High drama in the Maldives today as several ASP World Longboard World Title contenders were knocked out while others advanced through Round 2 of the ASP Oxbow World Longboard Tour event in Maldives, completed in good 1.25 meter (3 to 4 feet) surf.
Defending ASP World Longboard Champion, Bonga Perkins (HAW), saw his title defence disappear as a rampaging Ben Skinner (UK) out-manoeuvred and out-surfed the champ.
“Bonga (Perkins) is a legend of our sport and I have absolute respect for the guy but I went in confident of winning today,” Skinner said. “I have defeated him recently and out here I feel really well suited to this wave so I knew I could do it. With five minutes remaining, Bonga required a 7.25 to defeat me and while I held priority for the next wave I knew Bonga could score a 9 point ride easily, I simply focused on holding my position and making certain if a great wave came I was on it and not Bonga – It was the longest 5 minutes of my life and fortunately I won!”
Current ASP World Longboard Tour ratings’ leader Harley Ingelby kept his 2009 ASP World Longboard Title hopes firmly alive today, taking a solid win over fellow Australian Jared Neal.
