As New Zealand surfers are in action around the globe at events both in Europe and South America, Whangamata surfer Ella Williams is beginning the defence of her world title in the Association of Surfing Professionals World Junior Championships.

Whangamata surfer Ella Williams. Photo by: Association of Surfing Professionals.

On Sunday, October 26, the NZ Surfing Team began their campaign at the International Surfing Association 50^th Anniversary World Surfign Games in Peru. Meanwhile on the other side of the world, Williams began the defence of her junior world title.

To top it off, New Zealand's highest ranked surfer on the ASP Qualifying Series, Richard Christie (Gis), jumped four places to 13^th after official rankings were released on Saturday.

Christie is in serious contention for a spot on the elite ASP World Championship Tour in 2015 where the top 32 surfers in the world get to compete at the best surf locations on the globe.

Christie placed ninth at the most recent Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil. The event had a six star rating meaning valuable points were on offer for the Gisborne surfer.

With three events remaining (one in Brazil and two in Hawaii), Christie can lock down a place alongside the likes of Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina by jumping another three places into the top ten.

Christie's next event is the O'neill Pro in Brazil starting on November 3 and he will be joined by Billy Stairmand (Rag) who is also in with a chance of qualification after remaining in 18^th position on the rankings yesterday. Ella Williams progressed through to the fourth round of the Allianz ASP World Junior Championship in Portugal early Sunday morning.

The day got off to a less than desirable start for the defending champion after placing third in her first round match up.

Williams bounced back in her second round match up to score 13.33 out of a possible 20 points to beat Yanica Costa (BRA). She then went on to place a close third in the next round losing to Mahina Maeda (HAW) and Teresa Bonvalot (PRT).

Williams will now surf in Round 4 against Reika Noro (JPN) for a chance to move through to the Quarterfinals.

Meanwhile in Peru the New Zealand Surfing Team have completed the Opening Ceremony of the World Surfing Games as well as the first day of action which saw the Open Men's Division contested.

Two of the four Kiwi's in the Men's Division were in action with Tane Wallis (Piha) and late replacement Sean Dillon (Tara) placing second in their heats and progressing through to the second round.

Zen Wallis (Piha) and JC Susan (Dun) will be in action on day two of the event as will the lone female surfer Grace Spiers (WGM).

Twenty three countries are represented at the event this year. South Africa claimed the gold medal from 23 other countries in 2013 when the event was held in Panama. Ella Williams was the highest placed Kiwi finishing fourth in the Open Women's Division.

About International Surfing Association (ISA) The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding, SUP and surfriding.

It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964, and the Junior World Championships since 1980.