CAPBRETON, France - The Lusiaves Figueira Pro, an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 6-Star Men's event, will commence tomorrow in Portugal, at the world famous venue of Figueira da Foz. Running through to Sunday, September 19, the event marks the return of Figueira on the ASP map and is much expected to deliver some of its renowned high-quality waves this week.

With promising swell on the way and a solid field of international athletes in the starting blocks, the ASP 6-Star event will be a turning point on this year's rankings' race for both international and European ratings. Led by event top seed and former ASP elite member Raoni Monteiro (BRA), along with regional star and reigning ASP European Champion Jaon Duru (FRA), serious battles are set to take place at one of the two venues ready to host the contest.

"It's great to see Figueira back on the ASP map and we're looking forward to witnessing some of the world’s best surfers take to the water this week," ASP Europe Tour Manager Rob Gunning said. “It is the last of six major ASP Star Series events before a break and some surfers have been on a good roll recently so we expect a great show.”

After a series of spectacular surfing events from England to Spain, the ASP European caravan has been on the road for six weeks and many surfers will be looking at locking-in a solid finish before taking-off for another busy leg in Brazil. Coming back after an average year recently, former ASP World Tour elite member Tim Boal (FRA) will be amongst those looking at a win in Figueira this week.

Coming from an equal 3rd and a runner-up respectively at Pantin and Zarautz, the former ASP European Champion (2008) has been on a excellent roll for two weeks now and will be one to watch when he takes to the water in Heat 16 of Round 2. Current regional No. 2 behind rising star Marc Lacomare (FRA), Boal is now in position to secure a solid finish to 2010.

“I’ve been having fun the past two events and really enjoyed competing again,” Boal said. “There have been waves and I am excited to be on such a good roll at the moment. It’s never easy to keep things going your way but I am confident and relaxed so definitely looking forward to surfing at Figueira.”

The official six-day waiting period starts tomorrow Tuesday, September 14. A decision will be made today for the exact check-in time for all Round 1 athletes, staff and media.