Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Mick Fanning (AUS) celebrate their placings in the final of the 2018 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Final at Bells Beach, VIC, Australia. Ferreira defeated the 3X World Champion and 4X past event winner Mick Fanning (AUS) who now heads into retirement.
Today, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) won the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Stop No. 2 on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), after an exciting week of competitive drama, upsets and emotion. The final day of competition ran in clean, five-to-seven foot (1.4 – 2.2 metre) waves at the iconic Bells Beach for its 57th year.
In addition to Gilmore and Ferreira celebrating their wins, three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) celebrated the last Championship Tour event of his competitive career. The four-time Bells winner now says goodbye to elite competition after 17 years on Tour and 22 CT victories. The Australian hero’s story comes full circle as he ends his career in the Finals at the same event where he first won as a wildcard back in 2001.
Mick Fanning of Australia placed second in the final of the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 2018.
“Today was really special,” Fanning said. “I always said I wanted to finish the year up here at Bells. Thanks so much to everyone. It has been incredible to see all the support in Torquay and the support of the fans.This is my 20th year of coming down to Bells Beach. I just want to thank my family for all the support you’ve shown over these years. Thank you to my friends that have flown down and making this so memorable. It’s been an amazing career, and I want to thank everyone. ”
Mick Fanning of Australia placed second in the final of the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 2018.
“It was a very special moment with the crowd, best friends here, and then to just be in the Final with Italo (Ferreira) and to see how much it meant for him actually made me feel a lot better,” continued Fanning. “To all the people surfing in this event, it was so much fun. Seabass (Sebastian Zietz), Paddy Gudang (Patrick Gudauskas), Wilko (Matt Wilkinson), Owen (Wright) — every time I paddled out, I felt like I was going surfing with a mate, and that was really special. To see in that Final just how much it meant to Italo, that was one of greatest things I’ve seen at Bells, so well done Italo. I am really stoked for you.”
3X World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) heads into retirement from Championship Tour compeition after placing second in the final of the 2018 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach at Bells Beach, VIC, Australia.
Ferreira played spoiler today for Fanning’s fairytale finish with the first CT win of his career. The 23-year-old was unstoppable throughout the entire event, taking down 2014 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the Semifinals, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) in the Quarterfinals, and Filipe Toledo (BRA) in Round 3.
“I can’t believe it,” said Ferreira. “That was such a sick heat. I started slow, but after that it was amazing. Mick (Fanning) is one of my favorite surfers in the world. But wow, I can’t believe it. That was unbelievable. I just want to say thank you God and my family and my girlfriend and every guy that has supported me. I’m just so happy that this is my job. I just wanted to make some sick heats. Mick Fanning, he is one of my favorites, he is my hero. Mick is the best competitor, and I just want to say thanks to Mick.”
Italo Ferreira of Brazil won the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 2018.
Ferreira’s breakthrough result now vaults him to World No. 1 where he ties with Julian Wilson (AUS) and shares the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey heading into the Margaret River Pro.
Italo Ferreira of Brazil won the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 2018.
“It’s my first win, so I am so happy,” Ferreira continued. “I’ve been working hard over the last few years. I remember my first Final with Filipe (Toledo) in Portugal and it was so close, and now I got it. Last year was hard to me with my injury after the Gold Coast being out for two months. It was terrible, and I just tried to work hard and get better. This is the best feeling.”
Stephanie Gilmore of Australia won the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 2018.
“It was such an emotional buildup to this moment and it is incredible,” said Gilmore. “I feel like all the focus is on Mick (Fanning), so it doesn’t really matter what happens with the rest of the event — it was like I could sneak in and get a little ding ding and no one would even care, so it took the pressure off. The most stressful moments of my heats were right when Mick was paddling out for his heat, and it eased the pressure seeing how calm and relaxed he was despite all the pressure on him.”
Gilmore’s 27th CT win did not come easy as Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) battled until the final buzzer. The hard-fought Final ended with Weston-Webb falling just 0.23 points short of the required score. In her 12 years of competing at Bells, Gilmore has dominated every appearance, with a fifth-place finish being her worst result. The Australian Champion now puts herself in a great position to hunt down her seventh World Title in the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey.
6X World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) is now a 4X Rip Curl Bells Beach winner after winning the 2018 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Final at Bells Beach, VIC, Australia.
Six-time WSL Champion Gilmore earned the right to ring the coveted Bells trophy with her victory in the Rip Curl Women’s Pro. With today’s win, Gilmore joins the likes of Kelly Slater, Mark Richards and Fanning as a four-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner, a testament to her strength and style in the water.
“Tatiana (Weston-Webb) has been on fire this whole event,” continued Gilmore. “All the goofy-footers have been — I can’t believe it. You never really think about the goofies, but with Tatiana, you can tell that she has found her confidence and her strength. It’s so impressive to have her step up.”
Weston-Webb, 21, was the surfer to beat at Bells. She posted the highest scores throughout the event, including a near-perfect 9.23 in Round 2. Her vertical, backhand surfing looked to be invincible, but unfortunately, she could not overtake the 30-year-old veteran. Weston-Webb’s second-place finish moves her up to 5th place on the Jeep Leaderboard, tied with Keely Andrew (AUS).
“Even though I didn’t come away with the win this just feels amazing,” Weston-Webb said. “I love coming to Bells Beach and all of the crowd support is amazing here. I’d like to thank all of the fans that come down so early in the cold. I feel really good, and my boards are amazing. Now the confidence levels are up, and the sky’s the limit. I’m extra proud to be a goofy-foot, especially because Italo (Ferreira) brought one home for us, so thanks Italo. Goofy-footers have definitely had a rough time here at Bells, but I almost got it. Maybe next year.”
2014 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) was eliminated by compatriot Ferreira in the second men’s Semifinal. The two Brazilian superstars unleashed radical maneuvers, but Medina could not overcome Ferreira’s heat score of a 16.00. The third place result is Medina’s best finish at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. He now moves up six places to 7th on the Jeep Rankings.
Patrick Gudauskas (USA) fell to event favorite Fanning in Semifinal 1. The Californian was unable to combat Fanning’s two excellent 8-point rides and exits in Equal 3rd in his first year back on the CT since 2013. This is the 32-year-old’s best result at Bells. Previously, Gudauskas eliminated Michel Bourez (PYF) in the first Quarterfinal.
In only the second event of her rookie year, 16-year-old Caroline Marks (USA) is making a name for herself with stunning results on the elite tour. Marks exits with an incredible 3rd place result after losing to eventual winner Gilmore in the Semifinals. Marks is the youngest surfer to ever qualify for the elite CT and now rockets up to 3rd on the Jeep Leaderboard. Not only is the young competitor ousting World Title contenders in her rookie debut, but she is also making a run for her own World Title in her freshman year on Tour.
En route to her runner-up finish, Weston-Webb dispatched 2009 event winner Silvana Lima (BRA) in the first Semifinal. Despite Lima’s loss today, she was a standout throughout the event with major wins over three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS), and will be rewarded with an eight-spot jump up the rankings to 5th.
The world’s best surfers will now prepare for the Stop No. 3 the 2018 WSL CT and the final event of the Australian leg, the Margaret River Pro, which holds a competitive window from April 11 – 22, 2018.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Final Results:
1 –Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.66 2 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.83
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.50 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 9.67 SF 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.00 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.10
Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) and Stephanie Gilmore )AUS) celebrate their placings in the final of the 2018 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Final at Bells Beach, VIC, Australia. Weston-Webb placed second with Gilmore taking the victory.
After months of speculation the bods at the ISA have delivered the news on how getting to the Olympics in Japan is going to work in surfing. The short version is 20 guys, 20 gals, max 2 per gender per nation, with priority to WSL riders. For the non-surfing super powers the ISA World Games are the gateway to Olympic glory. The host nation gets a spot so there are 19 places up for grabs. So if we understand this correctly the guys from the smaller nations on the WCT have it all to play for. As the US/Oz/Brazilian superpowers will predictably use their allocations from the CT.
A CT example being: USA: John John and maybe a young buck like Griffin Colapinto, doubtful Kelly will hold out long enough. Brazil: Medina and Filipe, pretty lethal combo and Yago, Italo and more nipping at their heels. Australia: Owen Wright and Julian Wilson and there’s plenty of depth in the ranks with Wilko and new blood like Mikey Wright. France: Bourez and Flores, Joan Duru as sub SouthAfrica: Jordy is arguably a dead cert at this stage.
Then the last spot could be a bun fight between: Japan: Kanoa Igarashi Portugal: Frederico Morais Italy: Leo Fioarvanti
So you can see how the smaller nations on the CT will be scrapping for that spot on the 2019 tour. Huge profile boost to be an Olympian.
For the rest of the world these will be the keenest fought and highest level attended ISA World Games ever. Expect ex-CT guys from all nations to be in attendance. Make the finals and you’re in the Olympics … and there’s a lot of talented riders from a lot of countries, it’s going to be fierce. Wouldn’t want to be the judges making the calls in those events. Good luck one and all.
The key elements of the qualification system are as follows:
20 men, 20 women.
Maximum of 2 surfers per gender per National Olympic Committee (NOC).
Qualification spots will be earned on an individual basis, by name.
In accordance with IOC guidelines, the qualification events have been determined in hierarchical order of qualification, as further explained below; If two surfers of a gender have qualified through the first hierarchical order, that NOC will not be able to qualify more surfers of that gender through qualifying events lower in hierarchical order.
All surfers selected by their respective National Federations for their national teams must participate in 2019 and 2020 ISA World Surfing Games in order to be eligible for Olympic qualification. The final details of the eligibility requirements are still under review by the ISA and the IOC.
The hierarchical order of qualification will be as follows:
2019 World Surf League Championship Tour: First 10 eligible men and first 8 eligible women.
2020 ISA World Surfing Games: First 4 eligible men and first 6 eligible women.
2019 ISA World Surfing Games: 4 men and 4 women selected based on their continent. Top finishing eligible surfer of each gender from Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
2019 Pan American Games: First eligible man and first eligible woman in the surfing competitions.
Host nation slot: One man and one woman slot will be guaranteed for the host nation of Japan, unless already filled through the above hierarchies. Should athletes from Japan qualify regularly, their slots will be reallocated to the highest ranked eligible surfers from the 2020 World Surfing Games.
The first stop on the 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast, witnessed an incredible start to the season as Lakey Peterson (USA) and Julian Wilson (AUS) claimed victory today in extraordinary conditions at Kirra on the Gold Coast of Australia.
The finalists of the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros, Gold Coast, 2018.
Unpredictable performances and massive upsets shocked surfing’s biggest stage at this year’s season opener to remind the world that anything can happen on the Championship Tour. In addition to Peterson and Wilson taking the wins today, a new generation of surfers stepped up to showcase their progression, determination, and potential.
Lakey Peterson.
Peterson blitzed through the competition with the goal to surpass her 2017 Roxy Pro runner-up finish. The Californian was unstoppable as she took down two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, Malia Manuel (HAW) in the Semifinals, and Keely Andrew (AUS) in the Final.
“I don’t even know what to say to say — there is too much emotion,” Peterson said. “I feel like I’ve been working for seven years to get another win. Just to finally have it, it’s super surreal, and I’m so grateful. It beats you down if you don’t ever win something. It’s been a while, so the hard work pays off. I just got such a great support crew. It’s so awesome. Mike [Parsons] and I have literally been working together forever and that win means so much to the both of us.”
Peterson is one of the most consistent high-scoring surfers on Tour and continues to push performance boundaries in the competitive space. The intensity and innovation brought by Peterson are now paying off with her first CT win since 2012. Last season, the Californian had previously earned runner-up finishes at this event and in France but now overtakes Wright for the top spot on the Jeep Leaderboard.
“I’m going to hold onto that Jeep yellow jersey until the very last event,” continued Peterson. “My goal is to stay steady the whole year and just believe in myself and enjoy the ride. I feel like I’m finally comfortable with my life and with my surfing where I just really want to enjoy it. Thanks to the WSL for giving us such great conditions today, and pushing us and really helping us elevate our level. It’s just such a fun time to be a part of it all, and I just feel humbled and blessed to be here doing what I love.”
Peterson dominated the Final from the get-go, posting an excellent 8.00 point ride for a long barrel ride. She then backed it up immediately with a 7.67, leaving Andrew in a combination situation (needing two scores). Andrew was unable to find a wave of substance, which left Peterson to take the first event win of 2018.
Sally Fitzgibbons.
Previously, Andrew took down Australian superstar Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in the Semifinals and six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in the Quarterfinals. The runner-up result for Andrew is the second Finals appearance of her career. Andrew, who powerfully charged into the new season, will look to continue to climb the rankings and earn her first CT victory. The 23-year-old Australian will now vault from 11th to 2nd on the Jeep Leaderboard.
Julian Wilson taking it it to the bank.
Wilson has had a rollercoaster start to his season after injuring his shoulder in late January, then welcoming his child into the world with his wife, Ashley, last week. The Sunshine Coast local was unsure if he would compete at this event but surprised all with the first win of the season and the fourth CT win of his career.
“This is a childhood dream come true to come down from the Sunshine Coast and win the Quiksilver Pro,” Wilson said. “This is the closest event to home for me and watching guys win this event when I was younger is what lit the fire for me to want to be on Tour, so to win, is very special. I learned a lot about myself at this event, and through this injury, and the birth of my baby girl, Olivia, and my wife, Ashley. Honestly, watching the birth of my first child gave me an unbelievable strength to just suck up the pain in my shoulder, and come down here, and do what I needed to do. My wife has been a huge inspiration through the whole experience, so I want to thank Ashley for that.”
Wilson has always been in the World Title conversation, but this win provides the 29-year-old with his best ever start to his Title campaign. Wilson will sport the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey heading into the next stop on the CT, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competition, which starts March 28 and runs through April 8, 2018.
“I’m happy to have a better result in Australia than I did after all three events in Australia last year,” continued Wilson. “There’s a massive positive in that. I’m looking forward to Bells, to compete again and work off this injury.”
The intense men’s Final saw the two Australians, Wilson and Adrian Buchan (AUS), punch wave-for-wave, fighting their way out of massive tubes for the win. Wilson kicked off the heat with a fiery start, a near-perfect 9.93, by coming out of a huge barrel. Wilson and Buchan continued to charge the Kirra sets, resulting in a close race for first. Buchan attacked back with a 6.50 and an 8.60 but was unable to overtake his compatriot.
Having won two CT events in his career, Buchan is no stranger to the pressure on the big stage. The technically-gifted, rail-surfer moved through the field with precision, even on the final day, where the hollow Kirra waves would put most goofy-footers at a disadvantage. In the end, Buchan was up against the ropes with a rampaging Wilson running away with the lead, but he admitted that he was happy to finish second to his close friend.
“Obviously you want to win events, but I’m so happy to see Julian [Wilson] take this one out,” Buchan said. “I know he’s had so much to deal with recently with his injury and becoming a father, so this win would feel so amazing for him. Sharing pumping Kirra with one other person out — who happens to be your mate — is incredible. I don’t think you could ask for anything better than that.”
Griffin Colapinto (USA), the standout rookie from San Clemente California, amazed the world today with the first Perfect 10 of the 2018 CT season. Colapinto miraculously made his way out of three deep barrels in one wave to set the bar for the new season.
“I’ve never had three barrels on one wave so it felt amazing, particularly in a heat,” Colapinto said. “I think it was the best wave of my life. I’m so happy to get third in my first event. I’m loving the CT and hope I won’t be going anywhere for a very long time. I’m loving it here in Australia, the people on the Gold Coast are the best.”
The 19-year-old has been outshining surfing’s veterans in the first event of his rookie season, including his wins over Joel Parkinson (AUS), the 2012 WSL Champion and Gold Coast favorite, and veteran Michel Bourez (PYF). Unfortunately, Colapinto was unable to advance out of his Semifinal matchup against Wilson but will still exit as the rising-star of the event. All eyes will be on the young challenger this season to see how far he will push professional surfing in his rookie year.
Owen Wright (AUS), 2017 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast winner, was stopped in the first Quarterfinal by Buchan after struggling to find a rhythm at Kirra. Wright will exit with a 5th place result, moving to 5th on the Jeep Leaderboard.
Earlier today, rookie Tomas Hermes (BRA) delivered another shock to the first event of the year by eliminating Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the Quarterfinals. Toledo’s result will boost him from 10th to equal 5th on the Jeep Leaderboard. Hermes’ Semifinal result blasts him up to 3rd on the rankings and well in the 2018 Rookie of the Year race.
The world’s best surfers will now head to Bells Beach for the Rip Curl Pro, Stop No. 2 on the WSL Championship Tour, starting March 28 through April 8, 2018.
Keely Andrew.
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Final Results:
1 – Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.43 2 – Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.10
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.00 def. Tomas Hermes (BRA) 9.17 SF 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.77 def. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 11.66
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.50 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 2.50 QF 2: Tomas Hermes (BRA) 8.73 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 7.33 QF 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.44 def. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 10.00 QF 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 16.43 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.44
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Final Results:
1 – Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.67 2 – Keely Andrew (AUS) 5.67
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Results:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 11.00 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.33 Heat 2: Keely Andrew (AUS) 7.50 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 6.77
2018 WSL Men’s CT Jeep Leaderboard (After Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast):
1 –Julian Wilson (AUS) 10,000 pts 2 – Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7,800 pts 3 – Griffin Colapinto (USA) 6,085 pts 3 – Tomas Hermes (BRA) 6,085 pts
Rookie Griffin Colapinto is in the quarters, not bad for his first event as a CT dude.
The drama and tension continue to build at the first stop on the 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Today was an unnerving day in men’s elimination Rounds 3 and 4 as upsets continued in the four-to-five foot (1.2 – 1.5 metre) conditions at Snapper Rocks.
Event wildcard Mikey Wright (AUS) continued to turn the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast upside down with another massive win today over Gabriel Medina (BRA), 2014 WSL Champion and 2014 event winner. Just yesterday, Wright upset the competition with his win over current World No. 1 John John Florence (HAW) and today he continued his tear by taking down the current World No. 2. The Australian has made his competitive intentions clear this week and will be talked about as the competition’s celebrated darkhorse.
“I’m not too stressed out about these big names,” said Wright. “I just surf every heat the same and keep to my game plan. I like to hang down on the beach with my dog and treat this event like a Qualifying Series contest. I’m not too into all of the attention and drama in the competitors’ area — I like to just do my own thing. It’s a great experience coming up against these big names, but I don’t let it get to me.”
Mikey Wright giant killing spree came to end in the new elimination Round 4.
Despite Wright’s success in the early rounds, he was not able to escape the new Round 4 format, which now advances the top two finishers to the Quarterfinals and eliminates the third-place finisher in Equal 9th. Wright fell to challengers Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Adrian Buchan (AUS), who earned first and second in the heat, respectively.
Having finaled at Snapper Rocks twice, Toledo is always one to watch at the Quiksilver Pro. His electric blend of power and progression was on show as he wowed the crowds with the highest single-wave score of the event so far, a near-perfect 9.67 to progress into the Quarterfinals.
“The wind conditions did not make for the best air conditions, so I choose to stick to the face of the wave,” said Toledo. “I had the power and speed going into the 9.67 wave and was actually waiting for it to barrel, but it never did, so I figured I had to get creative with my maneuvers. I had a lot of fun this heat and took initiative on a lot of the waves, which really paid off.”
Defending event winner Owen Wright looks strong.
2017 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast winner Owen Wright (AUS) has booked himself a spot in the Quarterfinals at Snapper Rocks after an impressive display of surfing. First, he eliminated 2018 CT Rookie Willian Cardoso (BRA) in the opening heat of Round 3, then went on to post a 17.00 point heat total (out of a possible 20) in Round 4. It was a bittersweet victory for Wright as his good friend Mick Fanning (AUS) was eliminated in his last appearance at his hometown CT event.
“I did my first trip with Mick [Fanning] when I was 14,” Wright said. “He has been like a guardian angel to me through my head injury. He’s showed me a lot of guidance over the years and is definitely one of my heroes so to have the chance to surf heats with him is really nice. I’ve always wanted to finish at the top of the rankings. I’ve managed to stay up there — even if I’ve had a few injuries and setbacks over the years — but I’m feeling so good and healthy now and am building and building.”
Fellow CT veteran and 2012 WSL Champion, Joel Parkinson (AUS), was also eliminated from the draw. The Coolangatta local was dispatched by 2018 CT Rookie, Griffin Colapinto (USA), in Round 3 Heat 9. The 19-year-old rookie continued on to Round 4 where he edged out Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) by just 2.19 points. He progressed in second place behind Julian Wilson (AUS), who looks in great form despite a recent shoulder injury. Wilson will match-up with Michael Rodrigues (BRA) in the Quarterfinals, while Colapinto will face Michel Bourez (PYF).
Michel Bourez flying the flag for Europe, kind of, is still in the mix. If the comp moves to Kirra he’ll be lethal.
The final two Quarterfinalists were decided in a down-to-the-wire matchup between 2015 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), and 2018 CT Rookie Rodrigues. While Bourez dominated the heat, the Brazilian duo of Rodrigues and De Souza battled it out for the second qualifying spot, which was eventually taken by the rookie Rodrigues. It was the perfect way to end an incredible day for Rodrigues, who earlier dispatched World Title contender Jordy Smith (ZAF).
“I have been sitting in Brazil thinking about this event a lot and trying to mentally prepare,” Rodrigues said. “I can’t really explain how stoked I am to be in the Quarterfinals in my first CT event. I have always dreamed of this and now it is happening. I’m doing this for my mother. She has always believed in me and been by my side so this is for her.”
The intense matchup between Brazilian superstars Toledo and Italo Ferreira (BRA) was a standout elimination heat today after both surfers attacked the Snapper Rocks lineup and exchanged multiple innovative maneuvers. The win eventually went to Toledo, who secured a marginal 0.9-point advantage over his compatriot.
Injury replacement Michael February (ZAF) moved into the Quiksilver Pro draw when 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) pulled out of the event due to an ongoing foot injury. February was eliminated by Wilson in Heat 7 of Round 3. The young South African looked right at home on the WSL Championship Tour earlier in the event when he eliminated former event champion Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in Round 2 but now goes home from his first-ever CT event with an Equal 13th place finish.
Surfline, WSL forecast partner, is calling for:
Rising shorter period E swell today with good size surf for Thursday. Good size surf continues Friday but this is trending down into the weekend. Long range guidance points to more mid-size but shorter period ESE/SE swell around the last couple days of the event window.
Mick Fanning bowed in Round 4, now he can drink a few cold ones and enjoy the show before his final event at Bells.
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.50 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 9.04 Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.67 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 7.37 Heat 3: Tomas Hermes (BRA) 12.40 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.60. Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.60 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.70 Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.36 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.10 Heat 6: Mikey Wright (AUS) 16.07 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.90 Heat 7: Julian Wilson (AUS) 7.30 def. Michael February (ZAF) 7.10 Heat 8: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 15.26 def. Frederico Morais (PRT) 11.10 Heat 9: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.50 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.94 Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.07 def. Wade Carmichael (AUS) 13.60 Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Connor O’Leary (AUS) 6.43 Heat 12: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 15.00 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.40
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.00, Tomas Hermes (BRA) 11.20, Mick Fanning (AUS) 10.43 Heat 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.70, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.60, Mikey Wright (AUS) 11.20 Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.97, Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.83, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 11.67 Heat 4: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.97, Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 13.83, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.53
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinal Matchups:
QF 1: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS) QF 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Tomas Hermes (BRA) QF 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) QF 4: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Jordy Smith (ZAF) is eliminated from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast after placing second in Heat 12 of Round 3 at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Mikey February of South Africa got a start due to Kelly’s last minute pull out, made the most of it beating Wilko.
The 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) is showing no shortage of competitive drama this season as the upsets from the women’s event continued through the first eliminations of the men’s competition. The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Stop No. 1 of the WSL CT, saw major surprises today in elimination Round 2 in three-to-four foot (1- 1.2 metre) conditions at the famed Snapper Rocks venue.
Further proving how unpredictable the 2018 season will be, a massive upset kicked off the first men’s elimination round of the year with current World No. 1 John John Florence (HAW) eliminated by event wildcard Mikey Wright (AUS). Today was just another milestone reached for Wright in 2018 in addition to his recent success at the Australian Boardriders Battle Final and Newcastle Surfest Qualifying Series 6,000 event. The young competitor has made it clear that he will work hard to reach the elite CT and join his siblings, Tyler and Owen Wright, by continuing to prove himself in the Qualifying Series tour, the pathway where surfers earn their way to the top competition ranks.
“I’m so thankful to get this wildcard from Quiksilver and have the opportunity to come up against the world’s best,” Wright said. “Obviously, coming up against the World Champion is going to be tough but anyone on the CT is going to be really tough, so I just wanted to go out and surf my own heat and just work on getting the best waves. The waves are really fun so I can’t wait to get back out there and do what I love to do.”
Mikey Wright took out JJF…
Florence’s shocking loss is the first time since 1991 that the reigning men’s World Champion has been knocked out of Round 2 in the opening event of the season (Tom Curren won the Title in 1990 and was a no-show in the first half of the 1991 season). Florence will leave with his first 25th place finish in 25 events.
“Mikey [Wright] is such a great surfer and he really surfed well in that heat,” Florence said. “His wave choice was so good. Every time I would pull off a wave, he’d be right behind me on a bigger, better wall. You win some and lose some, and I’ll still take a lot from that heat and work on that heading into the next couple of events. Every event you go in you’re looking for the win, so a 25th is no worse than a 13th, anything but a win is all the same. I’m feeling really good this year. I just need to get back into that competitive mindset and focus on my wave choice and hopefully not get another last-place finish at Bells Beach.”
Leo Fioravanti of Italy couldn’t keep up the giant killing theme, losing to Gabe.
Gabriel Medina (BRA), 2014 WSL Champion and 2014 event winner, did not let himself fall into the upset conversation with his win over Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in Round 2. The Brazilian unleashed his signature backhand surfing to secure his win with a 13.00 combined score (out of a possible 20).
Trials winner Fioravanti charged through the heat with big attempts but was not able to lock in the two-wave requirement to defeat the Brazilian superstar. After falling off the elite tour last year, Fioravanti leaves in 25th place and will head back to the Qualifying Series tour.
“The wildcards can be so dangerous as we just saw with Mikey [Wright] taking out John John [Florence] so I knew Leo [Fioravanti] was going to be hard,” Medina said. “It was really hard to find a good wave out there, but it looks like there are some good waves coming, so I’m stoked to get through. I’m feeling fit and my boards feel great, so I’m really excited to have the 2018 season underway.”
With the withdrawal of 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA), Michael February (ZAF)was given the opportunity of a lifetime to take his spot as an injury replacement. February took full advantage of his position and took down 2016 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast event winner Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in a tight Round 2 matchup. After back-to-back finals at Snapper Rocks, Wilkinson was a clear favorite, but the powerful goofy-foot was unable to get into a rhythm, leaving February to take his first victory on the biggest stage in surfing.
“Kelly [Slater] messaged me to explain his situation, which was really cool to get his perspective and share mine with him,” February said. “It’s unfortunate for him to have to pull out, but I’m stoked to have the opportunity to surf in a Championship Tour event. The end of last year was so tough as I just missed out on qualification so to have a chance now feels amazing. It’s been a weird couple of days waiting to find out if I’d be in the event so it’s great to now be in and to win my first heat feels incredible.”
2012 WSL World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) found redemption in his Round 2 heat, posting the highest two-wave total of the event so far, an excellent 17.03. Parkinson’s local knowledge was evident as he escaped the biggest barrel of the day to dispatch of California’s Pat Gudauskas (USA) on his return to the CT. The two-time Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast event winner also squashed any question of a looming retirement.
“It’s funny that after all these years the first elimination heat of the season always gets that nervous feeling going,” Parkinson said. “Motivation in competition is easy to find because surfing is something that I have always loved and that’s why we do what we do. I’m looking forward to doing this for the rest of this year and hopefully a few years to come.”
2016 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) will also advance through to Round 3 after eliminating compatriot Ian Gouveia (BRA) in Heat 4.
In his first Championship Tour event representing Japan, the last thing Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) wanted was an equal 25th finish, but this was a possibility before he came up against Keanu Asing (HAW) in Heat 8 of Round 2. Asing had a fair bit to prove also as he made his return to the CT after being relegated to the Qualifying Series in 2017. With conditions slowing at the bottom of the tide, the two traded average scores throughout the heat, but it was Igarashi who came out on top at the heat’s end.
Joan Duru
2018 CT Rookies Michael Rodrigues (BRA), Tomas Hermes (BRA), and Wade Carmichael (AUS) survived their first Round 2 elimination heats today after defeating Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Joan Duru (FRA), and Jesse Mendes (BRA), respectively.
Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30 a.m. local time to make the next call.
Conner Coffin
Surfline, WSL forecast partner, is calling for:
Mid period, mid-size E swell from former Cyclone Hola will fill in today. There is good confidence we will see NE to E swell Wed-Thu, easing slowly into and over the weekend as the swell direction shifts more ESE/SE. Long range guidance points to more mid-size ESE/SE swell around the last couple to few days of the event window.
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Mikey Wright (AUS) 15.10 def. John John Florence (HAW) 10.76 Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.00 def. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 7.90 Heat 3: Michael February (ZAF) 11.03 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.97 Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.40 def. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.07 Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.03 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 9.67 Heat 6: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 14.67 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 10.80 Heat 7: Frederico Morais (PRT) 12.16 def. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 9.90 Heat 8: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 10.60 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 8.86 Heat 9: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 12.90 def. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 10.83 Heat 10: Conner Coffin (USA) 12.20 def. Yago Dora (BRA) 10.60 Heat 11: Tomas Hermes (BRA) 14.93 def. Joan Duru (FRA) 12.17 Heat 12: Wade Carmichael (AUS) 11.74 def. Jesse Mendes (BRA) 11.13
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 3 Matchups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA) Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Conner Coffin (USA) Heat 3: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Tomas Hermes (BRA) Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA) Heat 5: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS) Heat 6: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS) Heat 7: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Michael February (ZAF) Heat 8: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA) Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Wade Carmichael (AUS) Heat 11: Connor O’Leary (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF) Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW) Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
The Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast, Stop No. 1 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today with the women’s Semifinalists decided in clean three-to-four foot (1 – 1.2 metre) waves. With the conditions holding up all day, event officials decided to run through Rounds 2, 3, and the Quarterfinals. Now only four surfers remain in contention for the 2018 Roxy Pro Gold Coast title.
Keely Andrew of Australia advanced into Round 3 after winning Heat 5 of Round 2 at the Roxy Pro, Gold Coast, 2018.
In what was undoubtedly the upset of the entire event, six-time Roxy Pro Gold Coast event winner Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) was taken down by fellow Queenslander Keely Andrew (AUS). Six-time WSL Champion Gilmore looked in good touch throughout the day but fell victim to a slow ocean in Quarterfinal 4 waiting with priority until the final minutes, only to find a midrange score. Needing to improve her situation in the dying seconds, Andrew took off on a smaller wave and got to work, tagging it all the way down the point to post a 6-point ride and progress into the Semifinals. Gilmore finishes her home event in a respectable Equal 5th position.
“I’m a bit shocked right now,” Andrew said. “Surfing out here against Steph [Gilmore] at her home break was incredible. The waves looked fun all day, but it slowed down a lot in our Quarterfinal. I was so nervous because she only needed a small score, and I only found out that I’d won when I got back to the surfer’s area. I’ve worked really hard in the offseason and it feels so good to know that the hard work has paid off.”
2017 Roxy Pro Gold Coast runner-up Lakey Peterson (USA) was in ominous form today. The Californian posted excellent scores all the way to the Quarterfinals where she eventually eliminated reigning WSL Champion and current World No. 1, Tyler Wright (AUS). Peterson’s trademark frontside arcs sent a shot over the bow of her fellow competitors as she hunts for her first CT Victory since 2012.
“It’s crazy — it’s only two days into the season and I’m into the Semis,” Peterson said. “We’ve had perfect, quintessential Snapper today with long perfect waves and sunshine. Tyler [Wright] is a two-time World Champion for a reason and she’s someone I look up to, but I always feel like I surf my best against the best. The only option I had to beat her was for me to surf my best, so I couldn’t hold back. There was nothing I could do to change her surfing, so I just focused on mine and it worked out in the end.”
After an injury-plagued 2017 season, Hawaii’s Malia Manuel comes into 2018 with the aim of involving herself heavily in the World Title conversation from the start of the season. The stylish natural-footer has already achieved this with an amazing display at Snapper Rocks. Manuel’s best performance came in Quarterfinal 2 where she posted one of the highest heat totals of the event, a 15.83 (out of a possible 20), to overcome three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW), who leaves in Equal 5th place.
“I’ve met Carissa [Moore] in the Quarters a couple of times here in the past and she’s beaten me every single time,” Manuel said. “I remember some of those matchups and they were a bit slow and hard to choose what waves to take, but today we had so many waves and this is exactly what you want from your first event of the year. This will be my first Semi at Snapper and it’s a great start to the year for me. Hopefully, I can use this momentum as it’s a long year ahead.”
Current World No. 3 Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) looked destined to end up in the Semifinals as she tore through the field at Snapper Rocks. In Quarterfinal 3, she had the tough task of challenging 2018 CT Rookie Caroline Marks (USA) — who had been taking down the big names all day — with an impressive display of backhand surfing. Marks’ run came to an end at the hands of Fitzgibbons who was on fire, posting the highest heat total of the entire event, a 16.57 (out of a possible 20).
“It feels so good to be out there on a dreamy day like this,” Fitzgibbons said. “The waves have this perfect shape to them. I was out there in my own world enjoying surfing and I’ve found myself in the Semis. It’s been an exciting day to watch. There’s been a lot of excellent surfing and fins being thrown and I really enjoy the progressive side of the sport. I’ve been having so much fun in my freesurfs, and I’ve been trying to bring some of that into my heat surfing.”
Although Marks was unable to overcome Fitzgibbons, she finishes her first CT event as a rookie in Equal 5th after taking down some of surfing’s biggest names including Sage Erickson (USA), Silvana Lima (BRA), and Gilmore.
“I think a few years ago, I would have been star-struck and not sure of what to do out there,” Marks said. “But now, even though they’re my idols, I really want to beat them and go and out and perform and win. Today wasn’t my day, but I just need to focus on the positives.”
Macy Callaghan (AUS) will surf in the Quarters after losing Heat 1 of Round 3 of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast at Snapper Rocks, QLD, Australia.
Event officials will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. AEST for a potential 7:00 a.m. start.
Surfline, WSL forecast partner, is calling for:
Mid period, mid size E swell from former Cyclone Hola will likely build in through Tuesday. Confidence is increasing that a new low/tropical cyclone will set up larger ENE to E swell Wed-Thu, easing slowly into and over the weekend as the swell direction shifts more ESE/SE. Long range guidance points to more mid size ESE/SE swell around the last couple days of the event window.
Malia Manuel of Hawaii advanced into Round 3 after winning Heat 1 of Round 2 at the Roxy Pro, Gold Coast, 2018.
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.26, Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.76, Macy Callaghan (AUS) 8.64
Heat 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.96, Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.04, Coco Ho (HAW) 11.86 Heat 3: Caroline Marks (USA) 14.17, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.40, Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.76 Heat 4: Keely Andrew (AUS) 14.97, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.16, Johanne Defay (FRA) 13.53
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.23 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.67 Heat 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.83 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.60 Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.57 def. Caroline Marks (USA) 13.77 Heat 4: Keely Andrew (AUS) 11.87 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 10.83
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW) Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 2 Matchups:
Heat 1: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS) Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) Heat 3: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Michael February (ZAF) Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) Heat 6: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) Heat 7: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) Heat 8: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Keanu Asing (HAW) Heat 9: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA) Heat 10: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Yago Dora (BRA) Heat 11: Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Tomas Hermes (BRA) Heat 12: Jesse Mendes (BRA) vs. Wade Carmichael (AUS)
Tatiana Weston-Webb of Hawaii lost Heat 1 of Round 2 at the Roxy Pro, Gold Coast, 2018.
