NORTH NARRABEEN, New South Wales/Australia (Thursday, January 14, 2010) – Improved three-to-four foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf graced the sandbanks at North Narrabeen today, allowing for some incredible displays of surfing prowess from the world’s best juniors as the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fueled by Monster Energy blitzed through Round 2 and the opening 11 heats of Round 3.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 16, who gained entry into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships via a wildcard from ASP International, blew the door down today, posting a near perfect 19.57 out of a possible 20 to take down Dean Bowen (AUS) and advance through to Round 4.

“I’m just happy to be here in Australia and competing in this event,” Medina said. “I’m very happy to get through this heat and I hope I can keep going. It is a big event – the biggest – and to win here would mean everything.”

The prodigious goofy-footer produced a unleashed a barrage of new school maneuvers on his forehands, blending effortless aerials and fin throws with powerful rail surfing, going as far to claim the event’s only Perfect 10-point ride in the process.

“The waves are fun and I have a very good board under my feet,” Medina said. “Everyone in this event is a very good surfer I am just focusing on the next heat.”

Medina will take on Cory Arrambide (USA), 20, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

Jadson Andre (BRA), 19, 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie and last year’s event Runner-Up, inspired by his fellow countryman Medina earlier in the day, went out and posted and impressive 17.93 out of a possible 20 in his Round 3 heat, eliminating VZ Trials winner Ryan Callinan (AUS) from the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

“Gabriel (Medina) was going nuts out there today,” Andre said. “It’s great to see the Brazilians surfing really well and I’m excited to keep going in this event. I want to start my year out right before the world tour season begins.”

Andre will face Maxime Huscenot (REU), 17, in Round 4 when Billabong ASP World Junior competition resumes.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am for a possible 7am start.

Highlights from the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fueled by Monster Energy are available via www.billabongpro.com.