Flores Last European in Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
CAPBRETON, France (Friday, July 11, 2008) - Jeremy Flores (FRA) was the only one of three European surfers in the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay to advance through to Round 3 today, after defeating South African ASP Top 45 member Ricky Basnett (ZAF). Flores, who put on a solid performance in the excellent three to five (1 to 1.5 meter) waves to avoid an early elimination, opened the encounter with an 8.00 point ride (out of a possible 10) before securing his Round 3 qualification with another good 7.67 point wave (out of a possible 10).
Jeremy Flores (FRA), 2007 ASP Rookie of the Year, was relegated to Round 2 after placing second in his Round 1 heat against Royden Bryson (ZAF) and Californian Chris Ward (USA). Flores, 20, who did not shine during the South Pacific leg where he got an equal 33rd and an equal 17th, will be looking forward to advancing again when competition resumes.
Miky Picon (FRA) and Tiago Pires (PRT) were both eliminated from the Billabong Pro today, getting an equal 33rd place finish.
Picon, who was ranked No. 23 in the world before this event, has never been at ease on the long fast righthanders of Supertubes being a goofyfooter and was defeated by Chris Ward (USA) in the last heat of the day.
Pires, who had a tough start as an ASP Top 45 rookie in Australia, stepped up with solid performances in the South Pacific leg and was much expected at Jeffreys Bay, a surf location very similar to his home town of Ericeira. Pires was eliminated by Dayyan Neve (AUS) despite surfing well and finishing with a good 14.50 point heat tally (out of a possible 20).
Aritz Aranburu (EUK), fourth ASP World Tour European this year who missed the two first events of the year due a knee injury, pulled out from the event a week ago and did not paddle out. Aranburu, 22, who has only surfed two events this year on the Dreamtour, hopes to be fit and ready for a possible comeback when the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) hit Europe this summer.
BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY
Upcoming Heat Round 3, Heat 16: Jeremy Flores (FRA) Vs Chris Ward (USA)
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