Wright And Bowen Out Of Surf Title

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday January 7, 2009

By CHRIS ROOTS

THE South Coast's hopes for the Billabong World Junior Championship ended yesterday with the shocking defeat of Dean Bowen and Owen Wright.

Bowen, of Gerroa, struggled in the 1m swell at North Narrabeen, producing only two scoring rides in round three of the competition.

Despite being the NSW and Australian junior champion, Bowen couldn't find a wave in the last 17 minutes of the heat, going down 14.33 to 6.00 to Brazil's Jadson Andre.

However, the biggest shock of the day came when Culburra's Owen Wright was sent packing by Marc Lacomare.

The Frenchman put together an 8.00 and 8.50 to score 16.50 with Wright taking a two-wave total of only 12.67.

"I feel so good to beat Owen (Wright)," Lacomare said.

"He always beats me. We have surfed against one another about five or six times and he has beaten me most.

"Before the heat I was not that nervous because Owen is such a favourite. I'm just here do my best and see what happens."

Dusty Payne and Sebastien Zeitz, both of Hawaii, also crashed out in the third round. The duo were amongst the favourites for the title.

Five Australians are through to the round of 16, headed by Lincoln Taylor, who produced the highest score of the day with 18.10.

© 2009 Illawarra Mercury

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