STELLAR conditions and amazing barrel rides throughout the week culminated in an explosive final that saw Jeronimo Vargas (Brazil) win his first ever WSL event by a score of 17.50 to 17.17 over Jacob Willcox (Australia) – who knocked out Gerroa’s Dean Bowen – at the QS 3,000 Maui and Sons Arica Pro Tour in Chile.
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The finalists went blow for blow and exchanged high scores as sets bombarded the line up at El Gringo, which included an amazing 10-point ride by Vargas.
Another surfer that looked intent on making it to the podium was last year’s runner-up, Werri Beach Boardrider’s Dean Bowen.
The Australian tube-hound has been putting his time in at El Gringo, this being his third consecutive year competing at the Maui and Sons Arica Pro Tour in Chile.
Despite obtaining high-scores all week long, including a 9.27 in heat one of the semi-finals, Bowen just came up short with a 15.00 compared to the 17.00 by Willcox.
“In the morning it didn’t look that good, but it got a lot better during the day,” Bowen said.
“The swell is nice and heats are scrappy, but I’ve gotten so many good waves during the event that it makes it all worthwhile to get this far.
“I’ve just tried to stay deep and go on the biggest waves.
“I’ve had a lot of fun and enjoyed it.”
This result sees Bowen jump from 162nd to 62nd in the 2018 Qualifying Series rankings.
