(Manly, NSW – Sunday, 20 September 2009): Owen Wright (Lennox Head, NSW) became the most famed junior surfer in ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series history today winning the Dripping Wet Pro Junior presented by Arrive alive.
Following on from his younger sister’s, Tyler, win yesterday, Wright created history in nearly every available category at Manly today.
Having not been defeated in a single heat all year, Wright has also accrued the most prize money in a year, whilst wrapping up the ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series crown with an event to spare.
Defeating his good friend, and number two seed, Dean Bowen (Gerroa, NSW) in the final, Wright was over the moon with what he achieved today.
“I feel awesome,” he said with a massive smile on his face.
“I knew that Deano has been in devastating form so I wanted to wrap up the Series here at Manly,” he said after outpointing Bowen 13.00 (out of a possible 20) to 8.00.
“I didn’t want to leave it up to him at Bells.”
Leading up to the final, the stage was set for the two top seeds in front of a mass of spectators.
A win would have seen Wright crowned ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series champion on the spot, however a win from Bowen would have seen the Series title dragged out to the next event in Bells, where Wright won’t be competing.
And so began a memorable final, rife with dynamic, powerful, innovative surfing, suspense and anticipation from the current ISA World Junior champion and the heir-apparent to the king, Kelly Slater.
Working the crowd into a frenzy with his speed and array of amazing manoeuvres, Wright opened the final with an eight-point ride; and from there it was one way traffic.
When asked of his memorable undefeated streak, he was quick to answer.
“After the World Juniors in January I just got over losing,” Wright stated.
“Since then things have seemed to go my way and the results have come my way, I’ve just been focussed and on a mission to win.”
Having all but qualified for the ASP Dream Tour for 2010, Wright now focuses’ his attention towards the gruelling ASP World Qualifying Series where he is currently ranked third.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing on this good run,” he said.
“My goal is now the ASP World Tour.”
Also taking place on ‘Super Sunday’ was the Skull Candy Cadet Cup which saw the best 16 years and under surfers in the country going head-to-head.
After the dust had settled it was Doug Chandler (Gerringong, NSW), Connor O’Leary (Cronulla, NSW) and Soli Bailey (Suffolk Park, NSW) left in the final, with O’Leary taking the $250 first place prize.
For all scores, results, digital images and media please visit http://live.coastalwatch.com/08_default.aspx?eid=15845&qryL=english
