CANSDELL DEFEATS REYES TO WIN LACANAU PRO

Sunday, August 21, 2005 (Plage Centrale, Lacanau , France ) Shaun Cansdell (AUS) defeated Tim Reyes (USA) to win the 2005 Soöruz Lacanau Pro a men's ASP 6 star World Qualifying Series (WQS) event. Organisers decided to wait for the incoming tide and an improvement in conditions before running the semis through to the 30-minute grand finale. The two form surfers of the contest did not let the thousands of spectators, who lined the beach, down as it came down to the wire with the young Australian eventually hanging on to pocket the US$15,000 winner's cheque.

Waves in the 3-4 ft range were on offer with a notoriously strong cross-shore wind tearing through the contest area. Clear skies brought out a huge crowd which was treated to some world class surfing on the thumping shore break at Plage Centrale Lacanau.

Cansdell showed nerves of steel as the final became a real cat and mouse struggle. After a slow start both surfers had one scoring wave and went looking for there back-up. It was Cansdell using his priority and his powerful backhand repertoire to score a 6.03 and was left waiting his opponent's response. With less than three minutes remaining Reyes gave it his best shot on a long right with a series of rapid forehand snaps but came up short by 0.19 receiving a 7.67.

An emotion Cansdell was swarmed by friends, media and fans as he fought his way back to the contest site. Trembling with emotion the goofy footer found it very difficult to put his feelings into words.

“It's the best.” began a smiling Cansdell. “I've been doing the WQS for so long it feels so good to have a win. I'm so stoked I can't believe it.”

“I was just praying that he didn't get the score and I was so lucky,” continued Cansdell. “He didn't but it was a really close final. There weren't too many waves. I was expecting more to come through but I can't believe I won.”


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