Sun Aug 10 2008 14:45:00

Photo: Marlon Lipke (DEU) keeps up the good work and advances through to Round 5 of the Rip Curl Boardmasters

NEWQUAY, England (Saturday, August 9, 2008) – The expected new swell hit Fistral Beach today and the ASP WQS 5-Star Rip Curl Boardmasters restarted in consistent three foot (one meter) waves, with strong winds and heavy showers making the conditions tough for the 24 competitors still in contention on Day 5 of competition. The 2008 Champion will be crowned tomorrow.

Eight heats only were completed and 16 surfers were able to make their way through to the One-to-one match-ups starting from Round 5. Big scores and important results happened today and David Weare (ZAF), Rip Curl Boardmasters winner in 2006 and currently rated No. 5 on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), managed to post an impressive 18.00 point heat score (out of a possible 20), the best result of the event thus far.

"The waves are definitely bigger today and even if the weather is tough, it is better to get big enough waves", Weare said. "It was very tricky to find the better waves but better than the last couple of days. I am happy with this one."

Weare, who won the ASP WQS 6-Star Prime in South Africa in April and placed equal 3rd in the ASP WQS 6-Star Prime in Scotland, is on a quest to requalify for the ASP World Tour where he spent a year in 2006.

"I had a pretty good run at the beginning of the year and it was really important for me to secure those points early", Weare said. "I had an average middle run though so this European leg will be crucial for the ratings. It is a big leg and I am looking forward at securing more points so I will try and make the final here."

Weare, who defeated Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) and fellow South African Gavin Roberts (ZAF), will meet Dion Atkinson (AUS) in Round 5.

It was an excellent day for the European contingent as all three representatives Marlon Lipke (DEU), Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) and Patrick Beven (FRA), managed to secure a ticket for Round 5.

Lipke, rated No. 17 coming to the Rip Curl Boardmasters, got through another round today winning Heat 1 with a good 15.90 point heat score (out of a possible 20) and will face friend Zubiarreta first thing tomorrow morning.

"It is bigger than yesterday and very contestable compared to yesterday", Lipke said. "The currents and tides made it hard but once you get the good wave there is definitely space to get some good scores."

Lipke, whose worst result counting for the international ratings is a low 675 point score, will climb up the ratings whatever happens tomorrow but is looking forward to make the final.

"I am stoked I made it through", Lipke said. "I am looking forward to competing on the final day and it has been a good event. We had excellent waves on Day 1, tomorrow will be solid as well and hats off to the organisation."

Patrick Beven (FRA), 29, advanced as well and will meet inform Chris Davidson (AUS) in Heat 3. Beven is focused and looking for big points to start the European leg well knowing the upcoming 5 main WQS events will be crucial.

"Conditions changed and there is more waves and options to get some scores", Beven said. "I felt good in the tricky conditions out there and paddled out very relaxed. It is good to see all three of us Europeans get through. Surfing in Europe is really good for us."

The Australian crew was not left behind on Day 5 and Rip Curl young and promissing teamriders Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Matt Wilkinson (AUS) were able to get another heat done. Kennedy, 19, a wildcard in the event, will be the second youngest surfer competing on the final day and has good chances of making it to the end.

"I am stoked to get that done and do good here", Kennedy said. "I have no pressure as a wildcard and I just want to have fun. It has been good so far and I am happy to be in the final day and surf man-on-man heats."

Brazilians were some standouts again today, using the tricky conditions to their best and Pedro Henrique (BRA) posted an impressive 16.87 point heat result (out of a possible 20) including an 8.87 point ride and an 8.00 point back up score to advance. Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) and 2X and reigning ASP Junior World Champion Pablo Paulino (BRA) advanced as well and will surf for the showdown.

Better weather and waves are forecast for the final day and surfers will gather one last time at 8 AM (GMT+1) Sunday, August 10, for the call. Fifteen heats remain before the champion raises the crown.

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