CAPTION: Cole Robbins (USA) dominating the point at Riyue Bay, Hainan at the GoPro WLC China. PIC ASP/Will H-S
WANNING, Hainan/CHINA (Saturday, December 6, 2014) – The GoPro World Longboard Championships, China hosted by Wanning (WLC) saw a number of the world’s top Longboarders sent packing from China today as the first elimination round of this year’s event hit the water. 12 heats of Round 2 of the men’s event and four heats of the women’s were run in super clean long peeling performance waves in the 3 foot range.
This events sees the world’s elite longboarders battle in a do-or-die one-off event to decide the 2014 ASP World Longboard Champion. A Round 2 loss results in an equal 25th place finish resulting in fiery match-ups to decide who would advance into Round 3.
Rodrigo Sphaier (BRA) made amends for yesterday’s Round 1 lack lustre performance which saw the favoured No. 2 seed into today’s Round 2 where he defeated his Chinese opponent Wei Huang on a scoreline which included two near-perfect rides — 9.90 and 9.25 — the highest scoring ride and two wave heat tally of the event so far (19.15).
“I changed my boards today and I surfed way better so I’m feeling really good now,” Sphaier said. “I love this wave so I’m looking forward to Round 3. To score 9 point plus rides always makes you feel confident. I came second here last year and I want to win this year.”
CAPTION: Harley Ingleby (AUS) bouncing back at the GoPro WLC China. PIC ASP/Will H-S.
Harley Ingleby also rebounded today comfortably defeating Maui Zack Meyers (HAW). Ingleby used critical nose rides followed by searing wrapping turns to easily advance into Round 3 where he’ll face off against fellow Australian Nic Jones.
“I needed a good heat and I’m relieved to get through that one,” said Ingleby. “The surf was really fun today and should really pick up in the coming days and I’m super keen to surf here if it gets bigger.”
Two-time ASP World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) also joined the 9-point-ride brigade with some stylish long hang-ten nose rides in his convincing win over Australia’s Jack Entwistle.
“I’m actually struggling to come to grips with the new judging criteria and I’m trying to work out how to score big – that’s key to chasing the win here,” said Jensen. “The surf is really firing today and I just need to build on this and hopefully I can get on a roll.”
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