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Caption: Reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion and defending Vans US Open of Surfing winner Carissa Moore will look to defend her title in Huntington Beach.
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Location: |
Huntington Beach, California, USA |
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Holding period: |
July 26 – August 3, 2014 |
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HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Friday, July 25, 2014): The 2014 Vans US Open of Surfing is set to kickoff, with the nine-day marathon event running from Saturday, July 26 through Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the historic Huntington Beach Pier.
Stop No. 6 of 10 on the 2014 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT), the ASP Top 17 will headline the event alongside a Men’s Prime Qualification Series (QS) contest, dual Pro Juniors and several expression sessions and surf celebrations.
Carissa Moore (HAW), 21, current ASP World No. 1 and defending event champion, will lead the women’s elite to the hallowed sands of Huntington Pier in an attempt to strengthen her rankings’ lead and defend her prestigious title.
“It’s great to be back in California and I always love coming here,” said Moore. “The US Open has a strong history and we have an exciting title race this year. Sally (Fitzgibbons) has been on fire the last few events and it’s been a little while since our last contest in Fiji. I’m looking forward to putting the jersey back on, I have some good boards under my feet and I hope we can put on a good show for everyone.”
While the Women’s event offers crucial points towards the 2014 ASP World Title, the Vans US Open Men’s Prime contest will play a vital role in determining qualifiers for the 2015 ASP Dream Tour.
Brett Simpson (USA), 29, local hero and two-time US Open Champion (2009 and 2010) has struggled to find a rhythm on the WCT thus far, but hopes to reset his campaign with a banner result with his local knowledge and the support of the hometown crowd behind him.
“US Open has been a massive event for me and my career,” said Simpson. “It was my big breakthrough win that has allowed me to fulfill a huge dream of mine that was to qualify for the WCT and it’s also my home break. So, surfing out there I feel really comfortable and enjoy having my family and friends root me on.
“There’s just a connection when I come home and this event is around the corner,” continued Simpson. “It makes me feel like a little kid again! I feel I have my equipment dialed for home, so it makes it much easier to come back and jump right into it.”
Top seeds at the Men’s Vans US Open of Surfing include 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 42, 2012 event winner Julian Wilson (AUS), 25, Jordy Smith (ZAF), 26, 2013 ASP Rookie of the Year Nat Young (USA), 23, defending event champion Alejo Muniz (BRA), 24, Josh Kerr (AUS), 30, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 28, among others.
In addition to the Women’s and Men’s main events, the Vans US Open Pro Junior competition is a crucial stop on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, determining qualifiers for the prestigious World Junior Championships.
The Vans US Open of Surfing will run from July 26 through August 3, 2014 and will be webcast LIVE beginning Monday, July 28 via www.aspworldtour.com and www.usopenofsurfing.com
