El Gringo, Arica / CHILE (Sunday, 10, Aug, 2014) – Stellar conditions launched incredible barrels all throughout the event at the 2014 ASP 3-Star Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour at the treacherous reef-break known as El Gringo in Arica, Chile. Despite a decreasing swell, Jesse Mendes (BRA) was able to overcome Marco Giorgi (URY) by an unforeseen final score of 8.50 to 7.75 respectively.
With his victory, Mendes earned U$ 8,000 in prize money, 750 ASP Qualifying Series and an additional 1,000 ASP South America ranking points.
“I’m so stoked that I won this contest, which is one of the best and most difficult events in the world,” exclaimed Mendes, who arrived in Chile directly after competing at the US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, USA. “I’ve been feeling confident since my first heat today (Sunday). It seemed like the waves always came my way and I was lucky enough to get the best barrels in my heats. It was such a blast to go up against Marco (Giorgi) and now I’m going directly to France for the European leg of the QS and I hope to get more good results there.”
Up until the Final heat, Marco Giorgi had been outstanding in his performances throughout competition at the Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour and was the only athlete to receive not only one, but two perfect 10-point rides from the judges by unexpectedly weaving his way through super deep barrels.
During the Quarterfinals, Giorgi posted the first 10 and the event’s highest heat total of a 19.50 over Paul Cesar Distingui (FRA), followed by his second 10-point ride in the Semifinals over Paulo Moura (BRA) in a closely fought battle of 14.25 to 14.15 for Giorgi, who currently resides in Brazil.
“I’m happy that I made the Final, but of course I would have liked to have won. The waves just didn’t come my way,” said Giorgi. “I felt really confident after I got that second 10 in the Semis, but it just didn’t follow through to the Finals, but that’s ok. Now I’m off to Europe to focus on the events there.”
Danny Fuller (HAW) finished off the 2014 ASP 3-Star Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour with an equal 3rd place finish alongside Paulo Moura. Both earned U$ 2,300 and 422 ASP ranking points.
The Maui and Sons Arica World Star Tour was broadcast live on the internet and can be accessed on the event banner at www.aspsouthamerica.com
