ASP Prime Status Awarded to 2010 US Open of Surfing

ASP International has awarded Prime status to this year's U.S. Open of Surfing presented by Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse at Huntington Beach.

The ASP Technical Committee, comprised of representatives from the surfers, judges, events and ASP administrators, confirmed the awarding of ASP Prime status to the event based on a variety of factors including: increase to a US $250,000 prize purse for the men, web quality, site infrastructure, marketability of the event, history and prestige of the event, the inclusion of a women's ASP Star event, etc.

Hurley Pro 2009© 2010 - ASP/CI/ROWLAND

"The U.S. Open of Surfing is one of professional surfing's longest-running and most prestigious events", Brodie Carr, ASP Intl CEO said. "The history that pumps through the sands of Huntington Beach is like nothing on earth and Nike, Inc. has stepped up in a major way to provide the surfers, the fans and the sport a landmark event in the heart of the surfing industry. We're thrilled to announce the awarding of ASP Prime status to the 2010 U.S. Open of Surfing and hope the swell delivers once again this season."

"IMG has worked diligently to maintain the 50 year tradition and integrity of the U.S. Open of Surfing while building this 'major' event into a world-class forum for the industry, competitors and consumers," said James Leitz, Senior Vice President of IMG Action Sports. "We're pleased that the ASP has taken into account the far-reaching impact the U.S. Open has on the sport of surfing in awarding the ASP Prime status."

Brett Simpson (USA), 25, defending U.S. Open winner and 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie, posted the biggest win of his young career at home in Huntington Beach last season, and the awarding of ASP Prime status to this season's event has the progressive natural-footer fired up for a repeat performance.

"I couldn't be happier", Simpson said. "It's a huge addition to this year's high class ASP Prime series. It always turns out to be one of the more dramatic events of the year, and the addition of ASP Prime status is indicative of the prestige and audience numbers surrounding the event. The top surfers come to Surf City in the prime time of summer as they battle it out in the biggest arena on the globe. Home sweet home!"

The event is owned and produced by IMG Action Sports, a division of IMG Worldwide the premier global sports, entertainment and media company. The U.S. Open of Surfing pres. by Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse will run from August 2-8, 2010 at Huntington Beach in California.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com and www.aspnorthamerica.org

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