Japan’s Tezuka Wows at WWA Wakeboard World Championship Opener
Indianapolis, Ind. – The top wakeboarders from throughout the globe hit the waters of The Precedent today in northern Indianapolis to kick off the 18th annual Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra. The invitation-only pro-am event, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 21, opened with preliminary rounds for 14 of the 23 skill-level divisions competing over the course of the four-day competition.
Among the 110 amateur riders who competed in today’s opening rounds was 17-year-old Japanese native Shota Tezuka, who continued to show why he is one of the best riders in the world and why he can soon be called a world champion.
During today’s Jr. Pro Men division quarterfinals, Tezuka won his four-man heat after landing several big tricks, including a Toe-side 720, a Heel-side 720 and a Front Mobe.
“I was super nervous this morning, but it was a good nervous,” said Tezuka. “I had Tony Iacconi in front of me and Michael [Dowdy] behind me in my heat. I knew they would kill it, so that really pushed me to ride better.”
That motivation paid off for Tezuka, as his run earned a perfect score of 100 points and advanced him to the Jr. Pro Men’s division semifinals, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.
Tezuka’s run today was indicative of his overall performance in his first year on the U.S. amateur wakeboarding circuit, where he has finished in third place or better at five of six events, including two wins in those contests.
The breakout star in the Jr. Pro Men’s division grew up in Gotenba, Japan, located on the southeastern flank of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka. Tezuka started wakeboarding eight years ago with his family and eventually started training with a coach.
“My dad and my coach taught me a lot, but now my tricks are too hard for them,” said Tezuka. “I started to watch wakeboard DVD’s and practiced the tricks I saw on a trampoline.”
Once Tezuka mastered a few technical tricks, he convinced his family to let him compete in the U.S. amateur series this year to see how he would measure up against the competition in the States.
“I wanted to ride the whole tour this year to see how I would do,” said Tezuka. “My parents were really supportive and before I knew it, I was riding in contests here.”
Tezuka did not do well at his first event, but quickly bounced back and won the following contest to become the first Japanese born rider to win a Jr. Pro Tour stop. Since then, Tezuka has earned spots on the podium of every contest and hopes to win the 2011 WWA Worlds this weekend.
“It would be awesome to win Worlds,” said Tezuka. “But I don’t want to get ahead of myself because there are a lot of good riders here.”
The Jr. Pro Men world title will be decided on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m.
The WWA Worlds will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Precedent. The Precedent is located at 9229 Delegates Row Indianapolis, IN 46240.
The 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is free to the public during its first two days of competition, but switches to a ticketed event beginning Saturday, Aug. 20. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).
In addition to all the action on the water — on land, the WWA Worlds features great food and music; pro athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
The 2011 WWA Worlds will also air on the VERSUS television network at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Supra boats, WWA, Overton’s, Indmar, Peavey, Mona Vie, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, Sayiwon’t and YOUR MOM.
About Rockstar Energy Drink
ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eighteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, Recovery Lemonade, Recovery Orange, Recovery Grape, Pink, and 2X. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Mexico, the Philippines and throughout the United Kingdom. Go to www.rockstar69.com or www.facebook.com/rockstar for athlete and event updates, videos, profiles, and product information.
About Supra
Supra is the official tow boat of the ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Celebrating more than 30 years of excellence in the marine industry, Supra pioneered rider-friendly boats that feature innovative hull designs, adjustable wakes and versatile seating with sleek and sexy styling.
About WWA
The WWA Wakeboard World Championships is the solely owned property of the World Wakeboard Association (WWA). The WWA also owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard Nationals, WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown and WWA Wake Park Nationals. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is the global leader in the sport of wake. The WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out www.thewwa.com.
About VERSUS
VERSUS, part of the NBC Sports Group, prides itself on super-serving passionate sports fans across all platforms. Now in more than 76 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the National Hockey League (NHL), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and Professional Bull Riders (PBR). VERSUS also airs NASCAR, NBA, UFC, college football, college basketball and Triple Crown horse racing coverage. The network is also home to the best outdoor programming on television. VERSUS is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.
About King of Wake
The King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from across the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The 2011 series consists of the Wake Games, the WWA National Championships, the WWA World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing — the leading wake-events producer since 1988.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 – DAY 1 RESULTS:
Jr. Pro Men – Quarterfinal #1
1. Dylan Prideaux AUS 91.75
2. Gordon Harrison USA 85.00
3. Kyler Green USA 85.00
4. Robbie McMillin CAN 62.50
Jr. Pro Men – Quarterfinal #2
1. Kyle Evans USA 94.75
2. Paulie Koch USA 89.75
3. Parker Siegele USA 78.50
4. Keenan Allen USA 77.00
Jr. Pro Men – Quarterfinal #3
1. Joshua Twelker USA 95.75
2. Pierce Homsey USA 92.00
3. Gunner Daft USA 75.75
4. Gus Shuler USA 66.00
Jr. Pro Men – Quarterfinal #4
1. Shota Tezuka JPN 100.00
2. Tony Iacconi AUS 87.00
3. Michael Dowdy USA 83.00
4. Joey Buss USA 70.00
Jr. Pro Men – Quarterfinal #5
1. Freddie Wayne USA 100.00
2. Robby Holihan USA 90.00
3. Jacob Valdez USA DQ
Jr. Pro Men – Quarterfinal #6
1. Daniel Powers USA 100.00
2. Gunnar Shuler USA 87.75
3. Morgan Pedersen USA 82.25
Jr. Men – Semifinal #1
1. Dylan Branch USA 61.67
2. Tyler Cockrum USA 50.00
3. Tim Burnier USA 41.67
4. Hector Miguel Morales MEX 31.67
Jr. Men – Semifinal #2
1. Christian Primrose CAN 63.33
2. Noah Flegel USA 61.67
3. Jonathan Abendroth USA 43.33
4. Caden Welch USA 36.67
Jr. Men – Semifinal #3
1. Justin Lee USA 58.33
2. Justin Gratzfeld CAN 55.00
3. Yangsu Kim ROK 41.67
4. Jordan Gensler USA DQ
Jr. Boys Beginner – Semifinal #1
1. Kevin Duffy USA 75.00
2. Thomas Herman USA 65.00
3. Peyton Bristow USA 53.33
4. Ryan O’Toole USA 43.33
5. Kai Stidham USA 30.00
Jr. Boys – Semifinal #1
1. Kade Kasey USA 58.33
2. Hunter Henderson USA 51.67
3. Tyler Worrall USA 43.33
4. Benjamin Brown USA 36.67
5. Helden Hein USA 23.33
Boys – Semifinal #1
1. Mitch Kappler USA 65.00
2. Merrett Fay USA 45.00
3. James Loisel USA 38.33
4. Ben Watts USA 28.33
Boys – Semifinal #2
1. Arnie Watkins USA 80.00
2. Mac Schramm USA 68.33
3. Tyler Higham USA 56.67
4. Jamie McCauley USA 46.67
Boys – Semifinal #3
1. Cory Teunissen AUS 83.33
2. Zachary Brown USA 66.67
3. Landon Kasey USA 63.33
4. Jeongwook Kim ROK 58.33
5. Jorge Alberto Perez MEX 40.00
Boys Beginner – Semifinal #1
1. Mitch Allen USA 56.67
2. Bryson Hancock USA 45.00
3. Zach McCauley USA 43.33
4. Andy Birch USA 36.00
5. Michael Buss USA 26.67
Jr. Women – Semifinal #1
1. Tori Koch USA 63.33
2. Rachel Orgill USA 53.33
3. Delanie Parker USA 33.33
4. Mallorie Henry USA 15.00
Jr. Women – Semifinal #2
1. Gianna Dinatale USA 66.67
2. Hannah Green USA 40.00
3. Roxy Toussaint USA 30.00
5. Katelyn Fenner USA 21.67
Girls – Semifinal #1
1. Shelby King USA 66.67
2. Larisa Morales MEX 58.33
3. Sofia Dinatale USA 40.00
4. Marla Fay USA 26.67
Girls – Semifinal #2
1. Taylor McCullough USA 88.33
2. Regina Arce MEX 58.33
3. Catherine Hair USA 50.00
4. Tanisha Iaconni AUS 40.00
Amateur Wakeskate – Semifinal #1
1. Yukimasa Kimura JPN 56.67
2. Jim Branton USA 45.00
3. Austin Polterock USA 40.00
4. Craig Buss USA 30.00
5. Nathan Champeau USA 20.00
Veterans – Semifinal #1
1. Tim Toussaint AUS 43.33
2. Arturo Arce MEX 33.33
3. Francois Morin CAN 28.33
Veterans – Semifinal #2
1. Matt Vermillion USA 65.00
2. Billy Garcia USA 58.33
3. Michael Fay USA 36.67
Men’s II – Semifinal #1
1. Chad Warren USA 55.00
2. Shayne Dalton USA 41.67
3. Ryan Daley AUS 36.67
4. Corey Turnball USA 35.00
Men’s II – Semifinal #2
1. Nick Cankar USA 58.33
2. Nick Link USA 56.67
3. Yu Kabazawa JPN 48.33
4. Rob Corum USA 40.00
Masters Women – Semifinal #1
1. Joy Manning USA 55.00
2. Mariana Martins USA 38.33
3. Yuriko Ishiyama JPN 28.33
Veteran Women – Semifinal #1
1. Allison Blaha USA 78.33
2. Kat Laird USA 66.67
3. Susan Sheehan USA 48.33
4. Paula Fay USA 30.00
Amateur Women – Semifinal #1
1. Brooke Grassman USA 68.33
2. Carolina Rodriguez MEX 46.67
3. Anna Bielen AUS 35.00
Amateur Women – Semifinal #2
1. Abby Delgoffe USA 70.00
2. Leah Gibney USA 53.33
3. Jessy Devine USA 33.33
