Skinner bows out in quarter-final

Ben Skinner lost in the quarter finals in the Maldives

Jersey surfer Ben Skinner lost in the quarter-finals of the 2009 Oxbow World Longboard Tour at Pasta Point on Chaaya Island in the Maldives on Thursday.

Skinner was defeated by Ned Snow of Hawaii 15.75-11.75.

Previously Perkins, who was born in the Channel Islands, ousted defending World Champion Bonga Perkins of Hawaii in Wednesday's second round.

Perkins saw his chance disappear as Skinner out-surfed the champion 13.5-12.3 in the one-metre surf.

"Bonga's a legend and I have absolute respect for the guy but I went in confident of winning," Skinner said.

"I have defeated him recently and out here I feel really well suited to this wave so I knew I could do it.

"With five minutes remaining Bonga required a 7.25 to defeat me and while I held priority for the next wave I knew Bonga could score a 9-point ride easily.

"I simply focused on holding my position and making certain if a great wave came I was on it and not Bonga.

"It was the longest five minutes of my life and fortunately I won!"

Skinner won the 2009 European longboard title earlier this month.