Day Five Results -Olympics of Surfing ISA World Surfing Games

Day five of the 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games started this morning with glassy waves in the chest to head high range for another summer-like day in Huntington Beach. Spectators trickled down to the beach from Main Street, where each nation continued to wave their flags supporting their team members.

Competition was intense through all four heats of the Open Division Qualifying Round 4 as every wave counted toward the final standings for the top 16 competitors. In Heat 2, Luke Stedman of Sydney, Australia posted a combined score of 15.16 when he outsurfed heat leader Gavin Gilette of Hawaii on two strong rides that moved him from fourth to first place. Stedman competed against fellow teammate Julian Wilson who was knocked into Repercharge.

Francisco Bellorin of Venezuela had an interference called on him as he dropped in on Pat O’Connell in the fourth heat. The heat panned out with Armando Daltro of Brazil leading the pack (14.00) followed by Pat O’Connell who anchored the USA team with his trademark long rides.

In Heat 3, three power countries Brazil, Australia and Costa Rica fought for first and second place finishes. In the 20 minute heat, a total of 28 waves were ridden by the four competitors with Brazilian surfer Alejo Muniz riding a maximum of 10 waves, as he took the lead over WCT fixture Tom Whitaker of Australia by posting a 8.5 and 7.73 for the days combined score of 16.23. In true World Surfing Games spirit, Diego Naranjo of Costa Rica served double duty as he slipped into Repercharge in the Open division, ran down the beach and paddled out at the south podium with 14 minutes left on the clock with his next heat. Although small, the south swell offered long lefts which benefited the Longboard division.

“It was my first time longboarding in the World Surfing Games. In the shortboard heats, it was tough being amongst the top 16 guys in the world but conditions were fun today,” Naranjo said of his second position finish in Heat 4. The Costa Rican later made it through Repercharge 2 with a second place score of 10.87.

Phil Rajzman of Brazil (Covered images/Rowland)

2006 Longboard Panamerican Champion, Roberto Meza of Peru showcased his classic riding style gleaming victorious in Repercharge Heat 4 while Phil Rajzman of Brazil earned the days divisional high score with 14.43 for his superlative cutback skills.

Roseanne Hodges of South Africa looked in sync with the ocean as she secured the highest combined score of a 15.83 in the Women’s Qualifying 3. She opened the heat with a score of a 6.5 when she charged down the line and snapped several times off the lip of the wave, earning her several points in front of her competitors. Australia’s Jessie Miley-Dyer, Hawaii’s Bethany Hamilton and USA team member Courtney Conlogue all will advance.

“I was relaxed and wanted to have as much fun as possible,” said Hodges. “Most of the waves are closing out today so it was important to pick the really good waves and ride them as far as you can.”

Uri Valadao of Brazil earned the day’s highest combined score of a 15.26 and the highest single wave score of 8.33 for the Men’s Body Board Qualifying Round 3. Japan, Mexico and Spain were all knocked into Repercharge.

“It was difficult to find good waves today because of the wind. I was further out than the other competitors, found a couple good waves on the outside and was able to pull off a few barrel rolls on both waves,” said Valadao.

Wesley Fischer was supported by his entire South African team from the beach as he pulled a stellar air.

Rep 4 earning first with a 13.33. The day continued with the surprising bump out of Japan’s Hikaru Enokido in Repercharge Round 3.

Lisbeth Vindas strong showing in the past day of competition ended as she was out paddled by USA team member Cara Parsons who earned at 10.67 in Womens Bodyboarding.

Check out the action with live scoring and a live webcast available daily at www.isasurf.org or www.surfingamerica.org/isa. Additionally, photos are available for viewing and free downloading at http://www.isasurf.org/gallery/main.php

Source: International Surfing Association

>> SURF NEWS INDEX <<