For Indonesian surfer Dede Suryana, all his hard work paid off as he catapulted his way to win the men's aerial gold medal at the Asian Beach Games here Wednesday.

Dede entertained hundreds of spectators with his control of the waves, which earned him 17.75 points to finish far ahead of his closest rival Yuichi Kurogi of Japan, who scored 8 for the silver.

Indonesia's Made Adi Putra and Japan's Shuhei Kato were pointless, but were both awarded bronze. Only four surfers qualified for the grand final after the semifinals earlier in the day.

Dede said his preparation for the Games included a month-long training program at Bali's famous Kuta Beach, the venue of the competition.

"I am very glad. I have seriously pursued this gold medal. I practiced every day on the beach for a month ahead of the Games," Dede said after the final.

The-23-year old surfer from Sukabumi, West Java, befriended Kuta's waves during the competition, while his contenders struggled.

"It took a long time to get a nice big wave and it's windy too," Kurogi told The Jakarta Post as he rued his loss in an event he used to excel in. But he said he was content with the silver.

Kurogi said his team would have the chance to revenge Indonesia in the team's challenge event, which will take place Thursday.

What was a challenge for Kurogi and the other finalists turned out to be an advantage for Dede.

The Indonesian said his strategy was to face up the waves, which mostly came to the right side of the beach, and to make use of the wind that headed to the right too.

"The wind gives me an advantage,"Dede said.

Adi, a Kuta-born surfer, stole the show when he won the audience's hearts especially during the semifinals, beating Kurogi and Carlito Nagalo of the Philippines. Adi was scored high thanks to a flat landing following several aerial tricks.

Adi qualified for the semifinals after winning the first qualifying round and finishing second behind Dede in the second qualifying round.

The home favorite could not hide his disappointment with his final performance. Indonesian surfing team manager Arya Subyakto said Adi could make amends in the team challenge.

"Our target Thursday is winning the gold medal," Arya said.

Popular

Government to permanently relocate 10,000 people after Ruang eruptions

Kokubo's injury time penalty save secures title for Japan

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts