Image Credits: Darren Simondson/Surfin Snapps Photography

Joining Wright on the winner’s dais today was 19-year-old Coolangatta surfer Blake Ainsworth, who took out the Quiksilver Pro trials for the last remaining wildcard into the men’s draw.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Ainsworth.

 “My first wave was awesome and only got it on my last wave. I can’t believe it.”

 The victory was made even sweeter for Ainsworth as moments earlier, it appeared his chances were crushed after fellow finalist Clint Kimmins accidentally dropped in on him while he was tucked away in the Snapper barrel.

Ainsworth finished with a combined two-wave score of 15.65 to defeat North Narrabeen youngster Davey Cathels (14.75), Huscenot (14.15) and Gold Coast surfer Clint Kimmins (4.75).

The Coolangatta young gun said he was giving himself every chance to progress into the main event leading into the trials.

 “I got a third in the event before so I was just amping myself up before I paddled out and gave it everything I had,” he said.

 The 19-year-old Ainsworth, who is currently sitting eighth on the ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series, will now meet world No.2 Joel Parkinson in Round one.

The main draw of the contest is likely to begin tomorrow, with nine-time world champion Kelly Slater (Florida, USA) set to kick off his campaign for an unprecedented 10th crown in 2010.

Another round one highlight will be the long-awaited comeback of three-time world champion Andy Irons (Hawaii), who returns to the World Tour full-time after taking a year off for personal reasons.

“It is kind of intimidating walking in and seeing so many of the boys again, but it is fun,’’ said Irons.

“I am just excited to get back into a singlet, surfing good waves and have fun with it.’’

Irons’ younger brother and former World Tour surfer Bruce assumed top billing in the trials today but was unsuccessful, bowing out in the semi-finals.

Irons managed a combined two-wave score of just 3.6 as he was swamped by Huscenot (13.10) and Cathels (11.75).

The opening ASP Men’s World Tour event will be staged in conjunction with the upgraded US $100,000 Roxy Pro on the southern end of the Gold Coast, the opening event of the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour.

The Quiksilver Pro is presented by LAND ROVER and proudly supported by Corona, Jetstar, Olympus, GCCC, CSGC, Moreton hire, Telstra, Coastalwatch & RBSLSC.