14 October 2009, Gianyar-Keramas: Last year’s runner up Marc Lacomare of France is once again in the finals of the $75,000 Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge Final after besting Alejo Muniz (Brazil) in an early morning semi final at Keramas Beach this morning.
In solid 4-5 foot glassy perfection, Lacomare put his previous year’s experience to good use in first downing Brendon Gibbons from South Africa in Quarterfinal 3, then aggressively jumping into the lead in Semifinal 1 against Muniz.
Using big powerful snaps and deep bottom turns on his backhand, Lacomare continued to post higher and higher scores while the previously unstoppable Muniz waited patiently outside with priority, hoping for a large set wave that would deliver him a high scoring barrel ride.
After chasing a couple of barrels that shut down on him, towards the end of the 35 minute heat Muniz eventually slotted into a nice barrel but fell on his turn after exiting, giving up an excellent chance at a high score that would have gotten him within reach of Lacomare.
But time ran out on him and when the horn blew to stop the action for the morning, it is once again Lacomare that will be competing for the coveted $20,000 USD first place cash prize in the final that is expected to take place tomorrow morning.
Muniz was disappointed with his loss, but will still go home with a check for $4,500 USD and the memory of surfing great waves against great competitors in the paradise island of Bali.
The contest got started this morning at 6:00 am in high tide conditions with Quarterfinal’s 3 and 4 being run first, then Semifinal 1. One of the Semifinalists, Sam Wrench from Australia, was not at the contest or even on the island this morning as he apparently thought there would be no competition today as a result of it being the Balinese Hindu ceremony of Galungan.
Therefore, tomorrow’s action will start with Semifinal 2 at approximately 6:00 am with Wrench competing against Kai Barger from Hawaii, and then straight into the Final to complete the contest and declare a champion.
Text and photos: Tim Hain – Coca-Cola ISC Tour
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