Manuel (HAW) won the ASP 6-Star QS Hunter Ports Women's Classic.
Manuel is coming off a 3rd at the ASP 6-Star Hurley Australian Open of Surfing in Manly last week and today she took it all the way, defeating fellow Hawaiian Alessa Quizon in the Final and Sage Erickson (USA) in the Semifinals. Manuel has been the standout surfer for the entire week in the Hunter Ports Women's Classic, pushing her turns harder than the rest. Manuel takes her good form into next week's season opening Samsung Galaxy ASP Women's WCT event, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast.
"I didn't come to Surfest last year and I'm so glad I came back this year," Manuel said. "I'm really happy to be back in Newcastle, I'm definitely more in love with life today than I was yesterday. I'm really excited to surf heats and to be back in Australia early for the start of the ASP season. I got second the last time I was here, so I know how it feels to be the bridesmaid and it feels really good to step up."
Quizon also finished runner-up at last week's event in Manly, and despite the two 2nd's she was upbeat about the results and already seeing the positives. Quizon and Manuel came into the final evenly matched, with Manuel scoring a two wave heat total of 14.67 (out of a possible 20) in her Semifinal to Quizon's 14.50 (out of a possible 20) in her Semifinal.
"I'm super excited that I made it to the final," Quizon said. "At least I'm being consistent. I really want to do well in the WCT events and posting two results in the 6-Stars takes the pressure off, so I don't have to worry too much about re-qualifying. The Hawaiian girls are ripping, it's usually the Australian girls winning all the events so it's good have the Hawaiians stepping up and representing."
