Thompson crowned ‘rookie ripper’ champion

Luke Thompson (Durban) has won the men’s title at the inaugural Ballito Pro Junior at Willard Beach

Thompson contested with the best young surfers and the top men on the regional rankings, Luke Slijpen (Llandudno), and Eli Beukes (Kommetjie) were fighting it out for top honours with Japan’s Joh Azuchi.

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It was a red-hot encounter with Thompson and Beukes showing their intent right from the start. Thompson found an absolute gem of a wave that allowed him to fit in three critical turns before finishing right in front of the rocks. His commitment was rewarded with 7,25 out of 10 by the judges and with a 5.00 as his second counting ride he posting a title winning 12.25 heat total.

Beukes tried to improve his scores right up until the last second, but it wasn’t enough, while Slijpen and Azuchi finished in third and fourth places respectively.

“I’m so happy. I’ve made almost every final this year and I just wanted to win one so badly,” said Thompson. “I felt really good before this contest started. The waves are super fun and I waited on the wider peak, where I got one under priority, and that was my best score.”

ALSO READ: World’s top surfers confirmed for Ballito Pro 

Thompson is now in the number one spot on the WSL Africa Junior men’s rankings.

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