GISBORNE surfer Maz Quinn moved a step closer to a fifth open men's title at the national championships in Dunedin today.
Surfing New Zealand life member Quinn placed second in his semifinal at St Clair Beach to make the four-man final.
He opened the heat in emphatic style, with ridesof 8.50 and 7.0, but that total was surpassed by defending champion Billy Stairmand, of Raglan.
Stairmand came storming back at Quinn, who beat him earlier in the champs, including a near stand-up pit, which earned him 9.80 to go along with an 8.27.
World Surf League Qualifying Series competitor Stairmand, also chasing a fifth open crown, won the semi from Quinn, with Matt Hewitt (Mount Maunganui) third and Sean Kettle (Taranaki) fourth.
The other semi was won by JC Susan (Dunedin) from Luke Hughes (Raglan), Daniel Farr (Taranaki) and Keone Campbell (Taranaki).
The top two surfers from each semi advanced to the final. Only two surfers have won the open crown five times - the legendary Iain "Ratso" Buchanan and Wayne Parkes.
