HOURTIN, France (Sunay, August 17, 2008) – Alizee Arnaud (FRA), 18, won her second event of the season today after defeating top regional under-21 female surfers Pauline Ado (FRA), Lee-Ann Curren (FRA) and Canelle Bulard (FRA) in the final of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade-2 Kana Miss Cup Pro Junior. From the four girls who made the final, three of them have already won an event this year and Arnaud is the only one with two wins under her belt.
Arnaud, who ended up winning the 30-minute final with a 15.17 heat result (out of a possible 20), was a standout throughout the 3-day event that witnessed some good quality three foot (one meter) waves for its first edition as a Pro Junior event only. Arnaud, despite winning two events thus far, still stands second on the regional ratings.
"I had a slow start in the final taking the righthander option and I was not that confident," Arnaud said. "I moved back down to the lefthander and found that good 8.50 pointer (out of a possible 10) which was a big confidence boost."
Arnaud will have to keep up the pressure against reigning ASP European Women’s Junior champion Pauline Ado (FRA) who jumped back into 1st after finishing runner-up in the Kana Miss Cup.
"Some big events coming up still for the regional race so I will start doing the maths later on," Arnaud said. "Next stop is Portugal, then Hoseegor at home where I hope I can take it again. So stoked with that win still, and looking forward to keeping the good feeling going."
Arnaud aims at least at a Top 2 finish that would give her a ticket for the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships (WJC) in Narabeen next January.
Ado was much awaited for her final appearance in Hourtin coming from a great victory in Lacanau a week ago. Ado, who has already been crowned regional champion in 2005 and 2007, missed a second consecutive win in Hourtin finishing with a 12.34 point tally (out of a possible 20) for a runner-up finish.
"I was not able to push my level further and I did not manage to get any ride above 6 points," Ado said. "It is probably my biggest regret but I am still happy with that runner-up place because it is an ASP Grade-2 and it gives more points."
Ado, who takes the ratings’ lead back, is focused on the regional race and will be looking to secure a unprecedent third crown.
"I am back up there and stoked to be," Ado said. "I am really looking forward to remaining No. 1 and defend my crown up to the end of the year. I want to surf better and get another one this year, it is a big goal but I feel like it is makable."
Curren, 19, reigning ASP European Women’s Champion, finished 3rd in the final, missing a first victory this year for the second consecutive final after her second place finish in Lacanau.
The ASP European Women’s Junior Tour will head down South to the beautiful coast line of center Portugal for the Ericeira Pro Junior next week.
FINALS
Heat 1: Alizée Arnaud (FRA) 15.17 pts, Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.34 pts, Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 12.34 pts, Cannelle Bulard (FRA) 6.54 pts
SEMIFINALS
Heat 1: Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 12.73 pts, Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.60 pts, Idoia Meabe (EUK) 8.47 pts, Raine Jakson (AUS) 7.84 pts
Heat 2: Alizée Arnaud (FRA) 13.67 pts, Cannelle Bulard (FRA) 11.76 pts, Marie Dejean (FRA) 6.62 pts, Francesca De Santos (PRT) 5.77 pts
