The finalists for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) Barbados Surf Pro Men’s 5000 Qualifying Series, presented by Diamonds International, have been decided, with Carlos Munoz of Costa Rica set to battle against Sebastian Williams of Mexico later this afternoon at the Soup Bowl in Bathsheba.
This morning, Munoz, a former Championship Tour top contender, showed exactly why he is still one of the best in the business, stamping a 15.83 final score to out-surf rival Lucas Cassity of Mexico (13.27).
Clearly in exceptional form and looking to go the full distance and win the event, Munoz against the Mexican Williams should generate some level of excitement for surf fans. Williams, competing in heat two of the men’s semis, snatched victory with a 13.83 scoreline, holding off a strong challenge from Lucca Mesinas of Peru (13.57).
While surfing fans were treated to a high level of competition, local supporters, unfortunately, did not get the jubilant hooray they had hoped for, as the Burke brothers, Josh and Jacob, exited the competition on Saturday afternoon during the quarterfinals. The weight of Barbados rested solely on their shoulders to reach today’s final, but it simply was not meant to be.
Staking claim to a place in the quarterfinals, Josh and Jacob’s journey in the Men’s 5000 Qualifying Series ended in heartbreak, dashing hopes of creating something magical in front of their home supporters.
Josh, in particular, needed to win this competition or at least finish in the top three to increase his chances of once again qualifying for the Challenger Series Tour, which he has done exceptionally well for the past two years.
Despite their unfortunate exit in the quarterfinals, the national surf brothers showcased their phenomenal maneuvers, but they were slightly outdone by their respective opponents.
As standard procedure unfolded with two competitors per heat in the quarterfinals, Josh, the number one male surfer on the island, displayed his experience in the quarterfinals.
Producing wave scores of 6.67 and 4.00 for an overall 10.67, Burke, wearing a blue shirt, exercised patience, taking on the swells of the wave once he had priority. However, he could not stop his opponent, Lucas Cassity of Mexico, who posted a total of 11.17.
Similarly, the younger of the two brothers, Jacob, gave it his all, evident in his final tally of 12.04 while competing against eventual winner Lucas Mesinas of Peru (12.44).
A determined Jacob, wearing a blue dry-fit shirt, left it all in the ocean as he went in search of his maiden semifinal spot. He battled Mesinas to the very end in heat four but fell just short, losing by 0.40.
It was a high-calibre performance, especially from the young and talented Jacob, who is clearly carrying on his family’s legacy in the sport. (AS)
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