The race for number 2 took an interesting turn today as an on-fire Bede Durbidge (AUS) fought through to handily win the Final of the 2008 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro. Bede destroyed young Fronchie star, Jeremy Flores in the finals, who put up a valient fight in the windy, sideshore, head high to overhead conditions. Event favorite, Taj Burrow (AUS) bowed out in 9th place to a very in-form Miky Picon (FRA).
On his way to number one, Bede won his Round 1 heat over Damien Hobgood (USA) and wildcard, Raoni Monteiro (BRA); Round 3 over Brazilian wildcard, Alejo Muniz; Round 4 over Damien Hobgood in a rematch of their Round 1 heat; Brazilian wildcard, Bernardo Miranda in the Quarterfinals; and Fred Patacchia (HAW) in the Semifinals. Jeremy Flores’ runner-up finish had him win his Round 1 heat over Tiago Pires (PRT) and Brazilian wildcard, Peterson Rosa; Round 3 over Brazilian wildcard, Marcio Farney; Round 4 over Ben Bourgeois (USA); Quarterfinals over Leonardo Neves (BRA); and fellow Fronchie, Miky Picon in the Semifinals.
Other big winners on Sunday were Fronchie, Miky Picon, whose third place finish was his highest ranking in an event to date, and Hawaiian, Fred Patacchia, who will see his ranking jump a bit from his current World Tour number 15. Daniel Ross (AUS) posted his strongest result to date, with a 5th place finish, which should see his ranking climb considerably from 42nd. The same is true for Leonardo Neves (BRA), whose 5th place will see him climb from 39th. Brazilian, Heitor Alves’ career high 5th place finish will push him into the safe zone of the top 27 from his current number 29. Damien Hobgood (USA) bowed out at 9th, but will likely see his ranking rise from 30th into the safety of the top 27.
Not as lucky was World Tour number 37, Ben Bourgeois (USA), whose 9th place finish in Brazil will do little to help his faltering World Tour comeback. Fortunately for Ben, his manager Greg Renfroe tells us that he has a life beyond the tour, should he fail to requalify, as his sponsors are keen to see him show off his uncanny surfing ability and smooth style as a freesurfer.
Tune in to the event website for all of the photos, videos and heat sheets. And, stay tuned to dailystoke for an ASP World Tour rankings update.
http://www.hangloose.com.br/wct2008/en/index.php
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