The QS1,000 Animal Pro resumed today in big, chunky surf at Fistral to decide the event’s Semifinalists for a Sunday finish at Boardmasters Open. Competitors had to contend with double-overhead sets and a lot of moving white water and rose to the challenge as they eyed a spot into the event’s final rounds.
With conditions wild and unruly, surfers’ fitness and seamanship were tested and the most experienced competitors came out victorious in most heats throughout the day.
In the women’s field, British rising talent Alys Barton (GBR) will face Camilla Kemp (DEU) in the next round. The two-time defending winner Yolanda Hopkins (POR) kept her hopes for a three-peat alive advancing into the Semis as well where she’ll square off with Rachel Presti (DEU).
The men’s Animal Pro will have a younger field fighting for the win on Sunday with Hans Odriozola (ESP) taking on Ido Arkin (ISR) in the opening Semifinal. Newquay local Luke Dillon (GBR) put on a fantastic display in the Quarters and will continue to represent his local town up against Kai Odriozola (ESP) in the second Semifinal. One thing is for certain there will be a new victor at Fistral when the event wraps as former winners have all been dispatched in previous rounds.
Sunday will also see the completion of the Reef Longboard Pro in which six more British surfers will try to go all the way on home turf. With big waves on offer on Sunday still, local legend Ben Skinner (GBR) will be the crowd favorite to take it all out at Fistral.
The last winner in a professional event at Fistral (WSL and former ASP) hailing from Great Britain was Russel Winter (GBR) back in 2002.
