Courtney Conlogue, Tanner Gudauskas starring at ASP World Junior Championships
Santa Ana surfing sensation Courtney Conlogue, by advancing to the quarterfinals of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships at Narrabeen, Australia, is the last mainland U.S. competitor in the girls' division.
The stylish 16-year-old posted two heat victories Sunday and earned the day's highest two-wave heat total of 15.67 (out of a possible 20), while defeating South Africa's Nikita Robb, 19, in the third round.
"I’m stoked to have made it through such a hard heat," said Conlogue, the reigning national amateur champion. "Surfing against all these girls is something which I've always aspired to. Although the conditions aren't perfect, I felt really comfortable out there today. Hopefully I can take this momentum into the quarterfinals."
Meanwhile, San Clemente standout Tanner Gudauskas, 20, remains in contention on the men's side, having won a first-round heat against Ventura's Cory Arrambide and Peru's Andres Wurst.
Santa Cruz's Nat Young, 17, the reigning national champion, also won in the first round to advance directly to round three.
Competition may resume today and the contest will conclude on or before Saturday.
-- Pete Thomas
Photo: Courtney Conlogue of Santa Ana, competing at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships in Australia, is trying to win the world junior title. During the summer, she became the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. open women's division national champion. Credit: ASP Robertson/Covered Images
