BREAKER

Algarve-raised surfing sensation Marlon Lipke says that only lack of sponsorship in this country prevents him from representing Portugal rather than Germany. At the surfing World Tour Rip Curl Pro Search off Peniche last week, the 25-year-old took the notable scalp of Tahitan world No23 Michel Bourez before a twisted knee forced his withdrawal against Australian second round opponent Bede Durbidge. Surfing legend Kelly Slater also lost to a man from ‘Down Under’ in Owen Wright, leaving the title wide open as the competition drew to a close late this (Friday) afternoon.