Quarterfinalists decided at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Tasmania

March 27, 2010 - Marrawah, Tasmania, Australia - The quarterfinalists of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic were today decided in a solid 3 meter swell, light offshore winds and bright Tasmanian sunshine at this 6-star ASP event at the 'edge of the world

It wasn't necessarily the quarterfinal line-up that most would have predicted - as surfing's young talent chose this moment in the wilds of Tasmania to make their mark.

The biggest shock of the day came when Uruguayan Marco Giorgi knocked out defending CWC Tasmania champion, and current World Number two, Jordy Smith, in a close heat, which even saw Jordy snap his new board.

"I can't believe I beat Jordy Smith. I've always looked up to him," said Marco after his win. "I was so nervous to be out there. I think I am more excited to beat him than I am to be in the quarterfinals."
 

One of the most impressive surfers to come through this competition has been World Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot. The young Reunion Islander cruised comfortably into the quarterfinals ahead of Shaun Gossmann.

"There's been a bit of pressure since winning the World Juniors," said Maxime. "Before that, no one knew who I was. Now I feel that there are a lot of people watching and expecting me to do well."
 

Joining Maxime and Marco in the quarterfinals is 20-year-old Australian Stuart Kennedy, another of the new-guard to stand out this week. "Getting through the round of 24 was already a good result. To be here in the quarterfinals of a 6-star event is my best result so far," said Stuart whose surfing has been phenomenal. "It's so nice to be out here so far away from everything and doing well."

However, in amongst the host of young talent ready for the quarterfinals tomorrow is a man to keep your eye on - World Tour surfer, Chris Davidson.

"I am just out there enjoying myself," said Chris as he warms up for Bells Beach next week. And he definitely looks like he is enjoying himself. "I was a bit worried against James (Taipan Wood) out there when he got a 7-something. And I knew I had to get a good wave."

He did that and a bit more with a 9.63 - one of the highest scoring waves of the competition. "I just needed a few more turns at the end there to make it perfect," he said - a clear signal of his ambitions for tomorrow's heats.
 

The final rounds will be contested tomorrow in what is expected to be similar conditions to today. The call will be made tomorrow (March 28th) at 7.30am.
Enjoy all the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Photos.
Check out O'Neill Wetsuits, O'Neill Luggage and O'Neill surf clothing in our store.