Duan and Courtney-SriLankan Pro-2011 international surfing champions

Anuradha Abeysekera from Arugam Bay

The Hawaiian surfing sensation 34 year old Duan Destoto clinched the ASP World Long-Board men’s title while the 19 year old Californian Courtney Conlouge walked away with the women’s short board championship crown in the SriLankan Pro-2011 international surfing competition finals on the superb waves of Arugam Bay yesterday.

There were plenty of surfing tricks exchanged between the men’s finalists where Duan prospected with some superb back hand turns. “I am so exited to win the title and we got some first class steady waves here in this beautiful beach and I am very happy,” said the men’s champion just after he completed the final. He appreciated the Sri Lankan hospitality and said that he will be back for the next year’s contest too. Courtney with overwhelming joy said that it’s great to win the event after having a tough battle with Lakey who was in good form.

Duan beat Australian Harley Ingleby in the semi-final while the runner up Taylor Jensen (USA) qualified for the finals by defeating his Brazilian rival Rodrigo Sphaier in the semis. In the women’s semi-finals Courtney performed with an excellent 9.9 to beat the French surfer Paulinc Ado and Lakey booked her place in the final after beating New Zealander Sarah Mason in the other semi final.

Arugam Bay greeted with excellent waves on the final day of competition and the beach was filled with a dense crowd who came to witness the event. SriLankan Air lines and ASP along with the Lanka Sportsreisen with the support of Sri Lanka Tourist Board conducted the championships.

Results

Women’s Short board final:

Courtney Conlouge (USA) beat Lakey Peterson (USA)

Men’s Long Board final:

Duan Destoto (Hawai) beat Harley Ingleby (Australia)