- WSL / Rowland/ ASP Handout
- WSL / Rowland/ ASP Handout

The Men's Prime-rated Qualification Series (QS) contest returned to the water Thursday with the non-elimination Round 3, with 24 surfers competing in three-man heats. Winners were vaulted directly to the Round of 16, while second and third place sent competitors to a sudden-death, Round 4 showdown.

Mitch Crews (AUS) has won his Round 3 bout at the 2014 Vans U.S. Open of Surfing. Mitch Crews placed first in his Round 3 heat, earning a direct advance to the Round of 16. - WSL / Kenneth Morris

Mitch Crews (AUS), 24, put together a full repertoire of carves, snaps, and airs on the rights off of Huntington Beach Pier, propelling the Australian up-and-comer to the Round of 16 over fellow Dream Tour surfer Josh Kerr (AUS), 30, and past ASP World Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot (FRA), 22.

“This event is important to me because I've had a couple of shockers this year,” said Crews. “I've been getting pretty overwhelmed and nervous by the Tour but I'm trying to work it out, relax and surf my best. For me this event is about getting my confidence back. I've been having a great time over here in California and that helps me relax and feel happy.”

Jadson Andre (BRA) during his Round 3 heat. ASP/Rowland Brazilian Jadson Andre had the round's highest heat total, with 17.97 out of 20. - WSL / Rowland/ ASP Handout

Jadson Andre (BRA), 24, current No. 28 on the WCT, dominated his Round 3 heat. The small-wave expert looked lively in the beachbreak conditions, unloading electric combinations on both his forehand and backhand for the round's highest heat total of 17.97 out of 20.

“I knew I was going to have a real tough heat against those guys,” said Andre. “I'm feeling really good and I'm stoked to skip the next round. It means a lot to have some great fans. I appreciate all the love from them and everyone here. It's by far one of my favorite contests.”

Keanu Asing (HAW) placed first in his Round 3 heat and advanced into the Round of 16. ASP/Rowland Keanu Asing scored an excellent 9.00 in Round 3. - WSL / Rowland/ ASP Handout

Keanu Asing (HAW), 21, current No. 6 on the ASP QS, contributed to the next generation's success, earning an excellent 9.00 and backup score of 7.73 en route to his own direct advance.

“I saw the wave coming and knew it would be a good one,” Asing said of his nine-point ride. “I almost missed it but I saw the wall line up and knew I had to execute it well. I was just hoping to get a score on the board to get me a heat win. I wasn't thinking about a nine.”

The Vans US Open of Surfing runs from July 26 through August 3, 2014 and is webcast LIVE via aspworldtour.com and vansusopenofsurfing.com. A full list of results can be found on the ASP event page.

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