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Coach Quinn Leads the Way For Kiwis |
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Written by Ben Kennings
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Monday, 03 August 2009 |
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Jay Quinn - Image F. Sanchez/ISA
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Jay Quinn (Gis) is leading the way for the Quiksilver New Zealand Surfing Team winning his two early match ups en-route to the last 32 surfers. Quinn who has the dual role of team coach and competitor at this event, is one of eight Kiwi surfers competing at the 2009 Billabong ISA World Surfing Games being held in Costa Rica this week.
Quinn, along with Mount Maunganui surfer Matt Hewitt are the only two in the team who remain in the qualifying rounds of the event while four other team members have been relegated to the repecharge rounds where they have a long battle ahead of them if they are to progress through to the business end of the event. Longboarders Thomas Kibblewhite (Auck) and Daniel Procter (Gis) are yet to kick start their campaigns – the longboarding division commencing action on the 5th.
Quinn has been in excellent form in the 1.0m – 1.5m waves at Hermosa Beach defeating his opponents from Hawaii, Peru, Chile, France, Australia and Argentina. In the second round Quinn posted 13.83 out of a possible 20 to win his heat over Dane Atcheson (Aus), Leandro Usuna (ARG) and Micky Picon (FRA). Quinn’s total heat score is the seventh highest of the event to date.
Quinn posted a 6.33 point ride with five minutes remaining to jump from third to first and hold on to the lead and progress alongside the Australian surfer.
Quinn’s next match up sees him pitted against Carolos Munoz (CRI), Carlos Cabrero (PRI) and Heremoana Luciani (TAH).
Matt Hewitt has also been in good form winning his first round match up and placing second in his heat today to progress through to the last 32 surfers. Like his coach, Hewitt left his run late scoring a 5.83 point ride to jump from third to second with one minute remaining and relegate Chris Schnitzer (AUT) and Roland Hauser (SWI) into the repecharge rounds.
Hewitt’s next match up sees him surf against Austin Ware (USA), Jesus Chacon (VEN) and Dayyan Neve (AUS) in one of the most talent laden heats of his short career.
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Matt Hewitt - Image F. Sanchez/ISA
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Luke Hughes - Image F. Sanchez/ISA
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Late on the second day Christchurch surfer Daisy Thomas suffered a second round defeat as the tide dropped out and conditions turned for the worst. In a low scoring battle Thomas battled the shorebreak hampered by backwash to finish third to Amee Donohoe (AUS) and local surfer Lisbeth Vindas (CRI). Thomas will now contest the repecharge rounds.
On the second podium today the Kiwi’s tasted success in the repecharge rounds where Gauranga Ormond (WGM) and Laura Rishworth (Mnt) won their heats to move through to Repecharge Round 2. Raglan’s Luke Hughes also progressed through to that round placing second in his heat to keep the full team of eight surfers alive at the event.
Day three will see both Quinn and Hewitt up early in the qualifying round as they hustle toward a top 16 placing.
Live Coverage
The event is being broadcast live over the internet via www.billabongisaworldgames.com.
Media Releases
Media releases on the New Zealand team’s performance will be distributed by Surfing New Zealand daily throughout the event.
Images
Images of the New Zealand surfers will be distributed where possible. Media are welcome to contact event photographers direct via the event website.
Blog
Keep an eye out on the team blog which will be posted on www.surfingnz.co.nz under newsflash.
Further information
Further information regarding the Quiksilver New Zealand Surfing Team please contact Ben Kennings at Surfing New Zealand 07 8250018, 0212278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
About International Surfing Association (ISA)
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964, and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
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Ends
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