Australian Surfing Great to Attend Bali Event

By Barrie | August 1st, 2007 | No Comments

Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo is set to attend the final leg of the inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Series Indonesia for under-21’s which coincides with his maiden Occy Grom Comp from August 2-5 in Canggu, Bali.

“I’m really looking forward to having a Grom Comp in Indonesia,” said the 1999 world champion in a statement.

“I also get to watch the final junior event in Bali which is going to be awesome,” said the 41-year-old, who is still competing at the top on the 2007 ASP men’s world tour.

“There is some serious talent coming out of Indonesia right now.”

Indonesia’s front-runner for the Von Zipper Trials wildcard, the feeder into the World Junior Championships, is Balinese Mustofa Jeksen, ranked third ahead of 14-year-old sensation One Anwar of Sumbawa, who is fourth at the ISC Pro Junior rankings.

Local favorites Raditya Rondi, Made “Garut” Widiarta, Agus Purnawan, Wayan Susiana and Kadek Murtika all remain in striking distance.

Two of Australia’s top U-21 surfers — Julian Wilson and Madison Williams — won the first two opening events respectively.

However, they should face opposition from Australians Heath Joske, Nick Vasicek and Dean Bowen, with American Dane Ward and Shaun Joubert of South Africa also ready to spice the competition up.

Prize money has been increased to US$6,500 for the final leg.

Entry into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships is exceptionally valuable to any aspiring professional surfer, with the likes of Joel Parkinson and three-time world champion Andy Irons having launched their careers on the strength of wins at the WJC as the Jakarta Post article explained.

A total of US$15,500 prize money has been on offer over the three event Series.

The Occy Grom Comp comprises two divisions, U-17 and U-14 boys.