Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge Field Narrowed to Eight Surfers…

The Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge kicked into high gear over the weekend as a fresh swell hit Bali. While the field of competitors is comprised of surfers from seven different countries it’s the Hawaiians who have proven to be the dominant global force to date.

Kai Barger, the reigning World Pro Junior Champion, looks determined to keep his 2009 momentum going. Barger’s solid attack earned him a win over local Mustofa Jeksen and a spot in the quarterfinals. But he’s sure to have his hands full there, since he’ll be facing his friend Clay Marzo, who defeated Australia’s Davey Cathels during his round three clash.

Clay Marzo gets slotted during his Round Three Win

Meanwhile, Granger Larsen will be hoping to join the winner of that heat in the semifinals if he can get past Australian Sam Wrench. Wrench put the final nail in California’s hopes if bringing home the prize by eliminating Nat Young of Santa Cruz.

All in all, it was a poor showing by the Californians. Dillon Perillo and Nat Young failed to get anything going. With just 8 surfers left, the Hawaiians seem to have the upper hand on taking home the title and the $20,000 first prize on tap, that’s because they have three of the remaining 8 slots.

Barger brought his familiar backside attack to Bali, and it looks even more lethal in the hollow stuff.

The big surprise so far has been the solid efforts being put in by the French squad. Charly Martin and Mack Lacomare have been turning heads all week, a harbinger of what’s likely to come from that region in the years ahead. Here’s how the remaining contenders break down by territory.

3 Hawaiians: Granger Larsen, Clay Marzo, Kai Barger
2 French: Charly Martin, Marc Lacomare
1 South African: Brendon Gibbons
1 Australian: Sam Wrench
1 Brazilian: Alejo Muniz

Match Ups for Quarter Finals
Quarter 1: Granger Larsen V Sam Wrench
Quarter 2: Clay Marzo V Kai Barger
Quarter 3: Marc Lacomare V Brenden Gibbons
Quarter 4: Charly Martin V Alejo Muniz