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Anglet powerhouse Romain Laulhe charged the final to win the Vendee Surf Pro in France
by George Mojo
19/05/2008:// Laulhe's first ever World Qualifying Series victory in the 3-5ft waves was assured with a series of big gauging moves and flying manoeuvres.
The 23-year-old, who is a former top ASP junior surfer, controlled his encounter with fellow finalist Australian Luke Campbell to secure first place.
Laulhe posted a solid 15.33 point heat tally (out of possible 20) including an excellent 8.00 point ride to best Campbell's 14.33 heat score.
"I am so stoked to eventually get the win in such a big event and I cannot thank all the support I have had enough. It was a great event and to come out on top makes me feel over the moon," said Laulhe.
Laulhe, who trained hard physically this winter, showed solid surfing on his way to victory.
"I have been training hard to achieve my goals," said Laulhe. "It is so good to see things can change and I can feel like from my boards to my mental, everything was right. I want to offer this win to all the people who have been supporting for so long."
Campbell , who posted 14.33 points out of possible 20 in the final, got the best result of his career as well with his runner-up finish.
The 23-year-old is a full-time WQS campaigner this year.
"I am stoked with this final," he said. "Laulhe got all the best waves and even though I tried hard there wasn't any proper opportunity to catch-up. The waves were good and it is my best result ever."
Frenchman Eric Rebiere, a former Vendee Surf Pro champion and 2005 ASP World Tour member, placed equal 3rd.
Rebiere, who has no sponsor at the moment, is a favorite on this year ASP European Pro Surf Tour.
"I did not get the good waves during the semi-final," said Rebiere. "I hurt my hip on the second wave. I will be focusing this year on all European events. I have no sponsor at this point and it is expensive to travel so I will attend all regional events and hope to make good."
Aussie Blake Wilson was the fourth best scorer at the event and he lost in the first semi-final to Campbell in a tight heat.
"I sure feel really good at the moment," said Wilson. "I just have to keep it up and I will try hard to stay on this good roll. It was a wave-starved heat but looking at the bigger picture, it is very positive."
The 2008 Beachley Classic got underway this morning, completing Rounds 1 and 2 as well as the opening two heats of Round 3 at nearby Freshwater Beach in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves
Layne Beachley (AUS), 36, has officially announced her retirement from full-time competition, effective at the end of the year
Former Exeter University student Josh Lewin first heat at the Ocean and Earth Pro in the Canary Islands has been delayed because the 2ft surf was deemed uncontestable
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