The surfing conditions were more challenging today with smaller and less consistent surf than the previous two days. Several heats saw very few waves coming through while others had one or two competitors getting close to their 10-wave limit. However it was still very contestable and proved to be a great test for the young grom's ability to make the most out of each opportunity.
Last year's winner and #2 seeded Putu Anggara erased any doubt that he really liked France and is serious about making another trip. Perhaps he met a girl there or liked the food? When asked he just smiled and said, "Both!" His surfing showed great style and very smooth transitions between critical maneuvers in both his heats and so he easily advanced.
#3 Seeded Agus Sumertayasa also had little trouble downing his competitors in both rounds and will be matched up tomorrow against #6 seeded Damyen Amar.
Middle-seeded Koko Mitsuantara ripped through both his Round 3 and his man-on-man Round 4 heats, very impressive on his forehand and backhand after having grown about a foot in the last few months! He will take on #50 seeded Dede Aridin tomorrrow.
#40 seeded 12-year-old Jeren was on fire again today with his two heat wins, picking off some of the longest waves and surfing them all the way into the sand. He will be up against Putu Anggara in tomorrows Quarterfinal 4, so he will no doubt be up all night studying videos of Putu's surfing!
Azor Joseph Laudes (Philippines) was the only non-Indonesian to make it into Round 4, but his run for the crown was cut short when took a wave out of turn so gained no points, his inexperience with priority in man-on-man competition perhaps to blame. He needed only a 2-point wave to gain the lead, but the ocean went flat during the last 5 minutes, leaving him scrambling for any surfable lump but with no success.
So everything is set up for an exciting final day of action at Kuta Beach, with 8 talented young Indonesian surfers all battling it out for the King of the Groms crown on Kuta Beach. The swell is forecasted to be increasing during the night to significantly bigger conditions, possibly up to 5-6 feet, so it will be great for the spectators and surfers alike.
The action should be kicking off at around 9 am. See attached heat draw for tomorrow's Quarterfinal matchups.
The Quiksilver King of the Groms is a Grade 2 Coca-Cola Indonesian Surfing Championship Tour Junior Division sanctioned event, presented by Coke Zero and Sprite Zero, and sponsored-supported by The Haven, Harris Hotels, Aroma, Bapak Bakery, GUS, SurfTime, Trax, Cosmo Girl, Men's Fitness, Spice, Gadis, Seventeen and Cinta-Cinta.
Photos and text : Tim Hain – Coca-Cola ISC Tour
Thanks,
Eka I. Rochmansyah
Media Coordinator ISC
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