SriLankan Airlines Pro at Arugam Bay: Australia's Julian Wilson Wins

Australia’s Julian Wilson won the 6 star rated Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) SriLankan Airlines Pro in the famed Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s superb south east coastline.

Some ninety-two surfers from 16 different countries took part in the June 18-24 event. Among them were 23 local surfers as well.

Twenty-two-year-old Wilson dominated it right throughout and emerged the worthy winner on the final day scoring 14.33 points as against 8.83 his rival Nat Young of USA scored.

A wild-card entrant to the event, Wilson registered a memorable victory. He was making a comeback after an injury lay-off.

“I can’t believe what an outstanding event this has been for me and all the surfers who have travelled here” said Wilson after his win. “The waves have been outstanding everyday and in many ways they are similar to the point waves around Noosa where I live – but probably way more consistent.

“I’m back and over my injuries and seriously looking hard at the qualifying series – this result is ideal for me and I’ll head to California for the US Open full of confidence.”

Nineteen-year-old Young too had a good outing.

“I’ve had an amazing week here and I’m really grateful to have made the final” said Young. “I knew the only way to beat Julian would be to score two excellent waves in that final – he’s been the stand-out all week – I went for the win but came unstuck on a few critical moves but I’m really pleased with this result.”

Wilson received a cash award of 20,000 USD in addition to a trophy while Young got a trophy and 10,000 USD from the sponsors, national carrier SriLankan Airlines.

The SriLankan Airlines Pro was a major victory for Arugam Bay as well.  Considered one of the best ten locations in the world for surfing, Arugam Bay is in the process of rebuilding after the catastrophic Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 and decades-long bloody war between Sri Lankan government troops and separatist Tamil Tigers.

Following the end of war in May last year, like in many places in the island normalcy is returning to Arugam Bay.

One has to travel long hours by road along the 320km route to Arugam bay from Colombo. But one doesn’t get disappointed with Arugam Bay because of beautiful beaches and abundance of wildlife thanks to the close by Lahugala and Yala national parks.

As a surfing location too Arugam Bay scored high during the SriLankan Airlines Pro.

Contest Director Dane Jordan from ASP Australasia termed the event as a huge success.

“This has been an event we have worked on for a number of years,” said Jordan. “The waves were some of the most perfect high performance sand bottom point waves imaginable.  We’ll definitely continue the event,” he said.   

The SriLankan Airlines Pro was made possible thanks to SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Lanka Sportreizen, Dialog, Arugam Bay Beach Wear, John Keells, Dilmah, Wild Elephant, Billabong and ASP Australasia.

Results:

Finals

1. Julian Wilson (AUS/Qld/Coolum) 14.33

2. Nat Young (USA/Cal-SantaCruz) 8.83

Semi’s

1. Nat Young 16.20 D Jayke Sharpe 14.27 (AUS)

2. Julian Wilson 15.10 D Drew Courtney 14.30 (AUS)

Quarter’s

1. Nat Young D Hodei Collazo (SPAIN)

2. Austin Ware Jayke Sharpe D Austin Ware (USA)

3. Julian Wilson D Rhys Bombacci (AUS)

4. Drew Courtney D Davey Cathels (AUS)