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PLAYING THE NUMBERS
Melanie Bartels wins OP Newport Classic -- and secures an 06 WCT berth
There's always more depth to a surf contest than simply what the fans on the beach witness. Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) officials, contest organizers, and various media members knew a struggling Melanie Bartels was sliding down the World Championship Tour rankings and needed a big boost just to requalify. With three events left to go on this year's ASP Women's WCT, the rehabbing Hawaiian was seemingly the only soul who hadn't counted herself out.
"People keep telling me I needed to win today to requalify," said Melanie. "But I don't know, I never did the math. I'm more focused on the next three WCT events, than the QS." Apparently, Bartels needed a first or second place showing at the Op Newport Classic (a one-star ASP Women's World Qualifying Series event) to secure enough points to rejoin her peers next season on the World Tour. She didn't let the added pressure or a five-week hiatus out of the water with a broken wrist slow her down.
"I've been out of the water for five weeks and finally decided to cut the cast off myself two days ago," Bartels cringed as she painfully struggled to give congratulatory handshakes. "Without my friends giving me a solid tape up, I wouldn't even have been able to stand up."
Bartels let her seasoned CT form shine through by dominating the quarters and semis, before nearly comboing all three other girls in the final and taking home the $2000 check. Kyla Langer tried her best to stay within striking distance, but when the final horn sounded she still needed a 9.5 to catch the Hawaiian. Maili Rohner showed determination and good form, finishing third. While USA Surf Team member, Darlene Conolly skipped Coach Peter "PT" Townend's team workout on the other side of the jetty to advance out of her semi-final and into her best WQS finish yet -- 4th.
The five-day event was blessed with some of the best contest surf California has seen in a while. Overhead barrels churned off the 56th Street jetty during Friday and Saturday, with smaller but more rippable conditions during the finals on Sunday.
"This was just for reassurance." Bartels smiled. "I just try and have fun. Although, it's always in the back of my head that I still need to win." Win she did. Now with the pressure to requalify off, look for her to be recharged and confident going into next weeks stand alone Women's WCT event at Malibu.
Women:?
1st -Melanie Bartels: $2,000?
2nd -Kyla Langen: $900?
3rd -Dianna Mattison: $600 ?
4th -Darlene Conolly: $500
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Mike Cianciulli
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