Local Hope MacDonald Keeps Dream Alive at Oakley Pro Junior North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island local Tim MacDonald battling the global draw at the ASP 5-Star Oakley Pro Junior North Stradbroke Island.
NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND, Queensland/Australia (Thursday, February 3, 2011) - Local North Stradbroke Island hope Tim MacDonald (North Stradbroke Island, Qld) kept his dream of winning the 2011 5-Star, Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Oakley Pro Junior alive today, as he posted day-two’s highest combined two-wave total of 13.98 (out of a possible 20).
Entering the event in the Round of 64 at his home break, MacDonald proved he will be one to watch as the event reaches the business end of competition as he outclassed Creed McTaggart (Margaret River, WA – 11.55), Chris Robertson (Cronulla, NSW – 9.65) and Mitchell James (Kingscliff, NSW – 6.50) who finished second to fourth respectively.
“It was nice to get that first one out of the way, it’s always nerve-racking surfing at home with all your friends and family watching,” said MacDonald.
“Hopefully the waves hang in there for the final few days and we see some good surfing going down, but I’d love nothing more than to win at home,” he said.
With North Stradbroke Island not feeling the effects of the predicted swell from TC Yazi, organisers continued to capitalise on the 1m waves at Main Beach, with the event reaching the final seeded Round of 64 as the competition’s top competitors entered the water.
Keeping with the Queensland dominated theme of the day, the Sunshine Coast’s Eli Steele (Caloundra, Qld) progressed through to the Round of 64 and Gold Coaster Thomas Woods (Burleigh Heads, Qld) progressed through to the Round of 32 before competition was called off for the day.
Steele scored a combined two wave heat total of 11.50 (out of a possible 20) advancing through his heat along with fellow Sunshine Coast surfer Josh Menger (Maroochydore, Qld – 8.75) and eliminating Luke Streader (Ballina, NSW – 7.85) and Joseph Sandercock (Lenox Head, NSW – 7.10).
Meanwhile, Woods continued his good form, posting an 11.05 (out of a possible 20) trumping Matt Gale (Werri Beach, NSW – 10.60), American Cole Moody (9.90) and Sam Schumann (Forster, NSW – 8.55) who finished second to fourth respectively.
Closer to finals day a JS Surfboards expressions session – the Tractor Big Boost will see 12 hand picked competitors (four locals, four Australians and four international competitors) compete for three brand new custom JS surfboards, with the best placed local surfer also winning one brand new JS surfboard!
The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland, Red Bull, Vertra, Stradbroke Ferries, Stradbroke Island Holidays and Redland City Council.
Visit www.oakleyprojunior.com for news, photos and updates relating to the 2011 Oakley Pro Junior.
The Oakley Pro Junior will commence February 2 and conclude February 6.
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Category: All ASP News, ASP Junior News
