Richard Christie - Image ASP Europe/Aquashot

Richard Christie showed the WQS some glimpses of that spectacular surfing that he is renowned for at the latest qualifying event held in Zarautz. Ricardo was the top placed Kiwi at the six-star San Miguel Pro finishing the event in 25^th place after a narrow defeat in the third round.

Ricardo looked impressive in the first two rounds notching up 14.66 points for a heat win in the second round.  However he fell 0.10 points short in the third round losing to eventual runner up Perth Standlick (AUS) and Luel Felipe (BRA).

Ricardo along with Billy Stairmand who placed 49^th at the event and Matt Hewitt are all competing in Portugal from tonight (Wednesday) at the Sata Airlines Pro – another six star event.  The event is the last major competition for the European leg of the tour with only Matt Hewitt staying on to contest the 3-star Pantin Classic in Spain starting on the 12^th of September.

The Kiwi boys, Richard Christie in particular will be relying on a big result at this week’s event to ensure he betters his current ranking and hence qualification for the Hawaiian events which only cater for the top 96 surfers in the world.

Jay Quinn remains the highest ranked Kiwi at 63^rd with Billy in 70^th, Ricardo 117^th and Matt Hewitt in 164^th.

One further six star event takes place in the Canary Islands in late October before the final Hawaiian leg of the tour at the end of the year.

Head to the ASP World Tour website for the full ASP World Tour rankings.

Check out the live action in from tonight onwards at the Sata Airlines Pro.

Richard Christie - Image ASP Europe/Aquashot	Ricardo mug shot - Image ASP Europe/Aquashot
Billy Stairmand - Image ASP Europe/Aquashot