USA Looks Strong at the 1/4 Pole

Gudauskas and Ware- Steady boys.

June 24, 2008 - - Surfers representing the United States hold five of the top 12 spots on the WQS tour. The USA's 2009 WCT future looks promising. Granted, it is early, and the WQS tends to really shake out after the European summer leg. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of USA surfing you've got to be pleased with what you see. With the WQS tour more than a quarter of the way through, and four of eight 6-Star 'PRIME' events already decided, the USA holds down four of the top 10 WQS spots, one more than Brazil.

Topping the charts for the USA are Patrick Gudauskas and Austin Ware in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Brett Simpson and Nate Yeomans round out the USA efforts with 7th and 8th. Curran clan member Nathaniel sits at number 12.

With Kelly Slater almost a lock to win his 9th world title, the WQS is offering some great drama for fans of the sport. Don't get me wrong, Slater's romp through the WCT is can't miss stuff. With 13 6-star events remaining and four of those 'PRIME' events, the WQS ratings situation is wide open with five US horses near the quarter pole. With seven of 10 USA WCT surfers in the top 20 and our 'QS forces looking steady the '09 WCT stable could be ripe with Red, White and Blue. Here's hoping the USA guys, both on the WCT and the WQS, finish strong.

ASP WQS RATINGS 2008 - as June 23, 2008
1: Hizunomę Bettero (BRA) 8200 points
2: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 7919 points
3: Austin Ware (USA) 7838 points
4: Sunny Garcia (HAW) 7215 points
5: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 7162 points
6: David Weare (ZAF) 7113 points
7: Brett Simpson (USA) 7075 points
8: Pedro Henrique (BRA) 6819 points
9: Drew Courtney (AUS) 6731 points
10: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 6706 points
11: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 6700 points
12: Nathaniel Curran (USA) 6663 points