Quarterfinalists decided in Perfect Surf at Corona Bali Protected

  • FILIPE TOLEDO MOVES TO NO. 1 ON JEEP LEADERBOARD
  • SALLY FITZGIBBONS SCORES NEAR-PERFECT 9.93
  • WSL CHAMPIONS MEDINA, DE SOUZA, AND MOORE ELIMINATED

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) is having a slow start to the 2018 CT compared to previous years. Today she faced the tough task of taking on Malia Manuel (HAW) and former WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in Round 3 in pumping surf at the Corona Bali Protected. Fitzgibbons sat deep with priority when the best wave of the day rolled into the lineup, and she dropped in late to a dredging tube. After skillfully navigating two deep sections, Fitzgibbons came flying out of the tube and executed two powerful carves. She was rewarded with a near-perfect 9.93 (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave score of the event thus far. This left the two Hawaiian to battle for the second advancing position, with Manuel edging out Moore in a tight and dramatic finish.

“When you have priority and you see a wave like that it’s hard not to get too excited, inside the wave I had to go through two sections and I was thinking ‘I can do this.’ Then when I came out I was so stoked. It was such a tough draw with Carissa (Moore) and Malia (Manuel), my first wave didn’t work out so when I got that good one, it took a bit of pressure off and now I’m through to the Quarters.”

Sally Fitzgibbons

Reigning, two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) made a mid-heat strategy adjustment during Heat 1 of Round 3 to overcome Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and Coco Ho (HAW). Wright struggled to complete her turns in the morning glare so opted to sit closer to shore and aim for the hollower inside waves, which eventually paid off as she booked herself a spot in the Quarterfinals with a winning heat total of 14.93 (out of a possible 20). Weston-Webb finished the heat in second and will also progress, while Ho was eliminated from competition in Equal 9th.

“I just couldn’t seem to do anything right at the start of that heat, I was falling off and struggling to make a turn, so I knew I had to change things up. The glare didn’t seem to affect me as much when I was getting barreled so I just looked for the hollower ones and it seemed to be a tactic that paid off.”

Tyler Wright

Six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) snuck through her Round 3 heat against fellow Australian Keely Andrew (AUS) and event standout Silvana Lima (BRA). In a slow heat for waves, each competitor had to make every opportunity count and that’s exactly what Jeep Leader Gilmore did, finding the best wave of the 35-minute encounter to narrowly overcome Lima, who was in the second progressing spot and Andrew, who was eliminated.

Caroline Marks

Stephanie Gilmore

Heat 3 was an all-American matchup between current World No. 2 Lakey Peterson (USA), Sage Erickson (USA) and 2018 CT Rookie Caroline Marks (USA). It was the rookie who dominated early, leading with a 15.00 point heat total. Her compatriots were left battling for second qualifying spot until Peterson posted a near excellent 7.70 to move into first and progress with Marks into the Quarterfinals. Peterson will now meet Malia Manuel (HAW) in Quarterfinal 3.

The final heat of the day was an all-Brazilian affair with 2015 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) taking on Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Filipe Toledo (BRA). The heat had it all, tubes, aerials, fireworks, and it the end, it was Ferreira who won the heat and Toledo advancing in 2nd place. In the process. Toledo has amassed enough points to leapfrog Julian Wilson (AUS) and take the No. 1 spot on the Jeep Leaderboard, his first time since 2015.

“I have always dreamed of winning a World Title, so it’s nice to take the Jeep Leader’s Jersey, but the work isn’t over yet. Everyone on the CT wants to win and everyone is surfing so good, that’s why there are top seeds losing all the time. I just need to focus on making heats and hopefully, I can win this event and make it two in a row.”

Filipe Toledo

Michel Bourez (PYF) had an absolute ball in his Round 4 heat win over Willian Cardoso (BRA), who also advanced to the Quarterfinals in second position. Jesse Mendes (BRA) was eliminated with an Equal 9th, the best result of his Rookie season. Bourez threaded tube after tube and had the Keramas crowd on their feet with an incredible display of barrel-to-carve combos. Bourez will now take on Griffin Colapinto (USA) in the Quarterfinals when competition resumes.

“You know when the conditions are perfect when you forget about the competition and just focus on trying to catch more waves, this wave really suits my surfing, I love getting barrels and doing big turns. I’m not a guy that likes surfing small beach breaks - I’m a big guy and I like waves that have a lot of push. I have done well here last time, but I am not thinking about it really, there’s a lot of different guys on Tour now so it’s different.”

Filipe Toledo

Wildcard Mikey Wright (AUS) yet again solidified the decision to provide him with an opportunity at the elite level, booking a spot in the Quarterfinals at the Corona Bali Protected. Wright trailed CT veteran Adrian Buchan (AUS) and 2018 CT Rookie Griffin Colapinto (USA) for the majority of the heat until he unleashed a series of committed power hacks- to snatch first place. Colapinto then followed and added some of his progressive flare to move into second, leaving Buchan eliminated from the event.

Jordy Smith

Mikey Wright

Heat 3 of Round 4 was one of the most intense battles in competitive surfing as three of the CT’s most passionate competitors, Gabriel Medina (BRA), Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Jeremy Flores (FRA), matched up for a spot in the Quarterfinals. While Medina and Flores fought for priority, Smith played his own game taking control of the heat and stayed separate to the others. At the 15-minute mark, Smith engaged in a fiery paddle battle with Medina with the two bumping and splashing in an attempt to gain the all important first go at a wave. In the end, Smith took the honours with Flores finishing in second leaving the 2014 WSL Champion Medina to be eliminated in Equal 9th place.

“I knew that those guys were going to peacock pretty hard and battle for priority so I just opted to keep to myself, the waves are so pumping and clean you can almost get over excited to a lot of it is just staying calm and not over-surfing. That paddle-battle was crazy; He brushed my leg and I thought it was an accident then when it happened again I thought, okay, let’s go. It’s time to catch my breath and get ready for tomorrow.”

Jordy Smith

Corona Bali Protected Women’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.93 def. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 12.33, Coco Ho (HAW) 8.57
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.40 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 9.54, Keely Andrew (AUS) 8.50
Heat 3: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.03 def. Caroline Marks (USA) 15.00, Sage Erickson (USA) 11.67
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.93 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.00, Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.83

Corona Bali Protected Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA)
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
Heat 3: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)

Corona Bali Protected Men’s Round 4 Matchups:
Heat 1: Michel Bourez (PYF) 17.00 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 13.60, Jesse Mendes (BRA) 11.66
Heat 2: Mikey Wright (AUS) 15.80 def. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.73, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.50
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.76 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.70, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 10.76
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.00 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.87, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.16

Corona Bali Protected Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Heat 2: Mikey Wright (AUS) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)

UPSETS CAUSE CHAOS AT CORONA BALI PROTECTED

The Corona Bali Protected continued in super clean three-to-five (1.4 – 1.9 metre) foot surf at Keramas. 12 heats of men’s Round 3 were run and won in what was an incredible day of action at one of the world’s most high-performance waves.

Mikey Wright (AUS), Corona Bali Protected wildcard has caused yet another massive upset by eliminating current Jeep Leader Julian Wilson (AUS) in an explosive battle. The first exchange saw both surfers score similar waves with tubes and crisp turns, but Wright got the nod from the judges to score a 6.60 to Wilson’s 6.00. With score in a similar range the heat would all come down to their back up scores. Wilson put the pressure on, netting a 5.83 to take the lead. Wright was left searching for a 5.23. In the last 90 seconds, wright pounced on a medium inside wave and unloaded three precision-sharp turns and was rewarded with a 5.67, adding another impressive upset to his collection.

“I’m really happy to be in the final 12 surfers left in the draw,” Wright said. “Julian (Wilson) is so good out here at Keramas, it was great to be out here with him. I love this wave, so I hope I can have a few more heats out here.”

The day started with a massive upset taking place as reigning, two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) was eliminated by 2018 CT Rookie Jesse Mendes (BRA) in Heat 1 of Round 3. Needing a score in the dying minutes, Mendes boosted a massive backhand air-revere, only just hanging onto the landing and riding out to get rewarded well above the requirement. Florence had two more shots at turning the tide but was unable to snatch the lead back and was eliminated in equal 13th to add to his string of poor results in 2018. Mendes, on the other hand, progresses into Round 4 and guarantees himself the best result of his rookie year so far.

“I knew against a guy like John John (Florence) I would have to go big to get the win,” Mendes said. “Somehow I stuck the landing but then almost fell again and was just hanging on hoping to get up and when I finally stood up I was just like ‘thank god’ — so stoked. I feel blessed to be on this tour and to be at this event in such a beautiful place with great people. It feels amazing to make that heat.

Caption: 2018 CT Rookie Jesse Mendes (BRA) launching a massive backhand air to win his Round 3 matchup with John John Florence (HAW) at the Corona Bali Protected presented by Hurley.
Credit:© WSL / Sloane

It’s hard to believe that before the Corona Bali Protected Jordy Smith (ZAF) had not progressed past Round 3 in 2018, but that all changed today. Smith posted a near-perfect 9.43 (out of a possible 10) after he threaded a critical tube and, he unloaded some of the most devastatingly powerful turns of the event. Smith’s scintillating performance was too much for Californian Conner Coffin (USA) who was eliminated in Equal 13th place.

“That was such a good wave — when you get waves like that at this level, you need to deliver or you’ll kick yourself,” Smith said. “If this is a World Title year for me this year, the campaign needs to start now. Round 3 has been super tough for me this year, the CT is tougher than ever, but I like it like that, it pushes me to be better. I’m happy to get through that heat, I’m not thinking too far ahead, I just want to surf my best and see where it goes.”

2014 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) was in typically searing form at Keramas, absolutely dominating Heat 7 against 2018 CT Rookie Michael February (ZAF). February’s silky smooth style wasn’t enough to overcome the explosive backhand Medina who posted a winning heat total of 15.70.

“The waves were slow today but they were really fun when they came so you really had to be patient,” Medina said. “Even though I had a massive lead, the heat is never over until the final hooter sounds, so I knew I had to be smart with my priority and keep building on my scores. I’m having a lot of fun surfing at Keramas and can’t wait for my next heat. This is such an awesome location.”

Michel Bourez (PYF) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW), two of the CT’s heavyweights, matched-up in a power-packed heat. Both surfers had their opportunities as perfect tubes rolled non-stop through the lineup, leaving the pair to trade barrels, followed by powerful hacking turns. In the end, it was the Tahitian surfer who came out on top, courtesy of an 8.67 for one of the biggest and longest barrels of the day.

“That was a really good heat!” Bourez said. “I didn’t expect the waves to get that good because the heat before ours was slow. I am so happy to make it through that. I went for a surf this morning and I must have stepped on a stonefish or something because my foot hurts so bad, but I just had to power through the pain and it worked out for me in the end. Ezekiel (Lau) is such a good surfer, I am stoked that I was able to get some good waves and take the win.”

In one of the best heats of 2018 so far, Griffin Colapinto (USA) has ousted an in-form Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in a down-to-the-wire thriller. Wilkinson’s backhand was on point, going beyond vertical and even throwing a rodeo clown (flip) into the equation to take control of the heat. 2018 CT Rookie Colapinto was on the ropes and needing an excellent score to take the lead. Colapinto stayed calm as he took off and launched a massive frontside air-reverse, landing in the white-wash and riding away, posting, an 8.67, to take the lead. It was yet another impressive performance for 19-year-old Colapinto, while for Wilkinson it means some solid results in the second half of the year are a must in terms of requalification.

“Since I’ve been here I have been trying airs like that and not sticking them which has been frustrating,” Colapinto said. “I thought I may as well go for one in the contest and ended up landing the best aerial I have done since I arrived in Bali. Everyone in this event carries so much confidence and can pull out a manoeuvre when they need to, so I just thought it was my time to act like that. If I ever want to win a World Title one day, I have to be able to get out of a tough, high-pressure situation, and I feel like that’s what I just did — I learned a lot in that heat.”

Adrian Buchan (AUS) is one of the veterans on the CT and took a hard fought victory over 2018 CT Rookie Michael Rodrigues (BRA). The 30-minute encounter saw neither surfer give an inch, as both battled for inside position and the best waves. In the end, Buchan’s experience and explosive backhand attack saw him take the win and earn a spot in the next round. Buchan was thrilled to advance and continue to be involved with the Corona Bali Protected, promoting a cause that is close to his heart.

“I’ve been coming to Bali since I was 7-years-old and this place has given me so much, not just as a surfer, but as a person,” said Buchan. “To be able to be here and have a platform to promote awareness for protecting our oceans and beaches, but also help set up some programs to create change, makes me really proud to be here competing in the Corona Bali Protected. It’s great to see the CT athletes, WSL and Corona promoting something that I’m so passionate about.”

Current World No. 2 Filipe Toledo (BRA) is the best chance of stealing the Jeep Leader Jersey from Wilson at this week’s Corona Bali Protected, after an impressive win over Keanu Asing (HAW) saw him advance into Round 4. Toledo won the previous event in Rio and is continuing his red-hot form here in Bali with high flying aerials and his trademark speed-carves.

“I want that Jeep Leader Jersey really bad, I haven’t had it since 2015,” Toledo said. “The door is open now, it’s a good opportunity for me, so I just need to go to work and keep making heats. The goal from here is to stay near the top of the rankings and hopefully have a strong finish and win the World Title.”

Other heat winners in Round 3 included Willian Cardoso (BRA) who took down Aussie title threat Owen Wright (AUS), Jeremy Flores (FRA), who overcame Frederico Morais (PRT) and Italo Ferreira (BRA), who was dominant over 2018 CT Rookie Tomas Hermes (BRA).

2015 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) won a close battle with former Keramas event winner and 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) in Heat 11 of Round 3.

The Corona Bali Protected presented by Hurley will be broadcast LIVE on the WSL’s Facebook page, WorldSurfLeague.com, and the WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

Surfline, WSL forecast partner, are calling for:

Reinforcing SW-SSW swells move in and maintain chest-head high to slightly overhead sets at Keramas through Friday and the weekend. More similar size SSW swell lines up for 5th-6th and possibly the 9th as well. Good wind conditions again on Friday AM, but then turn problematic on the weekend with an increase of onshore flow. Better AM winds may return next week.

Corona Bali Protected Men’s Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Jesse Mendes (BRA) 13.34 def. John John Florence (HAW) 11.37
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.17 def. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 12.97
Heat 3: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 12.00 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 10.37
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.40 def. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 8.83
Heat 5: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.84 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.40
Heat 6: Mikey Wright (AUS) 12.27 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.83
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.70 def. Michael February (ZAF) 9.44
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.04 def. Frederico Morais (PRT) 13.50
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.36 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 9.00
Heat 10: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.30 def. Tomas Hermes (BRA) 10.10
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.13 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.46
Heat 12: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.43 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 8.43

Corona Bali Protected Men’s Round 4 Matchups:
Heat 1: Jesse Mendes (BRA) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS)
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)

Corona Bali Protected Women’s Round 3 Matchups:
Heat 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 3: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Sage Erickson (USA)
Heat 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)

Offshore all week with Andrew Cotton and Sharp’s Brewery

Palm trees, stunning sunsets and an icy cold 'Offshore' brew straight out of the cooler; this was what awaited the Devonian Wayne Martin when he won a sought-after spot on Andrew Cotton's Surf Fit Retreat in Nazare, Portugal.
The prize, provided by Cornwall-based Sharp's Brewery to launch its refreshing 'Offshore' Pilsner, included an intensive week of yoga, strength and body conditioning plus ocean preparation and awareness – all essential skills for long-term development in the water.

40 year old Wayne has been surfing for more than 20 years and the Surf Fit Retreat could not have come at a better time for him. Currently working as an Outdoors Activities Instructor, Wayne is ready for new challenges as he's about to take on a new role as an Emergency Care Assistant with the South West Ambulance Trust, meaning his fitness needs to be at an optimum level.
Wayne said enthusiastically, "I actually almost missed the email saying I'd been given the opportunity to travel to Portugal – but I'm very glad I didn't!"
Wayne said, "The retreat was absolutely fantastic. We'd go from 7am to 7pm doing either pool training or intensive gym type work, as well as learning about things like 'hypoxic training' which is all about how you improve your body's performance with you adapting to low oxygen. At some point during the day we'd find time to go for a surf. This differed from a normal surf because of the time spent preparing and we would always stretch and do some deep yoga on the beach, and after we'd surfed, we'd follow up with a 2-minute beach clean."

The Surf Fit Retreat was hosted by two fellow North-Devonians, professional big-wave surfer Andrew 'Cotty' Cotton and fitness coach Andrew Blake, who together have developed a programme that caters to surfers at any level.
Collaborating with a team of global wellbeing, nutrition and training experts and scientists, Cotty has created his bespoke, personalised Surf Fit Retreats. Bringing unprecedented access to the world's most qualified surf fitness coaches and their deep pool of knowledge and methods, the week-long retreats deliver psychological and physical training techniques to dedicated surfers at all abilities, and all levels of confidence. You can check out the Surf Fit Instagram @surf_fit_life to see what goes on during the retreats themselves. Cotty recently topped the headlines when he broke his back in a death-defying fall surfing Nazare in November 2017. Footage of this led him to win the title 'Wipeout of The Year' in the recognised Big Wave-awards hosted by World Surf League in Los Angeles, just a couple of weeks ago. As a result, Cotty has a crystal clear focus on making a full, and swift, recovery and aims to be back surfing the big waves by the end of this year.

Cotty said, "Surf Fit is all about making you more comfortable in the ocean so that you can take your surfing to the next level, and to make the most of all surf conditions, especially when it goes offshore. No matter what level you are starting out at, our specialist Surf Fit team will provide our guests with targeted support to increase their personal confidence and performance. Whether they're aiming to paddle into 3 feet or 30 feet, what Wayne and the guys learned within this packed week will improve their general and surf specific fitness with long term results and benefits. And as I think Wayne agrees, those benefits will spill over into their everyday life in ways they couldn't have imagined."
Wayne said, "Having the opportunity to meet with Cotty and the personal trainers was just amazing. It had been a while since I'd been in the water and it was great to get all the focused and intensive training during the week. It was a packed schedule and there's so much to it in terms of detailed inner and outer body training, as well as mindfulness and attitude. To get this directly from these professional athletes and trainers is invaluable and I plan to use everything that the guys have taught me both in the surf, and in my new career." Wayne continues, "It was great to meet everyone who was on the course and go through all of this together. We all had a lovely meal at the end with the sun going down at the beach behind us, and of course we enjoyed a few of Sharp's Brewery's Offshores. It was so memorable and a great adventure in personal fitness."
Every surfer knows that there's nothing quite like it when those rare moments occur, when the wind turns offshore, creating perfectly clean waves. And to honour that feeling, and their passion for surfing, the team at Cornwall-based Sharp's Brewery has created 'Offshore', a refreshing, invigorating Pilsner, inspired by the coastal breaks around the Cornish coast.

Follow Sharp's Brewery's social media pages for more exciting competitions!

Padang Padang Rip Curl Cup Trials

Bali, Indonesia (Monday, 28 May 2018): In Bali, the best waves always go to the locals, even when the WSL is in town. On a day when the world’s best surfers made their highly-anticipated return to Bali for the WCT competition at Keramas, it was Indonesia’s local surfers who scored the best of the swell during an incredible day of tubes at the Rip Curl Cup Trials at Padang-Padang.
While the WSL’s elite battled through tricky conditions at Keramas on Sunday, eventually halting competition before the completion of Round 1 due to deteriorating wave quality as the onshore winds kicked up and the low tide bottomed out, it was a different story at Padang-Padang where 32 of Indonesia’s top surfers dueled it out in all-day barrels for the Rip Curl Cup Trials.

Eighteen-year-old Kuta Beach surfer Mega Artana put on a tuberiding clinic, topping a field of older and more experienced competitors to claim his first-ever trip to the Rip Curl Cup main event.
In the Final, it was Artana who stole the show and first place, threading a pair of deep barrels through the inside double up section before getting spat out into the channel, and earning a combined heat score of 17.33. Nipping at Artana’s heels and finishing runner-up in the Final was Bukit local Agus “Blacky” Setiawan, 30, from Uluwatu (15.37). Rounding out the four-man Final was Mustofa Jeksen, 30, from Kuta (14.00) in third place, and Alik Rudiarta, 30, from Uluwatu (8.27) in fourth.
All four finalists earned wildcard berths into the Rip Curl Cup main event. They will join former Rip Curl Cup Champions Bol Adi Putra, Lee Wilson, Garut Widiarta and Mega Semadhi to represent Indonesia and compete against the world's best tube riders at Padang-Padang on the best day of spitting barrels between July 1 – 31.

“I was nervous surfing in my first heat this morning, but I stayed focused and felt stronger after each round,” said an elated Artana on the winner’s podium. “Padang-Padang is the proving grounds for Balinese surfers and I can’t wait for my chance to show the world what I can do against the best surfers out there.”
Artana will be up against some stiff competition. Among the invitees to the 2018 Rip Curl Cup are WCT legends like Taj Burrow (AUS) and Damien Hobgood (USA), as well as primetime barrel slayers like Mason Ho (HAW) and Jack Robinson (AUS).
“Bring them on!” said Artana, when asked if he felt intimidated by the big dogs waiting for him in the main event.
The most dramatic moment of the day came in the second semifinal, when Agus “Blacky” Setiawan leapfrogged from third to first place with a literal buzzer-beating barrel. The Uluwatu local, who won the trials back in 2015 when it was held at his home break of Racetrack, was on the verge of elimination. Needing a wave score of 8.6 to advance, Setiawan managed to catch a miracle wave and get to his feet just a fraction of a second before the final horn sounded. He then powered his way through a deep spitting barrel for an 8.93, moving into first place ahead of Mustofa Jeksen and eliminating multiple-time Rip Curl Cup finalist Raditya Rondi, who was sitting on the only perfect 10 of the entire day.

“Thanks to God for sending me that wave,” said Setiawan. “When I saw it peak up, I knew I had a chance to catch it before time expired. I just paddled as hard as I could and once I stood up, I just went to work."

For the four finalists, the Final round was just the icing on the cake after a full day of draining barrels and securing their spots in the most prestigious surf contest in Indonesia.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the main event,” third place finisher Jeksen said. “The last time I surfed in the main event of Rip Curl Cup was four years ago. Padang-Padang was where I first was recognized for my surfing when I was just a kid. So it feels amazing to get back to having another shot at my dream – to get my name on that trophy alongside Bol, Lee and Garut.”
A powerful west swell was angleed perfectly toward the reef at Padang-Padang on Sunday and groomed 6-foot barrels came thundering over the reef all day. It was without a doubt the best day of surf at Padang-Padang so far this year and a welcome sight for the 32 local trialists, who missed out on their shot at the main event the past two years when no decent Padang-Padang swells arrived during the narrow trials holding period.

According to Rip Curl SEA Marketing Manager James Hendy, this year Rip Curl made certain all the best local surfers would get their shot at Padang-Padang by extending the trials holding period to an impressive eight weeks – the longest in Rip Curl Cup history, and four weeks longer than the holding period for the main event.
“Last year we never got the waves to hold the trials, so this year we gave ourselves a two-month window to make sure the locals had their day at Padang-Padang,” Hendy said. “The proof is in the pudding. Everyone was rewarded today with the best Padang-Padang of the year so far. We’re looking forward to another day of incredible barrels when the world’s best tuberiders are gathered here for the main event in July.”
The holding period for the 2018 Rip Curl Cup runs from July 1 - 31, a full month during the peak of Indonesia’s prime swell season, providing the event with the best odds of scoring the cavernous jade barrels the Balinese Pipeline is world-famous for.
The complete 2018 Rip Curl Cup surfer lineup will be released to the world on June 15.
The 2018 Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang will be webcast live to the world at ripcurl.asia. Fans can also visit the site to check real-time contest status, and video updates from Bali.

Rip Curl Cup Trials 2018 Final Results:

1st - Mega Artana (Kuta, Bali) 17.33
2nd - Agus “Blacky” Setiawan (Uluwatu, Bali) 15.37

3rd - Mustofa Jeksen (Kuta, Bali) 14.00
4th - Alik Rudiarta (Uluwatu, Bali) 8.27
* All four finalists earn entries into the Rip Curl Cup Main Event

RIP CURL CUP PADANG PADANG 2018 EVENT SCHEDULE:
Event Waiting Period
July 1 – 31st

Rip Curl Planet Beach Cleanup
Friday, June 29 at 8 AM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali

Opening Ceremony
Sunday, July 1 at 3 PM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali
1. Meet the surfers
2. Press conference
3. Traditional Balinese Kecak Dance

Official Rip Curl Cup Party

Friday, July 27th
Live performance by special guest at Ulu Cliff House

CORONA BALI PROTECTED WRAPS UP MEN’S ROUND 2

Keramas, Bali/Indonesia (Tuesday, May 29, 2018) - The Corona Bali Protected presented by Hurley, Stop No. 5 on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), resumed at Keramas today, completing men’s Round 2 in onshore but high-performance conditions.

Currently sitting at World No. 6 on the Jeep Rankings, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) is having a breakout start to his 2018 season. The Hawaiian powerhouse continued his solid form with a dominant win over Californian Patrick Gudauskas (USA) in Heat 10 of Round 2. Lau’s rail-game was perfectly in sync with the big, open walls of Keramas and saw him post a heat total of 15.57 (out of a possible 20), the highest of the event so far. Gudauskas was left in a combination situation (needing two new scores) from early in the heat and, unable to hunt it down, was eliminated from the Corona Bali Protected.
“My coach told me before that heat that I’m sixth in the world so I just need to surf like I’m sixth in the world,” Lau said. “That definitely gave me confidence and inspired me to put on a solid performance, especially after my first round heat where I didn’t get many opportunities. I was really nervous even with that lead as there was so much time left on the clock and Pat (Gudauskas) is so talented, anything could have happened.”

The opening heat of the day got off to a slow start as Frederico Morais (PRT) and Ian Gouveia (BRA) paddled each other off the peak, battling for priority. Eventually, Morais took control with his trademark power-wraps. Although Gouveia did his best to stay in contention, it was Morais who ended the heat in the progressing spot, leaving Gouveia to end his campaign in Equal 25th place.
“It’s always important to get the first wave of a heat,” Morais said. “I had to settle the nerves and not think about priority, but it can mean you end up off the peak like that. Even though the waves weren’t big and hollow like the last few days, there was still a lot of opportunity for solid, on-the-face surfing, which was good. I’m really happy to make it through Round 2, it is always a tough situation to be in.”
After success World Title campaigns in recent years, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) has found himself uncharacteristically low on the rankings in 2018. But, after today's heat, the Australian looks fired up to make amends at the Corona Bali Pro. Wilkinson executed his trademark hooks and tail-whips to amass two 7-point-rides to easily advance to Round 3 over Joan Duru (FRA).
“It’s about time I get a good result this year, so hopefully I can get on a roll here,” Wilkinson said. “I’m mad about not being in the Uluwatu CT, so I wanted to go out and perform and make a few heats here at the Corona Bali Protected. It hasn’t been a great start to the year for me, but I feel like I have been surfing good and my preparation has been good, but in my heats, I get one wave and then I don’t see another one. Hopefully, that heat turns everything around and I can get on a roll.”

Two exciting Brasilian rookies matched up in Heat 11, Michael Rodrigues (BRA) versus Yago Dora (BRA). Both are known for their high-flying aerial antics and both went for broke in the onshore conditions that were perfect for big airs. Unfortunately, nerves got the best of them as they uncharacteristically fell time-after-time in the matchup. As the heat wound down, they both managed to launch and land some impressive airs, but it was Rodrigues who took the win by a mere 0.13 points.
“It’s so hard to compete against other Brasilians because we are like a family,” Rodrigues said. “I am not very happy with my performance. I felt like I was surfing good this morning, but in the heat it took me eight waves to get a score. Maybe I was nervous because Yago (Dora) is such a great surfer. We both scored a couple waves in the end, it was close so I am happy to win that one and move on to Round 3.”
Other heat winners on Day 3 included 2018 CT Rookie Jesse Mendes (BRA), who looked sharp on his backhand to take down Japanese competitor Kanoa Igarashi (JPN). 2017 Rookie of the Year Connor O’Leary (AUS) fell short in his heat against 2018 CT Rookie Tomas Hermes (BRA) and was eliminated in the last heat of the day.
The WSL Commissioners will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. local time to reassess the conditions and make the next call for a potential 6:30 a.m. start at Keramas.
The Corona Bali Protected presented by Hurley will be broadcast LIVE on the WSL's Facebook page, WorldSurfLeague.com, and the WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners.

Surfline, WSL forecast partner, are calling for:

Easing SSW swell on Tuesday but still plenty of overhead waves in the tank, especially early. Then a fresh series of overlapping SSW-SW swells move in through the middle to end of the week with a long run of chest-head high to slightly overhead sets. More fun size SSW swell lines up for 5th-7th. Overall, expect surf to be best through first half of each morning with the more favorable tide/wind scenario.

Corona Bali Protected Remaining Men’s Round 2 Results:

Heat 7: Frederico Morais (PRT) 12.07 def. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 8.43

Heat 8: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.94 def. Joan Duru (FRA) 7.00
Heat 9: Jesse Mendes (BRA) 12.33 def. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 10.56
Heat 10: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 15.57 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 8.67
Heat 11: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 11.40 def. Yago Dora (BRA) 11.27
Heat 12: Tomas Hermes (BRA) 12.66 def. Connor O'Leary (AUS) 11.34

Corona Bali Protected Men’s Round 3 Matchups:

Heat 1: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
Heat 5: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Heat 6: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Michael February (ZAF)
Heat 8: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Conner Coffin (USA)
Heat 10: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Tomas Hermes (BRA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)

Corona Bali Protected Women’s Pro Round 1 Matchups:

Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS), Johanne Defay (FRA), Coco Ho (HAW)
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW), Caroline Marks (USA), Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sage Erickson (USA), Carol Henrique (PRT)
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA), Keely Andrew (AUS), Paige Hareb (NZL)

Heat 5: Carissa Moore (HAW), Silvana Lima (BRA), Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 6: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Malia Manuel (HAW)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Photos: WSL/Cestari