What: KanaMissCup, 2-Star Women’s ASP Pro Jr Event
Where: Hourtin, France
When: 15-17 August 2008
Alizee Arnaud (FRA), 18, won her second event of the season this weekend after defeating top under-21 French female surf rivals Pauline Ado, Lee-Ann Curren and Canelle Bulard in the final of the Kana Miss Cup Pro Junior.
Arnaud, who ended up winning the 30-minute final with a score of 15.17 out of a possible 20, was a standout throughout the 3-day event that witnessed some good quality three-foot waves. Despite winning two events this season, Arnaud 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.
“There are some big events coming up in the regional race so I will start doing the maths later on,” Arnaud said. “Next stop is Portugal, then Hossegor at home where I hope I can take it again. I’m still so stoked with that win, and looking forward to keeping the good feeling going.” Arnaud is hoping for a top two finish, which would give her a ticket for the ASP World Junior Championships in Narabeen next January.
Pauline Ado’s appearance in Hourtin was much anticipated after her 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 12.34 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 an unprecedented third crown: “I am back up there and stoked to be,” Ado said. “I am really looking forward to remaining No.1 and defending my crown up until 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 achievable.” Lee-Ann Curren, 19, reigning ASP European Women’s Champion, finished 3rd in the final.
The ASP European Women’s Junior Tour will now head down south to Portugal for the Ericeira Pro Junior next week.
RESULTS
Final
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
Semifinal 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
Semifinal 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
