GOLD COAST, Queensland/Australia (Saturday, February 26, 2011) -- The 2011 ASP World title surfing season has kicked-off on the Gold Coast with round one of the Quiksilver Pro presented by Land Rover underway in one metre waves at Snapper Rocks.
ASP world tour rookie Julian Wilson (Sunshine Coast, Qld) lived up to his hype with a convincing win in the opening heat to advance directly into round three of competition.
The talented natural-footer has been longed talked about as having the potential to be one of the greatest surfers the sport has ever seen.
Utilizing better wave selection, the 22 year-old out pointed world no.7 Adrian Buchan (Avoca, NSW) and Brazilian Heitor Alves (BRZ) - the pair relegated into round two.
Ten time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) will commence his campaign in heat 6 up against 16 year-old wildcard Matt Banting (Port Macquarie, NSW) and world no.30 Kai Otton (Avalon, NSW).
The Roxy Pro is on standby for a possible start at the completion of round one of the mens.
The event will be broadcast LIVE on free-to-air with One HD.
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be webcast LIVE via http://www.quiksilverpro.com