Tube rides were in abundance today although many excellent wave scores included a huge variety of moves with Keramas again delivering the type of high performance platform it is famous for.
The top five seeded surfers at this event have all been eliminated pre semi finals with number one seed Mitch Crews (AUS/Gold Coast) bundled out in his round of 16 heat in a high scoring see-sawing heat against Ty Watson.
Three of the youngest competitors competing here in Wade Carmichael (16 years/AUS/NSW), Thomas Woods (17 years/AUS/Gold Coast) and Beyrick DeVries (17 years/Sth Africa/Durban) were probably the days standouts.
Carmichael surfed a superb quarter final to defeat highly credentialed Garrett Parkes, setting up the win early with an excellent long 9.5 barrel ride.
Parkes resorted to some creative and explosive aerials to fight back and challenge for the win but fell just short.
“Excellent waves out there and I figured getting great barrel’s was the best strategy but it’s tough surfing against Parkes as he’s capable of pulling out huge moves” said Carmichael.
Thomas Woods trailed for most his heat against Sam Lendrum but was able to steal the win in the final minute with an 8.75 ride which included a strong final aerial move while De Vries put in another super polished performance to defeat Sam Wrench.
Ryan Callinan again showed he’ll be extremely hard to beat here if conditions are barrelling tomorrow. Despite riding backhand, Callinan demonstrated impeccable tube sense easily winning his heat against Brent Savage.
Early morning conditions have been great most days and everyone is expecting an epic conclusion to this high quality event tomorrow with competitors re-convening at 6am!
Billabong Pro Junior Asia Quarter Final Results and Draw:
Quarter 1: Wade Carmichael D Garrett Parkes
Quarter 2: Blake Ainsworth D Ty Watson
Still to surf –
Quarter 3: Ryan Callinan V James Woods
Quarter 4: Thomas Woods V Beyrick Des Vries (Sth Africa)
That looks good enough ta drink, man thanks for making me cry !!!!!!!!!!!