Surfing: Local posts best score on day one

Matt Scorringe used local knowledge to his advantage to register the highest score at the opening day of the Billabong Pro event in Whangamata yesterday.

Scorringe who recently returned from Australia where he has been contesting the Australasian Pro junior series, posted a combined score of 15 points in his heat in excellent 2m wave conditions to progress through to today's third round.

Two other locals who impressed were AJ Matthews and Luke Harwood, while sole Australian surfer Drew Everest also progressed.

Today's swell is expected to build to 3m with a likely change in venue to the Whangamata Bar - one of the best left-hand sand bars in New Zealand.

No surf contest has been held on Whangamata Bar for 20 years.

The top 16-ranked surfers in the Lion Red Pro Surfing Tour, including recently-crowned national champion Richard Christie along with Maz Quinn and Damon Gunness, enter the competition from today's fourth round.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY