Brothers Josh and Jacob Burke are on a mission to give local supporters something special to remember this weekend.
The national surf brothers both advanced into the quarterfinals of the annual Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc Barbados Surf Pro Men’s 5000 Qualifying Series presented by Diamonds International.
Jacob Burke reached the quarterfinals.
Taking advantage of the beautiful sea conditions at the world-class Soup Bowl in Bathsheba, St. Joseph, Josh Burke who is no stranger to performing extremely well in the event now has his younger brother Jacob right alongside him to carry Barbados’ hopes.
During the round of 16 held on Friday for this mega surfing event that has attracted several competitors from around the world, Josh topped heat with respective wave totals of 7.00 and 5.80 for an overall score of 12.80, and what was a fantastic showing to reach the final eight.
Another familiar name, Carlos Munoz of Costa Rica, scoring 11.36, tried his best to provide the local boy Josh with some competition, but the Barbadian who is also a popular name and face on the Challenger Series was able to command proceedings on home soil.
Similarly, Jacob was absolutely fearless in his pursuit to advance this far in the competition, a really good accomplishment for him as he works towards making the final and, hopefully, gets to face off against his brother.
Jacob tallied 12.50 to win heat four, accounting for wave totals of 7.50 and 5.00, refusing to back down from his keen rival John Mel of the United States of America (USA), placing second in 12.50.
During the Round of 16, Ryan Huckabee of USA registered the highest heat score of 15.67 ahead of Lucas Cassity of Mexico scoring 15.27 as they are both just with the Challenger Series.
Josh Burke is expected to go up against Cassity in heat two of the quarterfinals later today. Meanwhile, Jacob will hope to bring his best manoeuvres when he surfs off against Lucca Mesinas of Peru. Mesinas (14.03) finished second in heat three for the Round of 16 behind a confident Sebastian Williams of Mexico (15.00).
Unfortunately for Barbados, both national female standout surfers Chelsea Tuach and Chelsea Roett were knocked out of the women’s competition. Roett made her exit in the Round of 32 on Thursday while former champion Tuach finished fourth in heat one (8.90) of the Round of 16 and stunningly failed to advance to the quarterfinals. (AS)
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