In an all-Queensland affair, Sunshine Coast surfer Julian Wilson surfed a brilliant final against Josh Kerr, Mick Fanning and Bede Durbridge, calling on his refined aerial skills to win the ASP 4 Star Men’s World Tour stop, the Breaka Burleigh Pro, at Burleigh Heads.
“It’s been an incredible event and I was so looking forward to surfing against any of these guys and we all met in the final which was perfect," said Wilson. "We enter the event to get ready for the upcoming Quiksilver Pro which begins the World Title season and through every heat here I’ve increased my performances, dusted away the cobwebs and feel good right now about winning."
Wilson’s aerial skills were decisive in the final after Mick Fanning jumped to a big early lead when he scored an 8.77 in the opening minute.
Wilson patiently waited for decent waves and called on his aerial reverse moves to nail the big scores – midway through the final, Wilson matched Fanning’s 8.77 and then late on secured the win with a back up 7.77 on his final ride.
ASP
Not surprisingly, Josh Kerr proved to be Wilson’s greatest challenge after he nailed a massive aerial move to post the highest wave score of the final of 9.23 but he was unable to find a decent enough back-up score to overtake Wilson.
“Second is good but it’s also disappointing, particularly when you get the best wave score in the final but I’m good, it’s great preparation and it has been a super fun event with big crowds and good waves," said Kerr.
The Burleigh Headland was packed with spectators who enjoyed the dominance of Queensland’s four best surfers in this event and the scenes reminded many of the jam packed Stubbies crowd from events back in the 70s.
ASP
Wilson now heads to Sydney for this week’s Australian Open of Surfing before returning to the Gold Coast for the Quiksilver Pro which marks the beginning of the ASP World Title Series events for 2012.
Last year Wilson, 23, was the ASP World Title Tour’s Rookie of the Year, finishing in 9th place overall, and this win should set him up for an assault on the World Title in 2012.
Want more?
- Official ASP World Tour website
- More surfing on redbull.com
- Quiksilver Pro preview | Mick Fanning back in the groove
- Michel Bourez Q&A
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