H.B.’s Saenz among favorites

Huntington Beach High’s Christian Saenz is among the top competitors at the 2009 National Scholastic Surfing Assn. National Championships, which began Tuesday and continue through Saturday at Lower Tressles in San Clemente.

Saenz, who lost a tiebreaker to Luke Davis of Capistrano Beach at the West Coast Championships in May, is considered one of the favorites in the open men’s division. He won the Southwest Conference open men’s division this season.

“Christian is the real deal,” Oilers surf Coach Andy Verdone said. “He just really took over the open season this year. He doesn’t have a national title yet, but he’s one of the favorites.”

Verdone said other Oilers who will be competing include Evan Kane, Derek Peters, Eddie Ellis, Colton Larson and Shayne Nelson.

Kanoa Igarashi of Huntington Beach, 11, is also considered one of the favorites in the open juniors division. He had 30 wins this season, breaking a juniors record.

Results of the nationals and a live webcast can be found at www.nssalive.com.