Summer Sunshine Greets Surfers and Fans for Day 1

Action at the Murasaki Shonan Open 2014 began today with the round of 112. After a late-morning break through wind-affected conditions, the event resumed in the afternoon, and finished Round 2, Heat 4.

While conditions at Kugenuma Beach in the morning were a wind-swept 1-to-3 feet, the sun was out and summer was in full force for the surfers and spectators.

Heat 3 for the round of 96 got in action this afternoon and Louis Gillick (AUS) acores a 6.50 with a back up of 6.25 to make a combined score of 12.75 points to take all honors of the day.

In the opening round Heat 5, Shota Nakamura (JPN) scored a 6.50, the highest of the round.

First call tomorrow morning is 7 AM.

The event boasts an eight-day waiting period, to allow for heats to run during only the best conditions on offer.

Event venue Kugenuma Kaigan in Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa is located in the center of the Shonan area. The renowned resort is on Enoshima Island.

Last year 2013 Shonan Open attracted over 30,000 fans to the event as the largest surf event in Japan. This year again it's running over a long weekend, including the National Holiday, this year the event is expected to attract even more attendees. The beaches opened nationwide on July 1, marking the start of summer.

The 3-Star event's waiting period began Monday, July 14. Monday and on Saturday, July 19th the JPBA event by the finest body boarders will on on standby as a conjunction event.

The official status will be indicated via internet. Stay tuned to the topics or Day High light in the center of the ASP Japan web page! http://www.aspjapantour.com/ as well as the ASP Japan Official Twitter Pages.

2014 ASP Japan Tour QS Series 3 Star event " MURASAKI SHONAN OPEN"will be held from July 14th, Monday to July 21st , Monday at Matsunami Kosaten Chikado Mae in Kugenuma Kaigan.

The 2014 Murasaki Shonan Open 2014 edition offers prize purse of US$55,000, making it the largest surfing event in Japan. the annual competition attracts 120 of some ofthe best surfers from Japan and beyond.

More information on the Murasaki Shonan Open, and well a daily morning show, is available here: http://www.aspjapantourlive.com/2014/shonan/index-gb.php

MURASAKI SHONAN OPEN 2014 is proudly supported by the following sponcors:

主催・湘南オープン実行委員会

特別協賛 ・株式会社ムラサキスポーツ

後援：藤沢市 / 株式会社湘南なぎさパーク

協賛各社 ・プーマジャパン株式会社 ・森永乳業 株式会社 ・KNOCK OUT MONKEY ・RedBull ・株式会社 吉野家

・MALIBU（サントリーアライド株式会社） ・GoPro ・G-SHOCK（カシオ電算機株式会社） ・波伝説（サーフレジェンド株式会社） ・ASAHI SOF DRINKS（アサヒカルピスビバレッジ株式会社）

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