Beschen, Knox Have Big Day for U.S. Team

Shane Beschen and Taylor Knox made their debut for the U.S. team Tuesday and both won their heats in the first round of the men’s open division at the World Surfing Games at Huntington Beach Pier.

Also advancing was the rest of the U.S. men’s team, which included Chris Lynch of Fremont, Jeremy Saukel and Brian Hewitson of Satellite Beach, Fla., and Omar Etcheverry of Santa Cruz.

Beschen was questionable for these games because of a neck injury he sustained when surfing at Sunset Beach, Hawaii, before the contest. But Beschen put to rest any concerns about his neck by posting one of the highest scores Tuesday (9.17) to advance.

“I haven’t been surfing much because of my neck injury,” said Beschen, of San Clemente, ranked second on the world tour. “I felt pretty good though after taking a few waves.”

The surf was near-perfect during the early heats with mostly five- to seven-foot glassy waves.

Mexico also had a good day as two of its surfers upset two of the top Australians. Mexican national champion Roberto Salinas edged Todd Prestage, 21.10 to 21.01, and Raul Noyola beat Barton Lynch, Assn. of Surfing Professionals world champion, 20.83 to 20.67.

Competition continues at 8 a.m. today, with the men’s second round, longboarding, women’s bodyboarding and junior surfing.