Jayke Sharp finishes 2nd Pro Junior QLD

Brothers Neilsen Pro Junior - Julian Wilson (Qld) defeats Jayke Sharp (NSW) and wins $5,000 in an exciting showdown at Duranbah Beach

Saturday 3rd May

Sunshine Coast surfer JULIAN WILSON (Coolum) broke through for his first win of 2008 at the Brothers Neilsen Pro Junior defeating a class field of 128 of the nation’s best U/20 surfers at Duranbah Beach on the Gold Coast today.

However it was no easy win for Wilson, forced to fight runner-up Jayke Sharp (Coffs Harbour, NSW) all the way in the exciting 30 minute final that was decided in the dying seconds. The pair constantly exchanging the lead throughout as they both shredded and slashed the fast-breaking half to one-metre waves.

With eleven minutes remaining Sharp reclaimed the lead with an 8.50 score leaving Wilson requiring a 7.33 for a win but the ocean failed to co-operate turning flat for ten minutes. With just seconds remaining Wilson locked in an 8 point score to snatch the $5000 winners cheque from Sharp.

“It was crazy out there at the finish. There had been waves all heat and I had 11 minutes to get the score and I thought that was plenty of time. I waited and nothing came until the end when I managed to get that 8 point ride,” added Wilson.

Wilson acknowledged that Sharp was a hard opponent to defeat.

“That was one of the best finals I have had with some-one competitive wise,” said Wilson. “The lead changed about four times, he just kept coming back.”

Sharp posted his best result of the 2008 ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series using his fast and precise surfing to take home the $2500 runner-up cheque.

“It was my best final ever,” said Sharp.

“Julian was the better surfer so he got the win,” added Sharp.

Wilson finished with a final total of 17.17 that included the heat high wave score of 9.17. Sharp less than a point behind with a heat tally of 16.50 (out of a possible 20).

The opening semi-final saw Sharp eliminate Dean Iezzi (Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Coast) in a one-sided affair. Iezzi opened quickly for an early lead before Sharp slotted in a heat high wave score of 9.13 at the halfway mark to never be headed. Final heat scores Sharp 17.30 to Iezzi total of 12.10 score.

Wilson dominated the second semi leaving Heath Joske (Numbucca Heads, NSW) to play catch-up after he posted a 9.50 on his opening ride. Final scores Wilson 17.27 to Joske’s total tally 13.50.