ISLE FILE
Australia's Parkinson wins surf tour opener
Advertiser Staff
Australia's Joel Parkinson defeated Brazil's Adriano de Souza, 18.83-11.30, today to capture Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast surfing contest at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Australia.
The final heat of the opening event in the 2009 ASP World Tour was held in 6- to 8-foot waves.
Parkinson, who won the event in 2002, was fearless from the outset, scoring an 8.83 (out of 10) on his opening ride in challenging conditions that offered churning barrels with massive scoring potential.
"That first wave was a good one but I came down funny on the floater and buckled my board," Parkinson, 27, said. "I came in (to get a new board) and just got energized when I heard the score and everyone on the beach really pumped me up."
The hometown favorite would return to the lineup to post several high scores, including a 7.50 and an 8.17, before earning his second perfect 10 of the day.
De Souza, who ousted Hawai'i's Fred Patacchia Jr. (17.10-11.00) in the fourth round, could not find a rhythm in his first ASP Tour final. A 7.00 was his top score.
"These are the best waves so far during my time in Australia," said the 22-year-old de Souza. "I am really glad with everything. Second place for me is an amazing result."
Parkinson now sits atop the ASP World Tour ratings with 1,200 points. Patacchia is tied for ninth with 600.
Information from http://www.aspworldtour.com was used in this report
GOLF
FOUR-BALL VICTORY
Glenn Tamagawa of Wailua Golf Course and Tom Freestone of Princeville teamed to shoot a 7-under-par 137 to win the Assistants Four-Ball Championship yesterday at Honolulu Country Club.
Twenty-two teams competed in the event for assistant professionals and apprentices.
