Canning, Emslie shine in big surf
11 April 2003
South African surfers, Paul Canning of Durban and Greg Emslie of East London, dominated the sixth-round of the prime rated Salomon Masters 6-Star World Qualifying Series (WQS) event in massive, three-metre, storm-like conditions. 11 heats of round six were completed, but gale force onshore winds and a further swell increase ultimately led to the postponement of further action.
Former WCT surfers Canning and Emslie both dominated their first heats. Canning, who says Margaret's is one of his favourite stops on the world tour, has reflected this fact by his many superb performances over the years at the famed venue. He progressed alongside Hawaiian Roy Powers, and together they'll challenge world number-seven Kieren Perrow (Aus) and Tim Curran (USA) next.
"I just got into rhythm," said Canning. "I rode a longer board and it felt really nice out there. We surf a lot of really big onshore days like this in South Africa and I've surfed a lot of heats
out here in conditions like
this and always seem to do well."
Former WCT surfer Russell Winter (UK) appeared at home in the wild and woolly surf, collecting two eight-plus scores for the day's highest combined total of 16.4-points. Despite being a combination of scores behind, Spain's Pablo Gutierrez also advanced to tomorrow's round of 64.
Californian brothers Gavin and Shane Beschen, who now live at Sunset Beach, Hawaii, both earned respective wins. Gavin progressed with WCT surfer Phil MacDonald (Aus), while former world number-two Shane posted two great scores to easily continue alongside Joao Gutemberg (Brz).
Brazilians Marcelo Trekinho, Bruno Santos and Leonardo Neves all posted heat wins. Neves, from Saquarema to the north of Rio de Janeiro, credited similar conditions at his home break for his advantage.
Joel Fitzgerald posted Australia's only win following two seven-plus rides in the day's final heat. The powerful goofy footer advanced with good
friend and fellow Narrabeen surfer Christo Hall, who earned an 8.83 first ride, but was unable to back this up with another substantial score.
Bobby Martinez (USA) posted the day's best single score for 9-points.The 20-year-old Californian advanced with Andy King (Aus), and together will now meet Australian World Championship Tour (WCT) surfers Nathan Hedge and Toby Martin.
(Source: ASP Africa)
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