CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWS

Domes Beach, Rincon, Puerto Rico (Saturday, March 7, 2015) - The 2015 Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit O'Neill Series started today at Domes Beach in 2 to 3 foot surf with variable winds. The surfers were still able to optimize the small conditions and post big scores throughout the day. The first day of action saw the completion two rounds of men and one round of women. The surfers are battling for the $37,000 prize purse; $25,000 to the men and $12,000 to the women. The small conditions did not slow down Asher Nolan (FL) and Francisco Bellorin (VNZ) whom consistenly posted the highest wave scores of the day. Nolan was awarded the highest wave a 9.0 and heat total a 17.17 for his lightning fast combinations. Bellorin is no stranger to the Corona Extra podium, as one of the taller competitors he used his size to his advantage by opening his waves with big power turns and posting the second highest wave (8.67) and heat total (16.17). Other standouts of the day with top heat totals were: Michael Dunphy (VA) 13.50, Rafael Pereira (VNZ) 13.17, Carlos Munoz (CRI) 13.10, and Corey Lopez (12.17).The women saw the most challenging conditions of the day as the wind picked and the tide filled in. Chelsea Tuach (BRB) was all business as she looks to defend her Corona Extra title. Her strategy of sitting on the inside bowl worked in her favor as she posted the top wave (6.37) and heat total (12.04). Part-time local Quincy Davis (NY) put her local knowledge on display with her heat win, the second highest heat total (11.30). Top women performers also include Bruna Schmitz (BRA), Emily Ruppert (FL), Alexis Engstrom (NY), and Cassidy McClain (US).Tomorrow looks to be another exciting day as we start with the women's quarterfinals followed by the men's round 3, in this round we will get our first look at the top seeded competitors such as locals Gabriel Escudero and Brian Toth. Conditions look to marginal with hopes of small Northwest swell to show in the afternoon.