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Hawaii surfer Ezekiel Lau advanced out of his Men’s Qualifying Series heat as the 2018 Vans U.S. Open of Surfing presented by Swatch got underway on Tuesday at Huntington Beach Pier in Southern California.
In 2-foot waves, Lau, the second-year Championship Tour competitor, looked uncomfortable early on in his heat. He eventually caught a wave to showcase his talents as more than just a big-wave power surfer.
Lau won the heat with a 10.50 score. Jorgann Couzinet of France placed second with a 9.27. Australia’s Mitch Crews recorded a 3.50, while Noe Mar McGonagle of Costa Rica did not score.
Other Hawaii surfers in Round 2 heats of the qualifying series included Finn McGill placing third with an 11.27. Tanner Hendrickson (10.90), Sebastian Zietz (9.30) and Kiron Jabour (8.23) finished second through fourth, respectively, in one heat.
Brazilian surfers dominated the day as they won five of the eight heats that ran.
Hawaii surfers scheduled to surf today in round two heats include Seth Moniz, Cody Young and Benji Brand.
The contest continues today, surf permitting, at 4:30 a.m., with the Women’s Pro Junior.
