Opening day of the Murasaki Shonan Open QS 1,500 got underway as competitors were greeted with fun conditions
The World Surf League (WSL) Men's Qualifying Series (QS) is back in the land of the rising sun July 9 - 16 for the Murasaki Shonan Open QS 1,500 supported by Nissan Caravan and competition kicked off on opening day thanks to Super Typhoon Maria. Competitors were greeted with solid conditions throughout the day as competition powered through Rounds 1 and 2.
The intense, mid-summer sunshine scorched the beach as the event started promptly at 7:00 a.m. local time with glassy conditions on offer. The contest will have an eight day waiting period, extending through July 16, to give event organizers and competitors the best choice of swell -- which paid off right away.
Local Contingent Come Out Firing
Takumi Yasui - WSL / Kawana
Takumi Yasui, who has found a few good results already this season, recorded today's highest heat score with a total of 14.05 (out of a possible 20) -- earning a 7.30 (out of a possible 10) and a backup score of 6.75.
Teppei Tajima - WSL / Kawana
In the 11 heats that followed, Japanese QS veteran Teppei Tajima posted the day's highest single-wave score, a 7.50, and boasted his own brilliant 13.75 heat total.
David Vlug Represents Aussies Brilliantly
David Vlug - WSL / Kawana
In the second half of the Heat 14, Australia's David Vlug and American Kai McPhillips battled for the top spot. But, Vlug blasted ahead by matching Yasui's single high-score with a 7.50 as both Vlug and McPhillips advanced to Round 3.
Super Typhoon Maria, which became a category 4 off the coast of Japan and threatens much of Asia's east coast, is projected to make landfall at Taiwan, but typhoons taking this course in the past have brought swell to Shonan once before. An increase in swell is projected beginning tomorrow, and building each progressing day, giving top seeds something to look forward to in their debut -- possibly as early as Tuesday morning.
Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30 a.m. to make a call for Round 3's possible 7:00 a.m. start.
Murasaki Shonan Open Greeted with Opening Day Typhoon Swell
J.Ishimori
The World Surf League (WSL) Men's Qualifying Series (QS) is back in the land of the rising sun July 9 - 16 for the Murasaki Shonan Open QS 1,500 supported by Nissan Caravan and competition kicked off on opening day thanks to Super Typhoon Maria. Competitors were greeted with solid conditions throughout the day as competition powered through Rounds 1 and 2.
The intense, mid-summer sunshine scorched the beach as the event started promptly at 7:00 a.m. local time with glassy conditions on offer. The contest will have an eight day waiting period, extending through July 16, to give event organizers and competitors the best choice of swell -- which paid off right away.
Local Contingent Come Out Firing
Takumi Yasui, who has found a few good results already this season, recorded today's highest heat score with a total of 14.05 (out of a possible 20) -- earning a 7.30 (out of a possible 10) and a backup score of 6.75.
In the 11 heats that followed, Japanese QS veteran Teppei Tajima posted the day's highest single-wave score, a 7.50, and boasted his own brilliant 13.75 heat total.
David Vlug Represents Aussies Brilliantly
In the second half of the Heat 14, Australia's David Vlug and American Kai McPhillips battled for the top spot. But, Vlug blasted ahead by matching Yasui's single high-score with a 7.50 as both Vlug and McPhillips advanced to Round 3.
Super Typhoon Maria, which became a category 4 off the coast of Japan and threatens much of Asia's east coast, is projected to make landfall at Taiwan, but typhoons taking this course in the past have brought swell to Shonan once before. An increase in swell is projected beginning tomorrow, and building each progressing day, giving top seeds something to look forward to in their debut -- possibly as early as Tuesday morning.
Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30 a.m. to make a call for Round 3's possible 7:00 a.m. start.
Takumi Yasui
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A slight increase of waves on the Shonan Coast provided top seeds plenty of fun surf in their debuts.
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Opening day of the men's QS 1,500 kicked off in great fashion.