HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The ASP North America Pro Junior Series saw standout performances on Sunday by defending event champion Coco Ho, 18, of Sunset Beach and defending U.S. Open champion Malia Manuel, 15, of Wailua in the opening day
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The ASP North America Pro Junior Series saw standout performances on Sunday by defending event champion Coco Ho, 18, of Sunset Beach and defending U.S. Open champion Malia Manuel, 15, of Wailua in the opening day of the women’s ASP U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior, according to a press release.
Ho smashed the girls’ top scores with a near-perfect 9.67 out of 10 and combined it with a second score for an impressive 15.67 out of 20 heat total to advance into the Final in a stacked heat over Manuel, who advanced in second, while eliminating local standout Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana, CA), 16.
“Just before my good wave came in, I got a little glimpse that Malia (Manuel) got a nine and I knew I had to go for gold,” Ho said.
The ASP Women’s World Tour rookie is not only out to defend her U.S. Open Pro Junior title, but last year’s dual-finalist is also looking to improve upon her runner-up finish in the women’s ASP WQS 6-Star event. The young Hawaiian saw the stacked field of international junior talent as an excellent opportunity to warm up for this year’s Hurley U.S. Open.
“Everyone was wondering what I was doing the Junior for, but when I saw the draw I knew I had to enter,” Ho said. “With Carissa (Moore), Alana (Blanchard) and Sage (Erickson) in the event, I figured I might as well get some practice in and try and defend my title.”
Manuel also earned a ticket to the Final when she finished second behind Ho after jumping out to an early lead by smashing a near-perfect nine-point ride. Manuel then battled local standout Conlogue, following her every move to keep her from stealing her advancing position in to the Final.
“I switched it up a little and paddled out under the pier,” Manuel said. “I got one and made it to the beach. It’s finally linking up and I got a good score. At the end Courtney (Conlogue) needed a five and it was tough. It was a full battle out there. Courtney is a very strong competitor and a strong athlete and if she got a wave she would have taken the advancing spot, but luckily it went my way.”
Manuel, who was the youngest surfer in history to win the U.S. Open, is also utilizing the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior as a prelude to the upcoming main event where she will defend her title against a plethora of ASP Women’s World Tour talent as well as some of the finest up-and-coming female competitors.
“It’s very great practice to surf in the Junior for the U.S. Open,” Manuel said. “I want to thank Nike for giving me the wildcard and it’s great to be a part of the event. Hurley is really putting on a show this year.”
The Junior Women’s final is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. local time.
For all of your Hurley U.S. Open inquires log on to www.usopenofsurfing.com.
