Reigning ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson has opened his 2013 season with a big win, defeating Brazilian Alejo Muniz at the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro at Surfest in Newcastle.
In front of a huge crowd at Merewether Beach, Parkinson stamped his authority on this final in the opening minutes on his first ride, unleashing some massive moves on the outside, then finishing with a series of on-edge critical moves on the shore break, scoring an 8.90 (out of a possible 10) which was the highest scoring ride of the 30-minute Final.
The final two-wave scoreline saw Parkinson win on 15.43 to Muniz’s 12.13.
“It’s great to win this first event as the World Champion – I had an incredible end to last year’s season and I came into this event with a lot of confidence,” said Parkinson.
“It was sort of a warm-up event here but the field is fantastic and we surf these events to win.
“It is a real honour to win this event and for sure I feel ready for next week,” added Parkinson, who begins his ASP World Championship season at the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast next Saturday.
