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Team NSW decided as final champions crowned

With the wind turning North East on a protected Bombo Beach, conditions looked perfect for the final divisions to be crowned on day four, of the VB NSW Open Surfmasters Titles 2011.

Knowing the enormity of the day's results, competitors were looking at taking home one of the most prestigious trophy's in NSW surfing folklore; not to mention qualification into the Australian Surf Festival to be held in August this year.

The quality line up for the Open Men’s final included current WQS surfer Rhys Bombaci from Kiama, along with highly rated Australian surfer Sam Lendrum, Cronulla’s Rory Jenkins and Pro Junior surfer Shane Holmes.

With Catherine Hills Bay’s Sam Lendrum going into the final undefeated, taking home the VB slab of the event after a combined wave score of 17.17 (9 and 8.17), and 17 year old Rory Jenkins nocked out highly acclaimed Dean Bowen (Gerroa) in the Semi Final, the atmosphere was tense.

Bombaci opened up with a 7.33 and Holmes responded with a series of waves worthy of the crown. Jenkins and Lendrum persisted answering wave after wave but it was Bombaci’s precise wave selection that solidified the win, and gave him the title.

With two state crowns under her belt, current NSW Open Women’s champion Brittany Nicholl created history today as she won her third NSW Open Women’s Surfmasters Title.

Local South Coast surfers Rachel Campbell and Sky Burgess, along with current ASP Junior Women’s world ranked no.18 surfer Phillipa Anderson (Merewether), gave Nicholl a run for her money.

Campbell placed second by a mere 0.23 of a point followed by Burgess and Anderson who placed 3rd and 4th respectively.

The newest division to be added to the VB NSW Open Surfmasters Titles, was the Open Single Fin. Celebrating the style and fun of the 1970’s with modern competition surfing, a champion was crowned and will represent NSW at the Australian Surf Festival.

Sydney’s Northern Beaches surfer Rob Hazlewood came out on top, with a combined heat total of 13.50 in the Single Fin Final. Followed closely by Matt Hurworth (Cabarita Beach), Ian Bell (North Haven) and Cronulla’s Matt Cook, who finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

In the Over 35 Women’s division it was Cronulla surfer Akemi Oleary who’s consistent competition surfing won her the NSW crown, closely followed by Kim Woolridge, Jonelle Byrne (Cabarita) and Yvonne Lamont from Mt Elliot.

With tight battles playing throughout all the division finals, Team NSW looks to be a strong contender for the Australian Surf Festival held in August.

The VB NSW Open Surfmasters Titles is proudly supported by VB, Kiama Municipal Council, Kiama Tourism, Kiama Coast Tourist Parks, Gerringong Bowling Club, Suncorp and Surfing NSW.

For more information be sure to visit www.surfingnsw.com.au

special thanks surfingnsw.com