Basnett Takes First Win for South Africa in 28 Years!



Durban, South Africa (Sunday 9 July), Its been twenty-eight years since a South African surfer first triumphed at the Mr Price Pro, formerly known as the Gunston 500, and today Ricky Basnett (Bluff), 20, won the Six Star World Qualifying Series (WQS) event for the first time, since South Africa’s legendary surfing hero, Shaun Tomson back in 1987.



On a day that will be etched into South African surfing history, Basnett who entered as a wildcard into the round of 96, defeated world number four on the WQS Dayyan Neve (Aus) with a total of 15.60 (out of 20.00) to Neve’s 10.50.



Kicking- off with an explosive frontside aerial-reverse to score 8.5 out of a possible ten points, followed by a hands-free aerial earning 7.17, Basnett left his opponent in a combination situation, a feat that would have made Tomson proud.



As the ocean went flat, Basnett began counting down the minutes before stepping onto the sand as the 2006 champion. Swarmed by friends and drenched it beer, Basnett held the South African flag high as he was carried up the beach above a sea of fans.



“I don’t know what is going through my mind right now, I’m more stoked than I could ever be. This tastes better than beer!” said Basnett absolutely shaking from adrenaline.



“I got those two waves in the beginning and then the ocean went flat. When I saw my friends on the beach with the South African flag and I could not really believe what was happening. I was just sitting out there counting down the time.”



Adding this victory to his stellar performance at the four-star WQS in Margaret River, Australia, where he finished second, Basnett has climbed to fifth on the ASP WQS ratings and is closer to realising his dream of qualifying for the World Championship Tour.



Despite posting the highest individual wave score of the entire contest, an excellent 9.63 (out of ten) against defeating world number 23 Troy Brooks (Aus) in the semi-finals, the ocean failed to provide for Neve in the final and the Australian was relegated to second place.



However, this result was as good as a victory for Neve who has reached three WQS finals this year and is now at number one on the WQS ratings.



“This result means everything to me. I’m trying really hard to make the WCT this year so I’m really happy to get another final, especially in a Six Star,” said Neve who was considering quitting the tour when he dropped to 116th on the WQS at the end of last year, before deciding to give it one last go in 2006.



“It’s not the best place to come second to a South African, but if I’d won back in Australia at my local beach, I know it would be the same, just the other way around. I’m stoked for Ricky, he deserved the win and he’s got his friends and family around to celebrate with.”



Also reaching the semi- finals at North beach today was former Mr Price Pro Champion Neco Padaratz (Brazil), who bowed out to Basnett, needing a 6.44. Taking off on a wave, realising it was not going to have the potential he was looking for, the Brazilian clapped his hands in applause of Basnett, impressing the crowd with his great display of sportsmanship.



South African’s Travis Logie (Durban) and Jordy Smith (Umbilo) made it as far as the quarterfinals, the two surfers finishing equal fifth, earning R14000 for their efforts. Logie was defeated by Brooks, while Smith’s hopes were dashed by Neve.



The Mr Price Pro junior men’s final saw Brandon Jackson (Durban North) successfully defend his Mr Price Pro Junior title over Jordy Smith (Umbilo), who was penalised for an interference.



Taking off on the same wave, Jackson heading left and Smith right, the two surfers met in the middle, Smith failing to make way for Jackson, which cost him the win.



Despite posting two 8.17 scores (out of a possible ten), Smith had his second ride halved, relegating him to second place while Jackson held onto first.



“You can never right-off Jordy, he’s won contests on interferences before”, said Jackson markedly pleased with his win. “Jordy’s won every contest this year but you can’t win them all and I’m just happy I could halt his run.”



Jackson posted two six-point scores for a package of tight off the top turns and, despite numerous attacks from Josh Redman (Umdloti) and Brandon Roberts (Cape Town), who finished third and fourth respectively, maintained his heat lead, earning R3000 for his efforts.



Smith earned R2000 and valuable ratings points, which will keep him at the top off the ASP Africa ratings. Disappointed with his error Smith said, “I just got unlucky I guess, and I’m going to learn from this for next time, but still, well done to Brandon for winning.”