Craig Anderson takes biggest ever win at the Ozmosis Nova Pro Junior

Source: Surfing Australia www.surfingaustralia.com

Press release sent on January the 20th
In excellent surf at Gunnamatta Beach on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula Newcastle 19 year old surfer Craig Anderson posted his first ever win on the prestigious ASP Australasian Pro Junior circuit and became the inaugural winner of the Ozmosis Nova Pro Junior.

One of the smoothest surfers seen by many experienced judges, Anderson fought out an extremely close final with Wilson which saw multiple lead changes throughout the 30 minute duel.
Anderson scored the first blow early with a 7.5 scoring ride but soon after Wilson asserted his dominance with a series of good scoring rides of 7.4, 6.5 and a 7.2 to hold the lead.

Anderson regained the lead with just 5 minutes remaining when he posted another strong 7.2 ride and then in the final minute of the event, sealed his win in the best way by scoring the highest scoring ride of the final with an excellent 8.5 ride.

“I can’t believe I’ve finally won an event of this status. The waves have been great all week and I was just loving surfing that long peeling left all week but I wasn’t confident of beating Wilson in the final – He’s been surfing so well and when he’s on he’s super hard to beat but I guess if I was ever going to get him it was in waves like these and I’m really pleased.”

Anderson grew up in South Africa but moved to Merewether in Newcastle four years ago and has settled into the surfing scene well and has ambitions to really make it on the domestic circuit which will hopefully lead to the world circuit

– “ My aim this year was to always try and make a final – the best I’ve ever done is make quarter finals - after winning today I’m now keen to try and make the top five on the ratings and qualify for the ASP World Junior Championships in Sydney next year – winning today will certainly help that cause!”

For his win today Anderson picked up $5000 and 3000 points on the ASP Australasian Junior series ratings for season 2008.

For Julian Wilson this result was a welcome return to form – While disappointed not to win, Wilson was relieved to be back in the top order and is looking forward to next weeks event in his home state at Burleigh Heads Queensland.

“ I’ve had a poor start to the year at the world’s (Junior Championship’s) and at last weeks Kustom Jetty event but making the final here makes me feel way better – My confidence is back and I’m more focused – I think Burliegh will be good – we’re hearing there’s a great swell coming and I think the Burliegh event will sort out the top order on the ratings – It should be good.”

Semi finalists today and placing equal 3rd and also posting their best ever results were young Sydney surfer Davey Cathels (Narrabeen) and NZ powerhouse surfer Richard Christie (Gisborne).

Both showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the event with Cathels scoring multiple outstanding 9 point rides including one in his semi final against Wilson and almost defeating Wilson with a moderate 5 point wave required that he simply couldn’t find by the fast emerging Narrabeen talent.

Christie was also one of the events standouts with some incredible performances in the early rounds showcasing his powerful style in the excellent waves.

For the Junior Men, Burleigh Heads awaits them and with forecasts of great swells the Australian Pro Junior Series is off to a flying start and already the emerging talents from the series promise a season of immense interest.


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