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Weare, Canning solid Down Under
14 April 2003
Former world number two surfer Mick Campbell won the Six-star rated Salomon Masters at Margaret River in Australia, while South Africa’s best finishers were David Weare and Paul Canning. The Durbanites shared 17th-place, earning themselves $1 700 each.
Greg Emslie shared 33rd position, while Shaun Gossman (now living in Australia) ended in tie for 49th. Royden Bryson shared 97th, Simon Nicholson and Llewellyn Whittaker tied in 113th place, Daniel Redman finished 129th, Kevin Olsen was equal 145th and Ricky Basnett finished in tie for 209th place.
Campbell, who last won an event over two years ago, paddled out for the 30-minute decider confident following his commanding semi-final victory. The 28-year-old then established an early lead, with the final's best single score of eight points among his total before 10-minutes had elapsed. While all three other finalists remained within striking range throughout, the goofy footer's precise forehand snaps
and searing cutbacks ultimately earned him $15 000 and pushed him up into third position on the current World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings.
"I feel really good," said Campbell afterwards. "It's been a long while and it was tough all week out there. It was really big one day with 15 foot (five metre) sets, so it's good to come through it and win finally.”
"Margaret River is one of the most special places in Australia," he added. "A great little surf town and it opens its arms to the all pro surfers every year, so we're lucky to have it on tour. It's great."
Californian Shane Beschen, also a former world number two, proved Campbell's biggest threat. The 31-year-old picked off the final's first wave and gave it a solid backhand bash, but still required an additional ride, worth 6.18-points, for the majority. Despite catching a good wave toward the end, it didn't allow enough and he was forced to settle for second place. Still, the result takes him to runner-up
position on the current WQS ratings and goes a long way to securing his World Championship Tour (WCT) re-qualification.
(Source: ASP Africa)
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David Weare enjoyed a strong outing in the Salomon Masters, finishing in a tie for 17th alongside fellow Durbanite Paul Canning. |
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