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| Greg Emslie |
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Q&A; with Greg Emslie
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Team Red surfer Greg Emslie, South Africa’s longest standing ASP World Tour competitor, has earmarked the Mr Price Pro as a vital "stepping stone" in his quest to re-qualify for the Dream Tour. And the 31-year-old East Londoner will undoubtedly be hoping to take a few steps up the podium after finishing third in 2004, the year he finished first on the WQS ratings.
How important is the Mr Price Pro for you in terms of qualifying for the ASP World Tour?
Obviously it’s really important for me. I’ve done well at the event in the past and I’m now focused on doing well. It’s also vital for me to start building some confidence before the U.S, Japan and European legs.
How disappointing was it to miss out on re-qualification for the ASP World Tour last year?
Yes it was terribly disappointing. To lose out so narrowly was heart-breaking but I guess that’s part and parcel of professional sport and now I’m just looking to forward to the challenge of re-qualifying.
For South African surfers, how important do you think it is to have a six star WQS events at home?
The Mr Price Pro and Quiksilver Pro Durban have proven to be the stepping stones to qualification for the ASP World Tour. The events are really invaluable in terms of earning points and getting exposure for our surfers on the home front.
How much focus are you placing on the WQS this year?
I’m really amped to qualify again and there is a big difference between the WQS and WT which I’m just getting used to and now I’m hoping to settle down for some of the big upcoming events.
You are currently lying 34th on the WQS ladder, is that a concern for you?
Well it’s been a bit of an up and down year for me thus far but no one is running away with it and only when I have got my seven results in the bag will I start looking at the points.
Coming from East London, what is it about Durban that is different and that you really enjoy?
Well there are always really fun, contestable waves and warm water which is great.
As a consistently successful surfer at the Mr Price Pro, what are some of your fond memories of the event?
Well my fondest is undoubtedly making the final in 2004. The waves were great and the whole event was just awesome.
To what extent are you looking to better your third place finish in 2004?
Well I go into every event aiming to win it and if I could win the Mr Price Pro it would really just be a dream come true. I would love to be able to win it to give back to Mr Price and Red who have backed me for all these years.
As South Africa’s longest standing ASP World Tour competitor, what is your advice to the younger up and coming guys?
If you put the time in, surf hard and don’t party and drink too much before you’ve accomplished something then you’ll definitely reap the rewards.
Looking at your website I see that you set yourself the goal of winning ten events this year, is that still a tangible possibility?
Well I’m always looking to win every event I take part in and when I paddle out for any heat I always try give my best so you never know.
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