Jamie O'Brien wins 2009 Rip Curl Cup Invitational at Padang
Padang
August 15, 2009
Padang Padang, Bali –– It was billed as a gathering of the best tuberiders in
the world at the best barrel in Bali, and the Rip Curl Cup Invitational at
Padang Padang delivered as advertised.
Jamie O'Brien took home the cup in what will go down as one of the most
spectacular displays of high-stakes tuberiding in the history of competitive
surfing. The 26-year-old surfing sensation from the North Shore of Oahu battled
through a field of 16 of Indonesia's best surfers and 16 of the world's top
tube riders to meet legendary Balinese surfer and two-time Rip Curl Cup
champion Made “Bol” Adi Putra in the final.
“This is right up there with my Pipe Masters and Teahupoo trials wins,” O'Brien
said after being escorted from the beach to the winner's podium on the
shoulders of his friends and soaked with champagne. “I got so barreled today,
this was the sickest event ever.”
Hundreds of spectators packed the sands of Padang Padang beach to watch the
show, as Padangpumped out perfect, smoking six-foot tubes all day long.
“It was as good as it gets today,” said two-time champ Adi Putra after the
final. “This is the first time I surfed Padangthis year. I wish it was always like this.”
O'Brien scored an unheard of four perfect 10s during the event, including two
in the same heat during Round 2 for a flawless total heat score. He earned
$2,000 for the win, but the prize money was secondary to the countless
memorable barrels he made during his five rounds of competition. He plans to
donate all his prize money to a local Balinese charity.
“Everyone is a winner today,” said contest director Pete Matthews. “It was a
true tuberiding event.”
Final results
1st Jamie O'Brien
2nd Made “Bol” Adi Putra
T-3rd Ryan Turner
T-3rd Laurie Towner
