In a second consecutive final in two weeks and coming from a runner-up finish in the ASP 6-Star Rio Surf International, Aranburu stepped-up throughout a second week of intense competition to keep his exceptional surfing and tactics to their best and defeat Brazil’s famous Willian Cardoso (BRA) in the final.
“I am very happy,” Aranburu said. “The conditions were very difficult and it was hard to get a good score but I was lucky to find some waves with potential and win the contest.”
Only non-Brazilian athlete in the Semifinals of the event for the second time in a row, Aranburu delivered an impressive performance managing the pressure both in and out of the water with the renowned Brazilian surf fans loudly supporting their favorites.
“My friends always ask me how it works out for me in Brazil,” Aranburu said. “I don’t know, I think that this country is a wonderful place, I love coming here, I have several Brazilian friends. I love Brazilian food, the environment and I feel very comfortable here and when you feel that way things seem to happen naturally.”
Three-time finalist and two-time event winner this year in Brazil, Aranburu added another superb result to his already excellent event history in Brazil, the Zarautz native having won most of his ASP Star Series victories in a country where surfing is one of the most popular sports.
Rocketed to No. 34 on the ASP World Rankings and virtually bringing him closer to a possible ASP Elite re-qualification, Aranburu’s excellent form with only two months remaining on the ASP year has given him great confidence towards a focused and string finish.
A former ASP World title race contender (2008 and 2009), Aranburu is getting closer to a possible return into the newly formatted ASP Top 34 elite contingent. Having performed excellently at several events on the ASP World Tour including a Semifinal at the Billabong Pro Tahiti (3rd in 2009) and the Billabong Pipeline Masters (9th in 2008), Aranburu has already showed he can contend amongst the world’s best.
He will now be looking at securing another series of solid results in the upcoming ASP 6-Star Quiksilver Pro Portugal, ASP Prime Islas Canarias Santa Pro in Europe, and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii.
ASP WORLD RANKINGS EURO TOP 5 UPDATE
No. 14, Michel Bourez (Tahiti, PYF)
No. 17, Jeremy Flores (Capbreton/New Caledonia, FRA)
No. 18, Tiago Pires (Ericeira, PRT)
No. 34, Aritz Aranburu (Zarautz, EUK)
No. 45, Joan Duru (Ondres, FRA)
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