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Against fierce local and international competition, Durban surfer Brandon Jackson managed to scoop second place behind Glen Hall at the Burton Toyota Pro 4 Star WQS Surf Event at Merewether Beach in Newcastle, Australia. ‘Jacko’ as he affectionately known, came close to winning the event, but was just pipped at the post by Glen ‘Micro’ Hall of Australia.
Jacko was surfing on top form throughout the event, and received a rare heat walk-through in his quarter-final heat against Chris ‘Critter’ Salisbury. Salisbury is campaigning on the Pro Junior circuit, and had a reservation on a flight to Tahiti to compete in a Pro Junior event, leaving Jacko with that rare heat walk-through so late in the tournament. “Chris was on really good form and would have been tough to beat,” said a stoked Jacko on his heat bye. “I was really pumped to hear that I got a walk-through when I arrived at the beach on Sunday.” Brandon went on to beat 2010 ASP World Tour competitor Ben Dunn in the semi-finals.
In what proved to be a tough final for the South African, Jacko was beaten by a blitzing Glen. Despite his second place, he was still elated with the result. “I’m just so happy to have made the final,” said Jacko after the event. “This is a great start to my Aussie leg and well done to Glenn. It has been a long break between events, and this just boosts my confidence for the next big events.”
Jacko was on a great competitive streak at the end of 2009, and was looking good to to qualify for the 2010 World Tour, until an unlucky run in Hawaii saw him drop down the ratings and fall just short of the cut-off mark. After coming that close, and proving to himself and others that he is World Tour material, he is now determined to gain a place on the elite World Tour in the near future. The result at Newcastle netted the Durban surfer US$6,000 (R40,600) and 750 ASP points. A great result to warm up for the approaching 6 stars events.
“We’re extremely proud of Jacko and his recent performances,” said Quiksilver South Africa Marketing Manager Dane Patterson. “Jacko is determined to succeed, and has really put in the hard work to get to where he is at the moment. I’m confident that he is going to continue to have a great year this year.”
Jacko will next be competing in the 6-star Drug Aware Pro in Margaret River in Australia. For more information on Brandon Jackon and other Quiksilver South Africa team riders log onto www.quiksilver.co.za
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