By Federico Ayciriet – Argentinean Surf Association - www.asasurf.org.ar

Leandro Usuna wins Abracadabra Cup
Leandro “Lele” Usuna claimed the fourth stage of the Argentinean Surfing Tour which took place in Abracadabra Fusion Beach in memory of Micky Arandia.  In a tight final, Lele overcame Argentinean four-time champion Martin Passeri and caused the current ranking to become red-hot after its present leader Marcelo Rodriguez was eliminated in quarter-finals.

DEFINITION WITH THE G-8
The Abracadabra Micky Arandía Memorial Challenger Cup came to an end after an intense day of competition that had in the finals the eight best-positioned surfers of the 08/09 ranking.

In a sea that demanded a lot of paddling and a good wave selection, Lele overcame Argentinean champion Martin Passeri having only connected three waves during the final heat.  The scoring difference between both was of only 0,65 points.  In the third position on the podium stood Agustin Bollini and Nahuel Rull that added important points to their ranking.

Two days before the start of the fifth date, the Argentinean Tour has added heat after ranking distances were reduced, starting the speculation game on the stage that will be ruled out by each surfer towards the competition finals.

AN EMOTIONAL CLOSING CEREMONY
In the end, the organizers, competitors and judges enjoyed a barbecue where old anecdotes brought by the waves were recalled.  After lunch, this moment of communion was crowned with a walk to the sea where roses were thrown in memory of Micky Arandia.

The Argentinean Junior Surf team finished its participation in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship disputed at the FAE beach in Salinas, Ecuador from March 28 to April 5.  

The national team obtained a meritorious 15th place, improving the 18th position held at the 2008 World Championship in France.  Australia won the competition for the fourth consecutive time and fifth time in history.

Argentina moved three positions upwards compared to the 2008 ranking.  The Argentinean coach said: “I am satisfied with the team; this is the result of the work we are carrying out with the Argentinean juniors.  On the other hand, this is just beginning, it is clear that the future is in our hands”.

After five months of training in sceneries that alternated different beaches in Mar del Plata, physical work in La Redonda gym and a national circuit that toured the Atlantic Coast, the twelve team members celebrated the result obtained in Salinas.

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

Gold: Australia
Silver: Hawaii
Bronze: Brazil
Copper: France

INDIVIDUAL GOLD MEDALS

Under 18: Dean Bowen (AUS)
Under 16: Keanu Asing (HAW)
Girls Under 18: Tyler Wright (AUS)
The Argentinean team returned on Monday, April 6 at 11.45 pm from Ecuador by way of Lan Chile.

ARGENTINEAN TEAM
Under 18: Pedro Francistegui, Nehuen Adamo, Martín Carricart, Pablo Cosoleto.

Under 16: Julián Martinez, Lyn Petersen, Gonzalo Barrera, Nicolás Ventura.

Girls Under 18: Maria Paz Usuna, Maia Cherr, Martina Gainza, Lucia Cosoleto
The delegation was completed by Roberto González Niesl (Team Manager) and Maximiliano Prenski (Coach).
NEWS

According to what was expressed by the Argentinean team manager, Mr. Roberto González Niesl, “Surfing Australia, through its man in charge, ISA Chief Judge Mr. Glen Elliot, showed enthusiasm with the development of surf in our country and is the reason why in the next two months, Jordao Bailo will travel to Mar del Plata to administer another level 1 and 2 ISA Judging & Officiating course, that will further improve our judges”.   If this happens, it will be the second opening of an ISA Judging course in eight months.

On the other hand, Alan Atkins of Australia and Marcos Conde of Brazil, with the support of ISA President, Mr. Fernando Aguerre, talked with the man responsible for the Argentinean team to study the possibility of administering a school-level Coaching course.  This training would be the first of this magnitude at national level and would be subject to the amount of interested parties.

The Argentinean Surf Association especially thanks Argentinean Airports 2000, Quiksilver Argentina and all parents for their unconditional support to this development project making possible for these kids to fulfill the dream of defending the colors of our country.

About the International Surfing Association (ISA)
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected six times since. The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Mike Gerard (USA) and Karin Sierralta (Peru).

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