Hawai‘i’s Dustin Cuizon defeated Brazil’s Pedro Henrique to claim the Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series 6-Star Yumeya Billabong Pro Tahara, Monday. Surfing in one-to-two-foot waves at Akabane Long Beach, Cuizon had a banner day, first eliminating current ratings
Hawai‘i’s Dustin Cuizon defeated Brazil’s Pedro Henrique to claim the Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series 6-Star Yumeya Billabong Pro Tahara, Monday.
Surfing in one-to-two-foot waves at Akabane Long Beach, Cuizon had a banner day, first eliminating current ratings leader on the ASP WQS Nathaniel Curran of the United States in the quarterfinal round with an impressive 15 out of a possible 20-point heat total.
“I feel so honored to win over Nathaniel,” Cuizon said. “He is one of the best surfers in California and lots of people say he is closest to win this event. I was only lucky.”
Cuizon said the waves were pretty small so he simply moved a lot and looked for the wave to score big.
“This is my third time in Japan and the people are so nice and the food is so good,” Cuizon said. “I love Japan. I try my best to keep the momentum and hope to win.”
Curran, despite being eliminated by the Hawaiian, received 1650 points and appears solid to qualify for the elite ASP World Tour in 2009, states a press release from Surfers Village.
