Justine Dupont, a15-year-old French surfer competing in her first ever
professional competition has stormed into the semifinals of the Roxy ASP
WWLC. Dupont dominated her quarterfinal against Crystal Dzigas (HAW),
scoring 15.50 points out a possible 20, the highest heat score of the day.
I’m so happy, it was like being in heaven, with just two surfers in the
water and good waves,” Dupont said.
Dupont opened her account with an 8.0 ride and was never threatened
throughout the 25 minute quarterfinal.
“After I rode my first wave, I was just cool and really relaxed.” Dupont
said. “Tonight I will be stressed and excited and maybe not sleep too
well. But tomorrow, I will just do my best. Now everyone left has a chance
to win, to be the world champion.”
Dupont will face Chelsea Williams (AUS) in the first semifinal that is
scheduled to be held tomorrow. Williams overcame Julie Cox (USA) in
Quarterfinal 2. Earlier Cox had caused one of the major upsets of the
event when she eliminated the defending champion and 2006 World Champion
Schuyler McFerran in Round 4.
However Cox couldn’t match the powerful Australian in her quarterfinal.
“I definitely prefer a more aggressive and progressive approach to my
surfing,” Williams said. “And I’m quite proud to be the only Australian
left in the event.”
Up against the giant killing Dupont, Williams is not about to alter her
strategy.
“I don’t know much about her, but look, I’ll do my thing and she’ll do her
thing and hopefully the best surfer will win,” Williams said. “I won’t
change my approach, I’ll just keep enjoying myself and do my best to
become the world champion.”
The other semi final sees Jennifer Smith (USA) up against Janna Irons
(HAW). Smith, runner up in last year’s Roxy ASP WWLC, is probably the
favourite now for the title and has been in incredible form.
“I’m not thinking about the world title, I’m just thinking about the
semifinal,” Smith said. “I was lucky in that quarterfinal to be in the
right position for the big waves and get some big scores.”
Her opponent Janna Irons also isn’t thinking too far ahead.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, I’ll be happy,” Irons said. “I’m just so
stoked to get this far. No matter what, I’ll be out tomorrow night with
all the girls enjoying myself.”
The semifinal and final are scheduled for tomorrow morning local time. By
lunchtime we will have a new ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion.
Roxy ASP WWLC Semifinal Match Ups – 1st to Final, 2nd eliminated
Semifinal 1: Justine Dupont (FRA) vs. Chelsea Williams (AUS)
Semifinal 2: Jennifer Smith (USA) vs. Janna Irons (HAW)
Roxy ASP WWLC Round 3 Results – 1st to Round 4, 2nd eliminated
Heat 13: Jennifer Flanigan (USA) 9.40 def. Claire Karabatsos (FRA) 7.55
Heat 14: Coline Menard (FRA) 9.10 def. Karina Abras (BRA) 8.40
Heat 15: Janna Irons (HAW) 14.50 def. Yuki Suzuki (JPN) 8.25
Heat 16: Kelly Nicely (USA) 7.50 def. Yuko Shimajiri (JPN) 8.25
Roxy ASP WWLC Round 4 Results – 1st to Quarterfinal, 2nd eliminated
Heat 1: Crystal Dzigas (HAW) 9.55 def. Kassia Meador (USA) 9.
Heat 2: Justine Dupont (FRA) 5.80 def. Selby Riddle (AUS) 5.75
Heat 3: Chelsea Williams (AUS) 10.75 def. Mary Osborne (USA) 7.70
Heat 4: Julie Cox (USA) 12.25 def. Schuyler McFerran (USA) 6.50
Heat 5: Jennifer Smith (USA) 8.35 def. Miku Uemera (HAW) 8.35
Heat 6: Joy Magelssen (HAW) 10.20 def. Leah Dawnson (USA)
Heat 7: Jennifer Flanigan (USA) 7.00 def. Coline Menard (FRA) 7.00
Heat 8: Janna Irons (HAW) 11.50 def. Yuko Shimajiri (JPN) 8.25
Roxy ASP WWLC Quarterfinal Results - 1st to Semifinal, 2nd eliminated
QF1: Justine Dupont (FRA) 15.50 def. Crystal Dzigas (HAW) 7.25
QF2: Chelsea Williams (AUS) 13.00 def. Julie Cox (USA) 11.75
QF3: Jennifer Smith (USA) 15.25 vs Joy Magelssen (USA) 14.65
QF4: Janna Irons (HAW) 14.50 def Jennifer Flanagan (USA) 8.75