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Japan’s Tezuka Wows at WWA Wakeboard World Championship Opener

Indianapolis, Ind. – The top wakeboarders from throughout the globe hit the waters of The Precedent today in northern Indianapolis to kick off the 18th annual Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra. The invitation-only pro-am event, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 21, opened with preliminary rounds for 14 of the 23 skill-level divisions competing over the course of the four-day competition.
 
Among the 110 amateur riders who competed in today’s opening rounds was 17-year-old Japanese native Shota Tezuka, who continued to show why he is one of the best riders in the world and why he could soon be called a world champion.
 
During today’s Jr. Pro Men division quarterfinals, Tezuka won his four-man heat after landing several big tricks, including a toeside 720, a heelside 720 and a front mobe.
 
“I was super nervous this morning, but it was a good nervous,” said Tezuka. “I had Tony Iacconi in front of me and Michael [Dowdy] behind me in my heat. I knew they would kill it, so that really pushed me to ride better.”
 
That motivation paid off for Tezuka, as his run earned a perfect score of 100 points and advanced him to the Jr. Pro Men division semifinals, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.
 
Tezuka’s run today was indicative of his overall performance in his first year on the U.S. amateur wakeboarding circuit, where he has finished in third place or better at five of six events, including two wins in those contests.
 
The breakout star in the Jr. Pro Men division grew up in Gotenba, Japan, located on the southeastern flank of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka. Tezuka started wakeboarding eight years ago with his family and eventually started training with a coach.
 
“My dad and my coach taught me a lot, but now my tricks are too hard for them,” said Tezuka. “I started to watch wakeboard DVD’s and practiced the tricks I saw on a trampoline.”
 
Once Tezuka mastered a few technical tricks, he convinced his family to let him compete in the U.S. amateur series this year to see how he would measure up against the competition in the States.
 
“I wanted to ride the whole tour this year to see how I would do,” said Tezuka. “My parents were really supportive and before I knew it, I was riding in contests here.”
 
Tezuka did not do well at his first event, but quickly bounced back and won the following contest to become the first Japanese born rider to win a Jr. Pro Tour stop. Since then, Tezuka has earned spots on the podium of every contest and hopes to win the 2011 WWA Worlds this weekend.
 
“It would be awesome to win Worlds,” said Tezuka. “But I don’t want to get ahead of myself because there are a lot of good riders here.”
 
The Jr. Pro Men world title will be decided on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m.
 
The WWA Worlds will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Precedent. The Precedent is located at 9229 Delegates Row Indianapolis, IN 46240.
 
The 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is free to the public during its first two days of competition, but switches to a ticketed event beginning Saturday, Aug. 20. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).
 
In addition to all the action on the water — on land, the WWA Worlds features great food and music; pro athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
 
For those who cannot attend the event in person, just “like” the King of Wake’s Facebook page to watch all the live streaming footage.
 
The 2011 WWA Worlds will also air on the VERSUS television network at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
 
For more information on the WWA Worlds, visit kingofwake.com.
 
The Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Supra boats, WWA, Overton’s, Indmar, Peavey, Mona Vie, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, Sayiwon’t and TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine.
 
About Rockstar Energy Drink
ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles - from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eighteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, Recovery Lemonade, Recovery Orange, Recovery Grape, Pink, and 2X. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Mexico, the Philippines and throughout the United Kingdom. Go to rockstar69.com or the Rockstar Facebook page for athlete and event updates, videos, profiles, and product information.
 
About Supra
Supra is the official tow boat of the ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Celebrating more than 30 years of excellence in the marine industry, Supra pioneered rider-friendly boats that feature innovative hull designs, adjustable wakes and versatile seating with sleek and sexy styling.
 
About WWA
The WWA Wakeboard World Championships is the solely owned property of the World Wakeboard Association (WWA). The WWA also owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard Nationals, WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown and WWA Wake Park Nationals. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is the global leader in the sport of wake. The WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out thewwa.com.
 
About VERSUS
VERSUS, part of the NBC Sports Group, prides itself on super-serving passionate sports fans across all platforms. Now in more than 76 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the National Hockey League (NHL), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and Professional Bull Riders (PBR). VERSUS also airs NASCAR, NBA, UFC, college football, college basketball and Triple Crown horse racing coverage. The network is also home to the best outdoor programming on television. VERSUS is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.
 
About TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Magazine
TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine is the leader in wake-sports media by delivering the best instruction, latest product reviews, insider knowledge and finest photography. TransWorld WAKEBOARDING accurately defines the wake-riding lifestyle by offering a broad range of content, which helps wake enthusiasts become better riders and enjoy their time on and off the water.
 
About King of Wake
The King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from across the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The 2011 series consists of the Wake Games, the WWA National Championships, the WWA World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing — the leading wake-events producer since 1988.
 
Thursday, August 18 – Day 1 Results:
 
Jr. Pro Men Quarterfinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Dylan Prideaux (AUS) - 91.75
2. Gordon Harrison (USA) - 85.00
===
3. Kyler Green (USA) - 85.00
4. Robbie McMillin (CAN) - 62.50
 
Heat #2
1. Kyle Evans (USA) - 94.75
2. Paulie Koch (USA) - 89.75
===
3. Parker Siegele (USA) - 78.50
4. Keenan Allen (USA) - 77.00
 
Heat #3
1. Joshua Twelker (USA) - 95.75
2. Pierce Homsey (USA) - 92.00
===
3. Gunner Daft (USA) - 75.75
4. Gus Shuler (USA) - 66.00
 
Heat #4
1. Shota Tezuka (JPN) - 100.00
2. Tony Iacconi (AUS) - 87.00
===
3. Michael Dowdy (USA) - 83.00
4. Joey Buss (USA) - 70.00
 
Heat #5
1. Freddie Wayne (USA) - 100.00
2. Robby Holihan (USA) - 90.00
===
3. Jacob Valdez (USA) - DQ
 
Heat #6
1. Daniel Powers (USA) - 100.00
2. Gunnar Shuler (USA) - 87.75
===
3. Morgan Pedersen (USA) - 82.25
 
Jr. Men Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Dylan Branch (USA) - 61.67
2. Tyler Cockrum (USA) - 50.00
===
3. Tim Burnier (USA) - 41.67
4. Hector Miguel Morales (MEX) - 31.67
 
Heat #2
1. Christian Primrose (CAN) - 63.33
2. Noah Flegel (USA) - 61.67
===
3. Jonathan Abendroth (USA) - 43.33
4. Caden Welch (USA) - 36.67
 
Heat #3
1. Justin Lee (USA) - 58.33
2. Justin Gratzfeld (CAN) - 55.00
===
3. Yangsu Kim (ROK) - 41.67
4. Jordan Gensler (USA) - DQ
 
Jr. Boys Beginner Semifinal (top three riders advance)
1. Kevin Duffy (USA) - 75.00
2. Thomas Herman (USA) - 65.00
3. Peyton Bristow (USA) - 53.33
===
4. Ryan O’Toole (USA) - 43.33
5. Kai Stidham (USA) - 30.00
 
Jr. Boys Semifinal (top three riders advance)
1. Kade Kasey (USA) - 58.33
2. Hunter Henderson (USA) - 51.67
3. Tyler Worrall (USA) - 43.33
===
4. Benjamin Brown (USA) - 36.67
5. Helden Hein (USA) - 23.33
 
Boys Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Mitch Kappler (USA) - 65.00
2. Merrett Fay (USA) - 45.00
===
3. James Loisel (USA) - 38.33
4. Ben Watts (USA) - 28.33
 
Heat #2
1. Arnie Watkins (USA) - 80.00
2. Mac Schramm (USA) - 68.33
===
3. Tyler Higham (USA) - 56.67
4. Jamie McCauley (USA) - 46.67
 
Heat #3
1. Cory Teunissen (AUS) - 83.33
2. Zachary Brown (USA) - 66.67
===
3. Landon Kasey (USA) - 63.33
4. Jeongwook Kim (ROK) - 58.33
5. Jorge Alberto Perez (MEX) - 40.00
 
Boys Beginner Semifinal (top three riders advance)
1. Mitch Allen (USA) - 56.67
2. Bryson Hancock (USA) - 45.00
3. Zach McCauley (USA) - 43.33
===
4. Andy Birch (USA) - 36.00
5. Michael Buss (USA) - 26.67
 
Jr. Women Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Tori Koch (USA) - 63.33
2. Rachel Orgill (USA) - 53.33
===
3. Delanie Parker (USA) - 33.33
4. Mallorie Henry (USA) - 15.00
 
Heat #2
1. Gianna Dinatale (USA) - 66.67
2. Hannah Green (USA) - 40.00
===
3. Roxy Toussaint (USA) - 30.00
5. Katelyn Fenner (USA) - 21.67
 
Girls Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Shelby King (USA) - 66.67
2. Larisa Morales (MEX) - 58.33
===
3. Sofia Dinatale (USA) - 40.00
4. Marla Fay (USA) - 26.67
 
Heat #2
1. Taylor McCullough (USA) - 88.33
2. Regina Arce (MEX) - 58.33
===
3. Catherine Hair (USA) - 50.00
4. Tanisha Iaconni (AUS) - 40.00
 
Amateur Wakeskate Semifinal (top three riders advance)
1. Yukimasa Kimura (JPN) - 56.67
2. Jim Branton (USA) - 45.00
3. Austin Polterock (USA) - 40.00
===
4. Craig Buss (USA) - 30.00
5. Nathan Champeau (USA) - 20.00
 
Veterans Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Tim Toussaint (AUS) - 43.33
2. Arturo Arce (MEX) - 33.33
===
3. Francois Morin (CAN) - 28.33
 
Heat #2
1. Matt Vermillion (USA) - 65.00
2. Billy Garcia (USA) - 58.33
===
3. Michael Fay (USA) - 36.67
 
Men II Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Chad Warren (USA) - 55.00
2. Shayne Dalton (USA) - 41.67
===
3. Ryan Daley (AUS) - 36.67
4. Corey Turnball (USA) - 35.00
 
Heat #2
1. Nick Cankar (USA) - 58.33
2. Nick Link (USA) - 56.67
===
3. Yu Kabazawa (JPN) - 48.33
4. Rob Corum (USA) - 40.00
 
Masters Women Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Joy Manning (USA) - 55.00
2. Mariana Martins (USA) - 38.33
3. Yuriko Ishiyama (JPN) - 28.33
 
Veteran Women Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Allison Blaha (USA) - 78.33
2. Kat Laird (USA) - 66.67
3. Susan Sheehan (USA) - 48.33
4. Paula Fay (USA) - 30.00
 
Amateur Women Semifinal (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Brooke Grassman (USA) - 68.33
2. Carolina Rodriguez (MEX) - 46.67
===
3. Anna Bielen (AUS) - 35.00
 
Heat #2
1. Abby Delgoffe (USA) - 70.00
2. Leah Gibney (USA) - 53.33
===
3. Jessy Devine (USA) - 33.33

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