Monday 27th May 2002 GB TEAM IMPRESS AT WORLD GAMES

Members of the Great British Surfing Team

South West surfers have helped Great Britain get off to a great start at the World Surfing Games in Durban. Camborne's Damien Prisk has been the backbone of Britain's performance so far at the event storming past former world champions and scoring the highest points of any competitior to book his place in the second round of the bodyboard division.

Prisk finished over six points clear of Venezualan Justo Villasana and Brazilian Paulo Barcelos to book a meeting with Frenchman Nicholas Capdeville, Hawaiian Bud Biyamoto and Ruben Quinones.

Spencer Hargraves

Prisk's performance has so far been inspirational and has spurred on the rest of the 19-strong squad. English champion Alan Stokes, Sennen's British number one John Buchorski, world pro tourist Spencer Hargraves and Welshman Nathan Phillips also impressed to book their places in the second round of the Open division.

There was success, too, for the women, with Clare McGowan making it past her first round opponents. Helston's Robyn Sunshine Davies and Saunton's Sarah Whiteley are in action later in the surfing section.

The momentum has been maintained by the GB junior team, with Newquay pair Ben Skinner and Andrew Griffin as well as Johnny Fryer, from the Isle of Wight, also getting through their opening heats.

The Director of the British Surfing Association Dave Reed told BBC Devon the squad could not have asked for a better start in Durban: "It's a great start for the British team. They're really showing their determination to do well."

In all over 30 teams are competing at the Games, which was won two years ago by Brazil.

The full GB squad is: Open: Spencer Hargraves (Newquay), John Buchorski (Sennen), Alan Stokes (Newquay), Nathan Phillips (Llantwit Major).

Juniors: Johnny Fryer (Isle of Wight), Lloyd Cole (Swansea), Andrew Griffin (Newquay), Ben Skinner (Newquay).

Longboard: Sam Bleakley (Sennen). Women: Robyn Sunshine Davies (Helston), Sarah Whiteley (Saunton).

Bodyboard: Damien Prisk (Camborne), Mark Griffiths (Port Talbot).

Women's Bodyboard: Claire McGowan (Bournemouth).

Kneeboard: Hugo Pulley (St Ives).

Judge: Paul Jeffrey (Newquay).

Assistant Coach: Greg Owen (Porthcawl).

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