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Buchanan’s World Title A First For New Zealand Surfing |
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Written by ASP
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Monday, 01 August 2011 |
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| Iain Buchanan - Image ASP / Cestari |
ARPOADOR, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, July 31, 2011) – Iain Buchanan (NZL) has emerged victorious today, taking out the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grand Masters (Over 50s) Division in clean-but-small surf at Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro for the Supersurf ASP World Masters Championships.
Buchanan bested defending ASP Grand
Masters Champion and former World Champion Wayne Bartholomew (AUS) in a
closely-fought final to become the first-ever New Zealand
title holder.
“It’s a pretty awesome feeling,” Buchanan
said. “My waves today played out. I knew if I got past Shaun (Tomson), I had a
chance, he’s a good competitor” commented Buchanan of his quarterfinal match up
where he beat Tomson 9.05 to 8.60 points.
“With Glen Winton in small lefts and riding a wide board, he was pretty
dangerous in the semifinals too. But I had to stick to my game plan, get a
couple of rights because I’m better on my forehand than my backhand and that
worked out” added Buchanan of his semifinal match up which he won scoring 11.80
to Winton’s 10.0.
“In the final the tide was coming in and the waves were getting less consistent
and pretty flat. Rabbit (Wayne
Bartholomew) just wasn’t getting the good turn. I was lucky the time ran out.”
The tight low scoring final ended with Buchanan scoring 8.75 to Bartholomew’s
8.35 points out of a possible 20.
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| Iain Buchanan - Image ASP / Cestari |
Buchanan, who now serves as a full-time
judge on the ASP World Tour, was humble in his victory and reserved when
considering his plans to return next year to defend his title.
“I’m hoping they’ll ask me to judge
(next year),” Buchanan said. “That’s what I was originally going to do here
this year. Al Hunt and Richie Porta talked me into surfing, and I’m glad I did!
I’m happy to get the spot I did, but there will be other guys that qualify next
year, and I’d love to judge. But this is awesome!”
Bartholomew, who is regarded as one of
the most notable surfers in surfing history, was in sterling form throughout
the morning taking out compatriots Terry Richardson (AUS) and Simon Anderson
(AUS) before falling to inconsistent conditions in the final.
Ever the statesman, Bartholomew remained jovial and gracious in defeat.
“I was hoping for a win, but that was a
good one for Ratso (Iain Buchanan), congratulations” Bartholomew said. “It was
great to be in the final, and great to be here, back in Brazil surfing
the Masters. I had a fantastic week.”
Buchanan was the lone Kiwi competing at the event. He is one of New Zealand’s most internationally
renowned surfers and holder of a record five national titles.
It was
the first time Buchanan had entered a serious competition since the 2003 New
Zealand National Championships held in Dunedin
where he took away two titles in the Over 35s and Over 40s Divisions.
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| Iain Buchanan - Image ASP / Cestari |
Iain Buchanan - Image ASP / Cestari |
Information
For more information on the New
Zealand surfer’s performances please contact Ben Kennings on 07 8250022 or 021
2278732. Alternatively email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
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