Universal Sports Network to show ASP surfing events

US sports broadcaster Universal Sports Network has reached an agreement with the Association of Surfing Professionals to provide live or same-day coverage of its remaining events in 2014.

The partnership got underway with the on-going Punta Galea Challenge, which concludes on Sunday, one of the stops on the 2014-15 ASP Big Wave World Tour.

Universal Sports will also show the semi-finals and finals of the Pipe Masters, the final stop of the 2014 ASP World Championship Tour on the Banazi Pipeline at Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii.

Brazilian youngster Gabriel Medina, reigning three-time ASP world champion Mick Fanning and 11-time champion Kelly Slater are all in the running for the overall crown.

Dates and times for the Pipe Masters are yet to be confirmed.

ASP chief executive Paul Speaker said: “We’re thrilled with Universal Sports coming on to support the world’s best surfers here in what will prove to be a sensational end to the season. Providing our fans access to the world’s best surfing is the ASP’s priority and we’re excited about our relationship with Universal Sports.”