Medi Veminardi (St Leu, REU) 20, has won the ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Pro Junior UK defeating William Aliotti (FRA) 17, 10.34 to 8.57, in a low scoring final in peaky 2-3ft waves to also claim his maiden ASP European Pro Junior title.
Veminardi was unstoppable on the final day of competition ousting all his opponents with convincing style to charge to victory and leap frog from 5th to 1st on the ASP European Pro Junior rankings.
“It is the best feeling ever. Thanks God, thanks to my family. Last year I was coming first and I injured my knee so now this is the best way to end my season. Thanks everyone.”
Veminardi got off to a quick start in the final bagging two modest 4-point rides in the deteriorating conditions to hold the advantage in the tactical final. With only minutes remaining the decisive set of waves pushed into Fistral beach with Veminardi taking off on the wave of the final to produce a series of fore-hand snaps through to the shore and claimed a 6.17 out of 10 which proved enough to take victory.
“When I got two 4’s I knew I needed another score. I knew I couldn’t win without another higher score. William got a wave and I stayed calm because right after I got the next wave and it gave me the score to win. I can’t believe it right now. I had a bad result in the first contest of the season and I had to keep believing in myself. That is what I did and it paid off. It is crazy.”
Aliotti stamped himself as one of Europe’s best up-and-coming juniors with his runner-up finish at the Quiksilver Pro Junior UK and 2nd place in the ASP European rankings. In scintillating form through the final day and dominating the tricky conditions with flowing, powerful surfing in the wind affected conditions, Aliotti finished the season with a great performance after modest results mid-season.
“I have finished with a good result for the season but I would have loved to have come first and win the title. I came so close so it is hard to take. I had priority but when I heard he got a 6 I knew it would be difficult to come back. After, there were no more waves so that is how it goes. I am only 17 years-old and the other guys are 20 so it is cool and I have the future to try and win again.”
Jose Ferreira (PRT) 19, finished equal 3rd claiming his best result of the 2011 season and solidified his position in the Top 10 European Juniors. In a wave starved second semi-final, Ferreira grafted out a modest total of 9.54 out of 20 and held a narrow lead before Aliotti snuck under his priority to steal a 7.73 out of 10 to knock out the promising Portuguese.
“I was not lucky in this heat and I got second so congratulations to William (Aliotti). He is a great surfer and he deserves it. My objectives were to finish in the Top 4 to qualify for the World Juniors but I still have next year and I want to do better. I am happy with this result but the overall year is not that good so I will work and be back next year.”
Tom Cloarec (FRA) placed equal 3rd unable to overcome a steamrolling Veminardi in their semi-final clash. Cloarec took out Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) 16, in the quarter-finals to reopen the race for the ASP European Junior title with solid surfing in the tricky low tide peaks. Clean, flowing carves and rapid snaps highlighted the surfing of Cloarec as well as a solid game plan throughout the event.
“I am happy with my result here but at the same time I would have liked to make it to the final. It is my biggest result of the year and I had a good quarter-final so I am happy and it has helped me to move up the rankings.”
Frederico Morais (PRT) 19, finished equal 5th at the Quiksilver Pro Junior UK and rocketed up into 4th position on the ASP European Junior rankings allowing him to qualify for the ASP World Junior series. The power-house natural footer has capped off a solid year to earn his ticket to represent Europe on the world stage.
“I am stoked to make the World juniors. It was my main goal to qualify and to represent Europe the best I can. I was here to make the final and do my best but the waves didn’t help a lot. My quarter-final finish is good and I am happy with it and the overall result for the year.”
