World's top surfers once again returned to the the world-class Fijian reef breaks of Cloudbreak and Restaurants to battle for the World Tour's points. The Finals were called ON today (GMT +12) in tree-to-five foot surf at Cloudbreak. Nat Young who defeated Michel Bourez in the Semifinal challenged Gabriel Medina whom he lost in the high-scoring final. Gabriel Medina not only took out first place in Fiji but also moved onto the overall first place in the ASP WCT rankings.
It was a battle of new generation. A thrilling Finals day saw Brazilian Gabriel Medina reign supreme and win the Fiji Pro, stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT). The win moves Medina back to the top of the ASP World Championship Tour Rankings after he defeated Hawaiians John John Florence and Freddy Patacchia as well as American Kolohe Andino on his way to the Final.
Cloudbreak surf spot in Fiji - photo credit Kirstin
Gabriel Medina won his second WCT event of the season, taking the win over 2013 Rookie of the Year Nat Young in a hard-fought final. The Brazilian got out of the gates first while Young waited 10 minutes before posting a score. Medina posted a near-perfect 9.87 for a series of barrel sections and sizzling snaps to extend his lead. Young fought back but Medina's additional 8.53 left the American in need of two high scores for the win. Young was unable to break the combination, cementing Medina's fourth career ASP WCT victory.
The legendary freestyle windsurfing event on lake Neusiedl is back! Since 1998 the best Freestyle Windsurfers in the world travel down to the Austrian water sports capital to compete in the European Freestyle Pro Tour. This edition, taking place
between the 27th of April and the 1st of May, will be…
Medina came to Fiji five days earlier the competition - it sure paid off - photo credit Kirstin
Nat Young was close to winning.........maybe next time Nat! - photo credit Kirstin
“It’s great to be back at the top of the ratings, it’s still early but I’m feeling good. I’ve never surfed at Jeffreys Bay before but I’m going home after this to prepare and I’ll be working hard. Nat (Young) is a great guy and that was a good Final against him. I was so nervous inside those barrels, I couldn’t see anything, but when I came out I was stoked. Thanks to the Namotu guys who were supporting me. Thanks to everyone in Fiji, I just love it here especially with a win,"said Gabriel Medina.
Locals seemed happier than the winner himself:) Amazing people!- photo credit Kirstin
but Gabriel enjoyed it too - he literally jumped out of his skin of joy:) - photo credit Kirstin
Nat Young posted his best result of the 2014 season so far however, it wasn't enough. Although scoring some big waves he got a little out of rhythm, an opportunity for Gabriel to win. The next stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour is the J Bay Open from July 10 - 21, 2014.
All images are courtesy of ASP / Kirstin; Copyrights applied.
The international top event this year is all about the new Olympic windsurfing class, foil windsurfing and wingfoiling. More than 300 world’s best windsurfers from 42 nations will compete in various foil classes on Lake Silvaplana.
The first of 16 GKA Kite World Tour events begins in Cape Verde this month.
Ten islands make up the archipelago of Cabo Verde which lies two hours south of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, due to their geographical location the islands are frequented with pumping swell and trade winds.
…
