Hang Loose Pro

ASP 6-Star Prime Men's WQS event
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
2 - 7 February 2010

Raoni Monteiro makes his third final in a row   |

ernando de Noronha Brazil -- North American C. J. Hobgood confirmed his top seed 1 level of the 2010 Hang Loose Pro Contest and won the first prime location of the year in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Raoni Monteiro made his third final in a row in Cacimba do Padre waves, but as last year, didn’t find the barrels to win.

“I’m stoked. Last year I put too much pressure on myself and it didn’t paid off. It was amazing to win right now in the beginning of the season. I was lucky all day long finding those left barrels and I’m glad to be here in this amazing place”, said former World Tour Campion.

C.J. walked away with U$ 20.000 winner’s prize money and 6.500 points to take the lead of the ASP One Ranking. Raoni pocketed U$ 10.000 and 4.875 points to place himself two steps below C.J. in the Ranking where young Brazilian Alejo Muniz is current runner-up. Here in Noronha Alejo and fellow coutryman Wiggolly Dantas was equal 3rd.

With the forecast showing a decline in the swell contest organizers decided to run the finals on Saturday even with the window going till Sunday. C.J. was on fire since his first heat of this Saturday. In the Round of 16, C.J got barreled twice to post a new record of two-wave total of 17.17 points (out of a possible 20). He smoked both Brazilians Gustavo Fernandes in quarter-finals and Alejo Muniz in the semifinal.

CJ Hobgood : photo Daniel Smorigo