Micah Lester : photo Lucia Griggi / BPSA
The final event of the BPSA UK Tour, the Gul Newquay Open took place this weekend at Fistral Beach, Newquay and not only decided the Gul Newquay BPSA Champion but the overall BPSA UK Tour Titles.
Micah Lester won this years Gul Newquay BPSA Title and in the process went from number 5 on the rankings to number 1. The Australian Micah, was looking like the man to beat from round one, he new he had an outside chance to win the tour but only if he won the event.
As the rounds progressed the challengers were eliminated until eventually it came down to the final. Three of the four finalists, Mark Harris (Newquay), Llewellyn Whittaker (Newquay), and Micah Lester (Australia) could only win the tour if they won the event, last years champion Ruebin Pearce (S Africa) would win if he placed second or first.
Reubin Pearce : photo Lucia Griggi / BPSA
In the first five minutes Ruebin Pearce took the lead, but then Llewellyn picked a set wave and preformed a massive backhand re-entry scoring and 8.33 out of a possible 10 points to move ahead. Micah came back with a 7.27 and a 6.83 on his final wave with an incredible forehand snap to win.
In the Gul Women’s Event it was down to two Irish surfers; last years champion Nicole Morgan and past Irish Champion Easkey Britton. Nicole had to reach the final to retain her title; Easkey had to win the event. Unfortunately for Nicole she failed to advance from her semi final heat, however Easkey reached the final and went on to win her second BPSA tour event this year.
The Grommet tour titles and events were decided on Saturday with Harry Timson (Newquay) winning the Under 12 Open confirming his potential for the future. Zoe Sheath (Isle of White) winning the Under16 Girls, however not doing enough to take the tour title away from Gwen Spurlock (Wales). The Gul Under 16 Boys event was won by Aiden Wright (Newquay) who narrowly defeated Lewis Clinton, but failed to take the tour title away from Stuart Campbell (Woolacombe).
Aiden Wright : photo Lucia Griggi / BPSA
Marketing Communications of Gul International, Katie Drummond–Dunn said “Gul was thrilled to be involved with the nail biting final event of the tour. It was great to see such a high level of surfing and enthusiasm from everyone who took part. Congratulations to all the prize winners and thanks to all involved who helped make this a really professional and well run event.”
The Freerange Money Move ‘Most Progressive Manoeuvre’ was won by Alan Stokes (Newquay) with an amazing Laidback Aerial. The BPSA would like to thank the main sponsors Gul International, also Fosters, Freerange and Relentless for supporting the tour in 2006.
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