Mark McCarthy powers through to final 16 at IBA Arica Chilean Challenge
posted on 27th May 2011
In solid 6 foot (2.5 meter) waves at El Gringo, round 3 of the leader board stage has been completed, establishing the top 16 and eliminating the last 16 seeds from competition.
Two time World Champion, Ben Player (AUS, NSW, Avalon) is looking unstoppable with a 100% success rate throughout the 3 rounds. "I have had bloody hard heats... I'm feeling pretty confident now" Player elated.
For South American power house Magno Oliviera (BRA, Guarapari), todays round 3 win secured him the 12th slot in the top 16 of the leader board. " I like the new 3 round leader board format," Oliviera added, "I am comfortable and feeling safer now."
Local rider Alan Munoz (CHI) is the lone chilean remaining in the event. His fearless approach and local knowledge at the infamous El Gringo, have attained him two 2nd and a 1st place finish throughout the 3 rounds, earning him a comfortable 4th seed within the top 16. Having already beaten 6 of the top 24 riders in the world, Munoz has proven his worth in the top half of the draw. " I am motivated and so happy, I feel light." Munoz added," I just want to keep this momentum and thank everybody for their support."
Mark McCarthy (RSA, Richards Bay) scored an impressive 16.50 out of a possible 20 points, securing a much needed win, placing him in the top half of the leader board. McCarthy executed one of his massive signature backflips and backed it up with a roll, earning him a 9.25, one of the highest scores of the day. McCarthy commented: "I have had no rhythm the past few days and am just happy to have a heat where I could find 2 good waves and get the points I needed today."
2010 World Champion, Amaury Lavernhe (REU, St Gilles) pulled out a spectacular win in the dying seconds of his round 3 heat today, catapulting him into the 2nd spot of the top 16. Lavernhe describes his last wave: "I thought it was a pretty bad wave and paddled really hard for it, but It was actually a really nice with a pit and small ARS out of the barrel". Lavernhe scored an excellent 8.83 for his efforts. "Tomorrow is going to be really consistent...pretty massive, making for a good comp." Lavernhe added.
The final day will unfold tomorrow from 7:30am Arica time. Starting with four 4 man heats in round 4 and then moving into man on man quarter and semi finals, finishing with a 30 minute 2 man final.
All the action will be on the live broadcast at www.redbull.com and www.redbull.tv
The call will be made at 7:00am local time, (1:00am Hawaii, 8:00am Rio de Janeiro, 1:00pm Cape Town, 7:00pm Perth, 9:00pm Sydney). For specific time zones, use the IBA World Clock.
Tomorrows round 4 heats will feature the cream of the crop at arguably the most challenging wave on the IBA GSS Tour.
HEAT 25
Ben Player (Australia)
Roberto Bruno (Brazil)
Dave Winchester (Australia)
Damian King (Australia)
HEAT 26
Alan Munoz (Chile)
Dallas Singer (Australia)
Magno Oliveira (Brazil)
Guillermo Cobo (Spain)
HEAT 27
Jeff Hubbard (Hawaii)
Mark McCarthy (South Africa)
Guilherme Tamega (Brazil)
Gastao Entrudo (Portugal)
HEAT 28
Amaury Laverhne (Reunion)
Pierre-Louis Costes (France)
Charly Chapelet (Reunion)
Dave Hubbard (Hawaii)
For daily video updates of the Arica Chilean Challenge visit
www.ibaworldtour.com.
Jeff Hubbard and friends enjoy a solid free surf at El Gringo
For regular updates go to the IBA facebook page, where you can win World Tour paraphernalia just for joining.
Shop online at the IBA store where you can get you hands on limited Pipeline and Box event T's.
Don't miss a beat, check out the brand new IBA Tour Guide iPhone App to stay in the loop where ever you are. All the action from every IBA World Tour event is made available for live viewing via www.redbull.com. The finals will be broadcast live at
www.redbull.tv.
When the contest is off or on hold, fans can have fun playing the wave of the event (El Gringo) on
YouRiding BODYBOARDING online game.
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