There’s been little going on in Europe of late, so check out this little chunk ‘o’ news from Chile, courtesy of the ASP…

ARICA, Chile (Saturday, June 6, 2009) – Smiles were everywhere and the happy atmosphere that we saw in the closing ceremony shows, without a doubt, the level of happiness and thankfulness of the surfers that participated in the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 3-Star Rusty Arica Pro.

All agreed that the quality of the wave and organization of the event was one of the best. So, it was without surprise that everyone listened to Roberto Perdigao (Brazil), regional director of the ASP promising that his organization would give full support to the re-edition of this contest in the following next years in the city of eternal spring. The news was received with ovations by the massive public who assisted the final day of the event.

After defeating Jay Davies (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, and Manuel Selman in Semifinals, Peruvian Gabriel Villaran crowned himself champion of the contest after beating his fellow surfer from Peru, Alvaro Malpartida.

The first time Villaran has won an ASP WQS event after contesting the circuit since 2003. It didn’t surprise anyone that he was so thankful towards Arica and its people.

“I feel at home in Arica,” Villaran said. “They always received me and supported me with open arms. I feel sorry to not have been able to share this experience with my friend Ramon Navarro from Pichilemu. I dedicate this triumph to my mom and all the Ariqueans. We showed today that Chileans and Peruvians can be friends.”

There were also prizes for 2nd by Alvaro Malpartida (PER), and 3rd place taken by Manuel Selman (CHI) and Jason Torres (CRI).

Although Camilo Hernandez was eliminated by another Chilean, Selman, when he couldn’t overcome Manuel’s experience in world contests, his surfing was qualified as over the top by surfers and press alike, becoming the revelation of this contest.