ASP Top 34 Ready for Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco

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Tuesday, 01 November 2011 08:00

The world’s best surfers have converged upon the ‘City by the Bay’ for Stop No. 10 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title Series, the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco, which holds a waiting period of November 1 – 12, 2011.

Owen Wright (AUS), 21, current No. 2 on the ASP World Title rankings, is only into his second year amongst the world’s elite, but is already challenging for his first ASP World Title. The lanky goofy-footer has had a banner year in 2011, claiming his first elite tour win in New York in September as well as Runner-Up finishes in Tahiti and Trestles.

“It’s crazy to see us all at the top here,” Wright said. “I guess you would assume that guys like Mick (Fanning) and Joel (Parkinson) and Taj (Burrow) would be up there battling Kelly (Slater) for the title at the end of the year, but it’s younger guys like Adriano (de Souza) and myself. It’s pretty crazy to think about the generation gap between us.”

Wright will take on Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), 29, and Dillon Perillo (USA), 21, in Round 1 of competition.

Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, current No. 3 on the ASP World Title rankings, is coming off his second elite tour win of the season in the firing barrels of Portugal two weeks ago. The young Brazilian is leading the current charge of the South American ASP World Title campaigners.

“I have had a pretty good year,” De Souza said. “Not as consistent as I want to be, but my goal was to be back in the Top 5 and I’m at No. 3 right now so I think it’s been a good thing for me. To win in Portugal against Kelly (Slater) was a big moment for me. He’s still my hero and to beat him in such good waves was great for my confidence. I’m looking forward to this week’s event.”

De Souza will battle compatriot Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 26, in Round 1 of the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco.

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion and defending Rip Curl Pro Search winner, is on the verge of clinching a historic 11th crown in San Francisco, needing only to advance through two heats of competition. Slater will take on Kai Otton (AUS), 31, and Dean Brady (AUS), 25, in Round 1 of competition.