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Twenty-six-year-old Pablo Guitierrez took top honours in the Superbock Pro in Portugal after defeating fellow Portugeuse surfer Eduardo Fernandes in the final
by George Mojo
14/07/2008:// Gutierrez, who won his first ASP World Qualifying Series event in 2002 in Portugal, defeated Jean-Sebastien Estienne (GLP) and defending champion Eric Rebiere (FRA) on his way to victory and jumps to number 32 on the ASP WQS European ratings with two events only under his belt.
Gutierrez, a.k.a the Matador, a former ASP European runner-up, used his experience and tactics to patiently wait for the best scoring potential waves at Cordoama and leave runner-up Fernandes away from the crown after he posted a last second 7.33 point ride.
"The conditions were very difficult and I used a lot of patience to choose the better waves", Gutierrez said. "I managed to find two good waves per heat and eventually secure the win. I am stoked to win a contest, and now that I am a full time free surer for my sponsor I even more happy to keep both things going. So Stoked."
Gutierrez, who ended up winning with a 12.33 point total to Fernandes' 9.80 pts heat score, was impressed by his opponent's level.
"Fernandes surfed really well", Gutierrez said. "I did not know him before this event but I can tell he will be a serious contender among the ASP European events from now on."
Eduardo Fernandes 20, who finished runner-up in the recent ASP Grade-1 Buondi Pro Junior, ended up second in the Superbock Pro for his first appearance ever on an ASP WQS event.
Fernandes, who defeated some of Europe's best surfers including longtime ASP European competitor Ruben Gonzalez, could not counter Gutierrez' tactics in the last man-on-man heat of the week.
"It has been great for me and two runner-up results", Fernandes said. "It was my first WQS event ever and I reached the final so I could not hope for more. I would have loved to win though."
Fernandes will now be much respected by all European surfers and is not an outsider anymore. He aims at competing in other ASP WQS events this year.
"The level is good and I was stoked to be part of these good events", Fernandes said. "I will try and attend as many events as possible this year and just take things relaxed. I have no pressure, I am just starting."
Frenchman Eric Rebiere, the Superbock defending champion, was defeated by Gutierrez in the semifinals and leaves Portugal with an equal 3rd place. Rebiere now sits third on the ASP WQS European ratings.
"I was really focused and was going for a repeat but the conditions were tough", Rebiere said. "I really wanted that win but Gutierrez found the better waves so there was nothing I could do."
Spaniard Gony Zubizarreta,who dominated the event posting impressive scores earlier in the event, was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Rebiere and missed the opportunity to seize his maiden ASP WQS crown.
Zubizarreta, who has had a couple of solid results this year, remains one of the current European leaders among the international ratings.
The Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series European Tour will resume in August with the Rip Curl Boardmasters, in Newquay.
CURRENT ASP EUROPEAN TOP 10 1. Hugo Savalli (REU), 1964 pts 2. Ruben Gonzalez (PRT), 1443 pts 3. Eric Rebiere (FRA), 1439 pts 4. Romain Laulhe (FRA), 1425 pts 5. Jean-Seb Estienne (BLM), 1334 pts 6. Joan Duru (FRA), 1241 pts 7. Justin Mujica (PRT), 1121 pts 8. Michel Bourez (PYF), 1068 pts 9. Simon Marchand (FRA), 1050 pts 10. Txaber Trojaola (EUK), 1023 pts
Top seeds took control of the ASP World Qualfying Series 6-Star Buondi Billabong Pro Portugal posting big scores and impressive performances in the good three to four foot waves on offer at Ribeira d’Ilhas
Briton Russell Winter's run in the Buondi Billabong Pro in Portugal came to an abrupt end when the Cornishman finished last in his second round heat
The upcoming Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley may be the closest thing eight-time ASP World Champion and ratings leader Kelly Slater (USA) has to a home court advantage on the ASP World Tour
Home advantage saw Lee Ann Curren claim top spot in Rip Curl Pro Junior Mademoiselle at Les Bourdaines in Seignosse
The August Bank Holiday weekend saw a hive of activity at the inaugural Quiksilver Skins invitation competition, one of the most innovative contest formats to grace the circuit
Champions tell the story of their success step by step
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