CCR Via Lagos, the Rio de Janeiro Surf Federation (FESERJ) and the Saquarema Surf Association (ASS). The event is promoted by the ASP South America as the first 2014 ASP World Prime event and offers U$ 250,000 in prize money and 6,500 points towards the ASP Qualifying Series ranking.
