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American Nathaniel Curran opened his French campaign with a win in his opening heat at the Sooruz Lacanau Pro, in France
by George Mojo
16/08/2008:// The current World Qualifying Series rankings leader left the water relieved despite a low 8.40 heat tally.
Curran, younger brother of former ASP World Tour surfer and 1999 Lacanau Pro champion Timmy Curran , managed to find his way out of the tricky fast-breaking conditions to book a place in round four.
"The conditions were very tricky and you don't really know where to sit", Curran said. "Two of us went out back and two stayed at the inside so it was a bit of a gamble. I am glad I got two okay waves."
Curran, who now bears the "man-to-beat" status, was relaxed after his heat and is looking forward to his much anticipated battle against former event winner Shaun Cansdell, from Australia, former ASP World Champion Sunny Garcia and fellow countryman Chris Davidson.
"I am trying not to think about ratings at the moment", Curran said. "I am focusing on one heat at a time and I am really not worried about the rest. I remember taking a picture of my brother Tim when he won nine years ago and I would love to have that same look on the face."
Positionning and wave choice were the keys to success and some perfect rides were scored by Australians Yadin Nicol and Nic Muscroft.
Nicol, 22, was on fire and came up with the most impressive performance of the round posting a perfect 10-point ride right after a near perfect 9.33 pointer to end up with the highest heat result of the contest so far.
"I am stoked to start off with such a result", Nicol said. "The waves were pretty fun and really rippable and I found that long enough barrel and came out. It came from nowhere and I was pretty lucky."
Nicol, rated No. 14 coming to France, has had his best year on tour thus far and will be chasing a couple more of big results to keep any possible ASP Top 45 inception for 2009.
Garcia, also advanced with fellow Hawaiian Dustin Barca after finding some of the best barrels of the day.
"I am very happy to be back in Lacanau", Garcia said. "It was a close heat but the waves were fun and I am stoked to make it with Dustin."
Garcia, rated No. 8 coming to France, is on a quest to requalify for the ASP World Tour he left several years ago and seems unstoppable thus far. Chasing three big results to replace his low throw-away scores, Garcia will be a serious opponent to any competitor.
The European contingent was in good form as well and ASP World Tour rookie Tiago Pires confirmed his Round 2 solid performance with another win against serious contenders Luke Dorrington, Brett Simpson and Jihad Khodr.
"It was the most difficult heat thus far with the strong current", Pires said. "I was pretty tired after that heat and Luke is an excellent competitor so I am relieved to get that win and keep going."
Pires will surf with fellow European Tim Boal in round four, while other European qualifiers Romain Laulhe and Charles Martin also feature.
Major upsets occured during round three and several favorites including much awaited Europeans Marlon Lipke and Michael Bourez suffered early losses.
[Out of retirement, Australia's Mark Occhilupo was a first day standout with rides like this.]
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