The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach continued today in four-to-five foot (1.2 – 1.5 metre) waves at Bells Beach for the women’s Round of 16 (Round 3) and the first two heats of the men’s Round of 32 (Round 3), and then moved to Wikinipop for the next six heats (H3-8) of men’s Round 3.
With solid conditions pulsing, Stop No. 2 on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) saw big eliminations get underway, narrowing the field for the final two days of competition. Today also saw the Bells Heritage Heat with surfing legends Mark Occhilupo and Tom Curren.
Tomorrow will feature another big day of competition as the swell continues to build overnight and throughout the day. The conditions over the final two days look likely to ignite the biggest waves the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has seen in recent history. The next call will be tomorrow morning at 6:40 a.m. AEST for a possible 7:05 a.m. start.
Heritage Heat: Mark Occhilupo vs. Tom Curren
Two of the greatest surfers of the 1980s and 1990s, Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo (1999 World Champion) and Tom Curren (three-time World Champion in 1985, 1986, 1990), matched-up in the Heritage Heat today at Bells Beach.
Throughout their competitive careers, Occy and Curren were great rivals. Their competitiveness with each other was highlighted with a superheat at the 1986 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Semifinals with superb low tide conditions and a capacity crowd. Wave-for-wave, both surfers pushed each other in a battle that witnessed Curren take the narrowest of victories. Curren went on to win the World Title that year, while Occy drifted out of competitive surfing for almost a decade and made a great comeback to win at Bells and win the World Title in 1999.
Full Replay: Occy Wins Bells Heritage Heat
Both Occy and Curren are regarded as some of the greatest surfers at Bells and did not disappoint in their heat again today. Occy’s famed backhand sealed a big win for all his fellow Australians in attendance, overcoming Curren’s signature style. The three-time World Champion made an interesting board change midway through the highly-anticipated duel, giving him more flair, but it was not enough to defeat Occy.
“That was so epic and so much fun,” Occhilupo said. “Tom (Curren) and I have been waiting for that heat all week. There was a bit of anticipation building seeing each other in the water and around the place, and it felt good to take the heat. Before that heat, we had 10 wins each against each other and now it’s 11 to me and 10 to him, so I’m stoked.”
Carissa Moore, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Former Event Winners Continue Campaigns for Another Bell
Three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore’s (HAW) power surfing matched the pulsing swell on hand and dealt rookie Macy Callaghan (AUS) her second early loss of the 2019 season. Moore’s rail surfing impressed as she posted an excellent 15.50 two-wave total (out of a possible 20). Moore will progress into the Quarterfinals as she searches to join the likes of Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Lisa Andersen, and Mark Richards as a four-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner.
Kelly Slater, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
11-time WSL World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is in the hunt for fifth Bells Beach title and took a big confidence-building win over perennial title threat Julian Wilson (AUS). The two jousted for position early in the heat with Slater losing priority to Wilson. Wilson had a number of opportunities, but it was the veteran who found the best waves as conditions slowed and took his first heat win of 2019. Wilson exits Bells with his second equal 17th position of the season and a lot of work cut out for him if he wants to ignite his World Title campaign.
“I was really treating that heat like a World Title heat,” Slater said. “Not because it was but because we both really need a good result here after the Gold Coast. We started that heat with a bit of a game of patience and eventually, he broke, which was the first sign that was good for me, and then he passed up that good wave, which was good for me. It felt like everything worked in my favor and I just went with it. It’s good to get back a bit of confidence. It looks like tomorrow is going to be really big. It could be a 20-year swell but who knows. I feel like the bigger it is the more of an advantage I have mainly because the wave does a lot of work for you so I’m looking forward to seeing what we have on offer, I just hope it isn’t too big for Bells.”
“That was a slow heat for sure, so I’m pretty disappointed especially now they can see it’s slow and are moving the competition to Winkipop,” Wilson said. “I just need to go away and reset before the next events. I’m really bummed to have another bad result, especially after coming here early and putting some time in surfing the Bowl. I was feeling good and my boards were feeling good, then just one bad decision can be the deciding factor but it’s always tough when we don’t get a heap of opportunity.”
Stephanie Gilmore, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) is also hunting down her fifth Bell. The seven-time Champion put on a dominating performance in the Bells Bowl to once again take down Rip Curl Trials winner Kobie Enright (AUS). Gilmore’s experience at Bells showed as she posted a number of solid scores on the open walls of the Bowl. Gilmore hopes to keep building momentum into the Quarterfinals where she will come up against an in-form Malia Manuel (HAW).
“That heat actually felt really nice,” Gilmore said. “Between Bells and the Gold Coast, I haven’t had a wave that’s allowed me to really open up in a while. I found a good rhythm, which was nice to have. It sounds like tomorrow it’s going to get really big – I keep hearing 50-year storm – which sounds terrifying. The good thing is I’ve got a couple of boards I can use. My shaper Darren Handley actually went back down to the Gold Coast and I’m sure he’ll come back with a bunch of things for me to try.”
Caroline Marks, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Americans Find Rhythm in Round 3
Jeep Rankings Leader Caroline Marks (USA) will advance to her second consecutive Bells Beach Quarterfinal after eliminating fellow goofy-footer Bronte Macaulay (AUS) in a wave-starved Round 3 matchup. Marks was lucky to sneak through with Macaulay only needing a small score but was left waiting for a wave that failed to arrive in time.
“I’m feeling super inspired at the moment,” Marks said. “There are always nerves when you paddle out regardless of the colour of jersey you’re in. I’m mostly focused on myself and my surfing and not getting too far ahead of myself and when I do that, that’s when I surf my best. I’m stoked to be back in the Quarterfinals at Bells and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.”
Conner Coffin (USA) took inspiration from the Heritage Heat and matched the rail-game of his hero, Tom Curren. Against rookie Soli Bailey (AUS), Coffin secured two six-point rides in Heat 3 of Round 3, the first heat after the move to Winkipop, the event’s backup site.
2018 World Title contender Lakey Peterson (USA) felt right at home with the long walls of Bells Beach suiting her powerful approach against fellow Californian Sage Erickson (USA). Peterson put an exclamation point on her heat with an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and left Erickson in a combination situation, meaning she needed two new waves to equal Peterson’s heat total, when the horn sounded.
Hawaii’s Malia Manuel (HAW) and Coco Ho (HAW) will also move to the next round after taking down two-time Bells winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Johanne Defay (FRA), respectively.
Fresh off a runner-up finish at CT Stop No. 1 on the Gold Coast, Kolohe Andino (USA) was unable to continue his run of form as he went down to Rip Curl Trials Winner Jacob Willcox (AUS).
Coco Ho, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Success for Rookies Hennessy, Crisanto, Moniz, and Silva
Brisa Hennessy (CRI) delivered the day’s upset after taking down last year’s Bell Beach runner-up Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) with brilliant wave selection. Weston-Webb looked out of sorts as Hennessy got in sync with the Bells Bowl to guarantee her best finish yet in the 2019 season.
Peterson Crisanto (BRA) kept his form from the Gold Coast intact and eliminated fellow Brasilian Michael Rodrigues in a tight battle. But, fellow rookie Bailey fell to an in-form Coffin.
Seth Moniz (HAW) continued to strengthen his campaign for 2019 CT Rookie of the Year, taking down fellow rookie Mikey Wright (AUS). Wright opted to sit up the top of Winiki, while Moniz got busy at Lowers, even posting an excellent single-wave score to put Wright in a combination situation (needing two scores) and take the win.
The open walls of Bells and Winkipop suit 2018 CT Rookie of the Year Wade Carmichael (AUS) better than most, positioning him as a possible favourite to take the event as the swell begins to rise. Unfortunately for Carmichael, rookie Deivid Silva (BRA) had other ideas as the exciting goofy-footer dominated the Australian to progress into Round 4.
Deivid Silva, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL .
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 4: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Remaining Men’s Round 3 (H8-16) Matchups:
Heat 9: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
Heat 10: Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
Heat 11: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Ricardo Christie (NZL)
Heat 12: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 13: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 14: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 15: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 16: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round 4 Matchups:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
Heat 2: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 4: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Stop No. 2 on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), started today with the first nine heats of men’s Round 1. The competition was held at the event’s backup site, Winkipop, in bumpy three-to-four foot (1 – 1.2 metre) waves. Winkipop is known for its long, fast walls and today tested the surfers with light onshore winds and shifting peaks.
Jordy Smith, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Former Bells Winners: Smith Finds Success, Ferreira and Slater Sneak Past in Second
In 2017, Jordy Smith (ZAF) took a much-anticipated victory at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach with some saying the powerful natural-footer suits the Bells walls better than most on Tour. Currently sitting in Equal 3rd place on the rankings, Smith wants another solid result as he searches for his maiden World Title. He got his Bells campaign off to a reasonably good start, taking his opening heat with mid-range scores.
“That was difficult out there for sure,” Smith said. “It was pretty bumpy and hard to pick waves. I definitely feel lucky to have won the heat with such an average heat total. I’m just stoked to be back here at Bells because it’s definitely one of my favourite stops on Tour and the relaxed vibe in this area reminds me of J-Bay. The water and air is cool and it is all right-hand points, so I feel really comfortable here. I’m feeling more alive this year than I have in a while. I’ve got a lot of froth and want it more than ever and I’m just loving surfing.”
Current Jeep Rankings Leader Italo Ferreira (BRA) looked out of rhythm to begin his event title defence, while Ezekiel Lau (HAW) pounced on the opportunity for the win. Lau was extremely selective in the matchup, only catching two waves to post his heat winning total and progress into Round 3 (or the Round of 32). Former Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach runner-up Caio Ibelli (BRA) was unable to move out of third place and now faces the dreaded Elimination Round when competition recommences.
Filipe Toledo, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
The freshly turned 24-year-old Filipe Toledo (BRA) debuted strongly against four-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Kelly Slater (USA). Toledo nearly helped send the 11-time WSL Champion to Elimination Round 2 along with Trials runner-up Xavier Huxtable (AUS). The Brasilian made easy work of the fickle conditions and soared to an excellent 8.27 (out of a possible 10) for a 15.27 (out of a possible 20) heat total.
“The wind is a little bit onshore, but it is still so fun out there,” Toledo said. “If you picked the right waves, like the second one in the set, it would have a clean face and allow you to do good rail turns and also airs, which suits me. I rode a board today that has drawings on it that my daughter did which was really nice, it’s like she was out there with me.”
Kelly Slater, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Wildcard Update: Willcox Left Standing While Mann Falls Short
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach trials winner Jacob Willcox (AUS) delivered a masterful performance over last year’s World Title contender Julian Wilson (AUS). Wilson narrowly missed the 7.24 by .01 to overtake Willcox for the heat win but safely secured his place over Joan Duru (FRA).
Julian Wilson, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
“The waves have been a little bit small for the last few days, so I feel like surfing through the Trials definitely gave me an advantage,” Willcox said. “Julian (Wilson) is one of my favourite surfers and I’ve always looked up to him so it was really cool to share a heat win him. I’ve had a few wildcards into CT events over the years but this one feels a bit different because I feel a lot more relaxed and sort of know what to expect.”
Jacob Wilcox, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) showed why he’s the most formidable competitor on Tour, clinching a victory over Ryan Callinan (AUS) and Trials Winner Harrison Mann (AUS) in the dying minutes of the heat. Callinan held a commanding lead for the majority of the heat until the two-time World Champion found his rhythm and took the lead. The Brasílian superstar has yet to ring the coveted Bell and is one step closer in Round 3 (the Round of 32).
Gabriel Medina, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
“It’s always hard coming up against Ryan (Callinan), he is such a great competitor,” Medina said. “Also, having a local wildcard is scary because they know the waves better than anyone on Tour, so it feels good to make it through. The waves were a bit slow in that heat so I had to be patient, which can be hard for me because I like to catch lots of waves so I’m definitely glad to have made it through.”
Americans Conner Coffin (USA) and Kolohe Andino (USA) continued their excellent form in 2019, each winning their Round 1 heats at Winkipop. Andino looked to have rebounded well from his narrow loss in the Final on the Gold Coast while Coffin hopes to better his Quarterfinal finish from last week.
The opening heat of this year’s event witnessed a clash of veteran talent where Jadson Andre (BRA) was able to notch a much-needed win over 10-year CT competitor Owen Wright (AUS) and 13-year veteran Jeremy Flores (FRA).
The next call for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be tomorrow at 6:45 a.m. AEST, when event organizers will reassess the conditions to decide the event’s schedule.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.23 DEF. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.97, Owen Wright (AUS) 8.20
Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 10.26 DEF. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 8.07, Jack Freestone (AUS) 7.84
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.87 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 10.63, Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 10.23
Heat 4: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 10.57 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 10.06, Caio Ibelli (BRA) 9.73
Heat 5: Jacob Willcox (AUS) 13.74 DEF. Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.73, Joan Duru (FRA) 11.00
Heat 6: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.70 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 13.00, Harrison Mann (AUS) 7.87
Heat 7: Conner Coffin (USA) 10.77 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 10.60, Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 9.56
Heat 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.77 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.67, Soli Bailey (AUS) 8.37
Heat 9: Ricardo Christie (NZL) 11.83 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 10.10, Wade Carmichael (AUS) 8.04
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Remaining Men’s Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (FRA) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
Heat 11: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Heat 12: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Kobie Enright (AUS)
Heat 4: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
Heat 5: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 6: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Sage Erickson (USA)
Torquay, Victoria, Australia (Monday, April 15, 2018):
The 2019 Rip Curl Pro Trials were held today in one-to-three-foot windswept surf at Winkipop, Victoria, and some of the world’s best surfers tried their hand at overcoming tough conditions and making their way to the final heat.
Up against the likes of former World Tour surfers Matt Wilkinson and Alana Blanchard, not to mention Hawaiian legend Mason Ho, Australian QS surfers Jacob Willcox (Margaret River, WA) and Kobie Enright (Gold Coast, QLD) prevailed.
This is the second consecutive year that Kobie has surfed her way to the main WSL event, and it will mark the second time that Jacob will surf in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The last time he was awarded a wildcard was in 2013.
“I’m pretty stoked to get this opportunity,” Jacob said after his Final heat win over Xavier Huxtable (Torquay, Victoria) and Crosby Colapinto (San Clemente, California, USA). “I’m actually a bit of a wildcard veteran it feels like – I’ve had quite a few chances to surf in CTs over the years – and I’m going to do everything I can to make the most of it. Hopefully, we get some good swell and we get to put on a show!”
Kobie, who took the win over Alyssa Spencer (Carlsbad, California, USA), India Robinson (Victoria, AUS) and Leilani McGonagle (Pavones, Costa Rica), couldn’t have been happier. “Wow, to have the chance to surf against the best women in the world, in such a historic and important event, it’s hard to describe. I am speechless,” she said, close to tears as she came in from the beach.
“Last year I won trials and got to surf in the main event, and I think I learnt a lot from that experience. Hopefully, I can take all those learnings and use them this year!”
After the Rip Curl Pro Trials were wrapped up, the Victorian Trials had the opportunity to crown a male surfer. In the final heat of the day, local surfer and Rip Curl Board Store employee Harry Mann took the win and earned himself a coveted spot in the 2019 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
The Rip Curl Pro will run from April 17 – April 27, 2019. Tune in to the live broadcast via Http://Www.worldsurfleague.com.
Caroline Marks and Italo served notice to the big guns that they’re ready to rock this season. 17-year-old Marks took out Steph, Malia and Riss to take her first CT in her second year on tour. Expect fireworks from her the rest of the season. As for Italo … just video game surfing. How fast are his rotations? Gabby and John ain’t going to be the prize fight for the title this year, Italo is going to be in the mix for sure. It’s going to be interesting for sure as we move on to the legendary Bells comp over the Easter weekend.
WSL PRESS RELEASE
Overnight, UK time at least, Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Caroline Marks (USA) won the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast, the opening stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). The Final Series took place at Duranbah Beach, the event’s backup site, in two-to-four foot (0.6 – 1.2 metre) waves to determine the first winners of the season.
In addition to the year’s first elite surfing event, today marked the first CT event to award equal prize money to the female and male competitors following WSL’s commitment in September last year. Each stop on the Championship Tour, in 2019 and beyond, will award equal prize money and continue to host the Rising Tides – WSL Girls Program, the beachside engagement program aimed to inspire the next generation of young girls to take to the surf.
The 2019 CT is also the first opportunity for the world’s best surfers to qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, where surfing will make its Olympic debut. The Championship Tour rankings at the end of this season will determine 18 of the 40 available places (10 men and 8 women). After today’s results, the surfers are one step closer to both qualifying for the Olympics and winning the prestigious WSL World Title.
Caroline Marks, photo Cestari/WSL
Teenager Caroline Marks Is Now #1 in the World
17-year-old Marks earned her career-first event win today and vaults to No. 1 on the World Rankings. With only one year on the CT to her name, the young competitor is off to a phenomenal start in her career, already reaching the very top to set the tone for the year ahead.
Caroline Marks, photo Dunbar/WSL
“I’m really emotional right now,” Marks said. “I can’t believe it. I’m speechless. It’s incredible to be a part of this sport. I just want to thank everyone at WSL, I’m so grateful. It’s so amazing to be a part of women’s surfing. Carissa (Moore) has always been my hero and she still is. To have my first win over her is incredible. I was actually laughing because the first time I came to this event I was in the Trials and I just lost in the first heat every single time, so to now win the event is amazing. This has been the best event and best week of my life. There’s still a lot of work to do for the rest of the year, but I’m definitely going to enjoy this moment.”
En route to her first win, Marks defeated seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, Malia Manuel (HAW) in the Semifinals, and three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Final. Marks now leads the world’s best surfers heading into Stop No. 2 of 10, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, where she will fight to maintain her lead over the field.
“I can’t wait to see where this result will take me this year and I’m really excited to get to the next event and hopefully get on a roll,” continued Marks. “Bells Beach is one of my favourite waves in the world and I feel like it really suits my surfing, so I’m stoked to be surfing there next week.”
Carissa Moore, photo Dunbar/WSL.
After finishing World No. 3 in 2018, three-time WSL Champion Moore came into this first event with momentum. The former two-time Gold Coast event winner was on fire all week with some of the best scores, but in the Final, Moore struggled to find a wave that would allow her to take the 22nd event win of her career. Moore now heads to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, an event she has won three times, with her best start to the season since 2015, the same year that she won her last World Title.
“This event was a real whirlwind,” said Moore. “I can’t believe we started a few days ago and we’re already done. I had some great matchups throughout the week and I knew coming against Caroline (Marks) was going to be really tough as she is a really amazing surfer. I want to congratulate Caroline on such a huge win and thanks to everyone for coming and showing support. I feel really thankful to be here competing on the Gold Coast again.”
Italo Ferreira Wins Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Defeats Kolohe Andino in the Final
Italo Ferreira, photo Cestari/WSL.
In 2018, Ferreira proved himself to be one of the most exciting surfers, winning three CT events and finishing the year in fourth place on the Jeep Leaderboard. Today, the 24-year-old got his World Title campaign off to a perfect start with a come-from-behind victory over Californian Kolohe Andino (USA). Ferreira will now sport the Jeep Leader Jersey and focus his attention to Stop No. 2 of 11 on the men’s CT.
“Winning this event at the start of the year is unbelievable, ” Ferreira said. “I knew it would be so hard to beat Kolohe (Andino). I feel really lucky to have beaten him and especially in waves like this. The support on the beach is so unreal. I love all of the Brazilians on the beach. They are incredible cheering us all on. I’m excited to be in the Jeep Leader Jersey again, but it is a long year and I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. I have a lot of other events to focus on, starting with Bells next week. I’ve trained a lot in the last three months and I got the win in the first event of the year. Let’s do this!”
Italo Ferreira, photo Cestari/WSL.
Ferreira eliminated the in-form Jordy Smith (ZAF) in the Semifinals and Wade Carmichael (AUS) in the Quarterfinals. The innovative surfer posted some of the event’s highest scores in the earlier rounds, while also winning the Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast at the start of the waiting period.
Having had four previous Finals appearances in his career, including the 2016 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Californian prodigy Andino was hoping today would be the day that he would clinch his first CT win. Unfortunately, he lost in the dying seconds to Ferreira. Although disappointed, the American acknowledges that the second-place result puts him in a great position from the first stop of the long season ahead.
“I was stoked to be in the Final with Italo (Ferreira),” Andino said. “I let that wave go, but I think ten times out of ten, I would let it go again just because it was actually a knee high wave (laughs), but he did a full rotation, so good on him. It’s a bummer I wasn’t getting chaired up for my first event win but it’s a long year and still a great result. I was two minutes away from winning that one. The American surfers are doing great, it’s rad to see. I think everyone is sick of seeing those top three guys on tour win every event. I think everyone’s put their heads down and trying really hard and it’s great for the sport.”
Kolohe Andino, photo Cestari/WSL.
Men’s World Champions Fall Short in Opening Event
After almost a decade of competing on the WSL Championship Tour, two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) has only made the Semifinals twice at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, once in 2017 and again today. Florence eliminated Conner Coffin (USA) in the Quarterfinals but was stopped by Andino in the Semifinals this morning. Florence recently returned to full-time competition after a sidelining knee injury and now sits in third on the Jeep Leaderboard heading into the next event.
Two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) was eliminated by Jordy Smith (ZAF) in Quarterfinal 3. Medina was a standout at D-Bah, posting the highest heat total of the entire event during the earlier rounds. On Finals Day, however, Medina was unable to find two decent scores and finished the event in equal 5th place meaning he will head to Bells without the Jeep Leader Jersey.
“It was really hard to find the opportunities out there,” Medina said. “Yesterday was really fun, I was surfing D-Bah and it was pumping, but they were trying to make it at Snapper. That was a hard one. Heading onto Bells now. Hopefully, the waves will be better at Bells and there will be more opportunities. I just want to thank all my fans around the world, thanks for all the love and support and I’ll see you at Bells.”
Although he was disappointed to go down to Andino in the Quarterfinals, 2019 CT Rookie Seth Moniz (HAW) got his rookie year off to an incredible start by finishing in Equal 5th place at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, taking down some big names along the way. Moniz will now shift his focus to Bells Beach and hope to increase his lead in the race for Rookie of the Year when competition kicks off next week.
The last Australians left in the draw, Sally Fitzgibbons and Wade Carmichael, fell to Moore and Ferreira, respectively. Fitzgibbons will exit with an Equal 3rd place finish, while Carmichael leaves in Equal 5th.
2019 WSL Championship Tour will now head to Stop No. 2, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The event window will open on April 17 and run through April 27, 2019. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
For highlights from the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Final Results:
1 – Caroline Marks (USA) 13.83
2 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.67
Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 12.67 DEF. Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.50
SF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.90 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 9.87
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Final Results:
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.57
2 – Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.43
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.23 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 8.96
SF 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.33 DEF. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.67
Kanoa Igarashi, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images.
D-Bah continues to deliver contestable peaks and upsets not to mention overlapping heats to make the most of the swell, upping the action factor for us punters. Jools and Lakey, last year’s event winners, both got ousted by bottom seeds.
Now we’re at the sharp end the early event favourite Toledo seems to not be at his normal insane best, John is solid and coping with the injury comeback and local boy Reef Heazlewood is the dangerman. The tightest side of the draw has to be Medina/Yago and Jordy/Mikey section. Prediction. Whoever wins that will face JJF in the final. From yesterday’s showing, even though Yago is killing it, you’d be mad to bet the farm against Medina. He’s in a different realm to everyone else so far; that being low earth orbit.
On the women’s side Steph has been slow and sure with no fireworks, Tati is looking strong and Sage has upset the apple cart. All eyes will be on young gun Caroline Marks and if she can unseat queen Steph from yet another trophy. But with Riss, Sally, Malia and Jo still in contention for the upcoming quarters it’s a real tough one to call. Feeling Sage’s fire so calling a Steph/Sage final.
WSL PRESS RELEASE…
The Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast, the opening stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today with elimination Round 3 in three-to-five foot ( 1-1.5 metre) waves at the event’s backup site, Duranbah. To capitalize on conditions, the CT ran the overlapping format for the first time outside of the Billabong Pipe Masters.
Defending event winner and World No. 2 Wilson ousted by wildcard Heazlewood
Reef Heazlewood, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images.
Reef Heazlewood (AUS) put the world’s best on alert after a captivating performance over Julian Wilson (AUS), World No. 2 and 2018 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast winner, in Round 3 Heat 5. A mix of powerful carves and high-flying aerial manoeuvres sent the event trials winner into Round 4 with an immaculate two-wave score of 16.07 (out of a possible 20).
“I’ve looked up to Julian (Wilson) for ages, so to take him down is massive for me,” Heazlewood said. “I was disappointed to knock Julian out of the competition because I really want him to win a World Title this year, which I think he still can, but also really excited to make it through myself. Since I just lost my major sponsor, making heats here will help me fund my Qualifying Series journey. I feel like it’s just been going up and up since I lost my major sponsor last year. I’m just stoked to be here watching the comp and all the pros, now taking them down myself feels pretty crazy.”
“Definitely didn’t want that result,” Wilson said. “Reef’s spent plenty of time in the water the past couple of days and he had the rhythm. Out there you can get some rhythm going but on the opposite side of that, you can get stuck behind the eight ball as well. He was just right on the button and it was also hard to know the situation. I was hoping to get some higher scores and had that opportunity at the end, but it wasn’t my day. He’s a Sunshine Coast boy as well so congratulations to him.”
Sage Erickson, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images.
Two of California’s finest faced off in Round 3 Heat 5 with last year’s World Title contender Lakey Peterson (USA) taking on injury replacement Sage Erickson (USA). While the early goings yielded multiple lead changes, Erickson took charge and didn’t relinquish her lead. Her win eliminates the defending event winner and moves her through the Quarterfinals with some fire.
“I feel bad smiling that I beat Lakey (Peterson), but this was a huge opportunity for me to draw No. 2 in the world,” Erickson said. “ For me, being the second alternate to get in, I don’t get a guaranteed spot with the rule change — the commissioners get to choose my spot. That kind of pissed me off and fired me up, and I wanted to prove myself. I wanted to come out in my first heat and surf confident, but I went back to old habits. It’s this new thought process after breaking down my waves, bottom turn to top turn, almost like a video game and I’m excited to be here.”
Gabriel Medina Soars to Near-Perfect Heat
A battle with two reigning WSL Champions unravelled between 2018 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) and 2018 World Junior Champion Mateus Herdy (BRA) in Round 3 Heat 8. Medina stamped his authority midway through the heat and didn’t let up, culminating into an outstanding 19.13 (out of a possible 20) heat total that included two near-perfect rides of 9.80 (out of a possible 10) and 9.33.
“I always start slow and I’m just trying to step it up every year,” Medina said. “This year I’m coming in super focused and just want to do really good in Australia. It feels good to get two really nice waves and that was a really fun heat against Mateus. He’s coming up and I’m sure I’ll see him on Tour one day.
Two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) put his time into coming back at one-hundred percent for a World Title campaign this year and showed he hasn’t lost any of his signature style in a dominant Round 3 bout against last year’s event runner-up Adrian Buchan (AUS).
“I think having a break from Tour last year due to injury, made me take a step back and realize how much I love competing — I’m just so happy to be back surfing,” Florence said. “The whole reason I’m back here and fighting through these events is that I want to win another World Title so bad. Seeing Medina win last year made me want to come back and try my best to win another Title. I was stoked to see Medina win last year, he’s an all-time competitor. It’s so good to be back on tour, I missed being apart of the big family we have here.”
Brasilian Vets Deliver, Rookies Overpowered
Filipe Toledo (BRA) making a dramatic comeback was one of the day’s most exciting moments, earning an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and 5.60 in the final five minutes over 2019 CT rookie Soli Bailey (AUS), who had him on the ropes throughout the heat. Fellow rookie Peterson Crisanto (BRA) was also dealt a veteran blow from Kolohe Andino (USA) with the San Clemente, California, competitor throwing caution to the wind to mount his comeback.
Italo Ferreira, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images.
Italo Ferreira (BRA) continued his steam from the Red Bull Airborne win yesterday right into a stunning Round 3 win over CT returner Ricardo Christie (NZL) to join fellow countrymen Willian Cardoso (BRA) and Yago Dora (BRA) into Round 4. Also with a notable win, Wade Carmichael (AUS) showed his potential of laying into D-Bah’s pristine walls with his vicious forehand.
Mikey Wright, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images.
Seth Moniz (HAW) and Mikey Wright (AUS) are the only 2019 CT rookies who remain in the draw after the first two-surfer heats of the year. They will advance to Round 4.
Women’s Quarterfinalists Determined After Round 3 Eliminations
Reigning WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) continues her stride toward an unrivalled seventh Gold Coast event win. The seven-time WSL Champion battled with the experienced rookie Macy Callaghan (AUS) as the winds made their presence known, but Gilmore improved her adaptability from yesterday to take the heat win and advance to the Quarterfinals.
Stephanie Gilmore ,Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images.
The women’s rookie class was dealt another blow after 2018 consistent threat Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) eliminated Brisa Hennessy (CRI) in a stout match. The WSL Fan Favorite continued her impressive run from yesterday’s jaw-dropping performance with Hennessy drawing the best out of Weston-Webb.
“My coach and I actually set some goals before the start of this season and I’m looking to reach higher,” Weston-Webb said. “I don’t think I’ve ever put it out there but I’m definitely looking to do a few more spots better than last year and hopefully bring me to the top. I just watched the event throughout the day and all the boys surfed so amazing I think I just got inspired by every single one of them.”
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) emerged victorious against Courtney Conlogue (USA). Both have been a part of World Title races in the past and showed that tenacity going wave-for-wave until the final horn.
Joining Fitzgibbons in the Quarterfinals is three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW), who survived a close heat against Bronte Macaulay (AUS). Malia Manuel (HAW) finished ahead of Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) in an intense Round 3 battle. Johanne Defay (FRA) capped off a big day of competition with a clutch win over Coco Ho (HAW).
The next call for the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. AEST, when event organizers will reassess the conditions to decide the event’s location and schedule.
The Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 3: Sage Erickson (USA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Heat 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)
Quiksilver Pro Round 4 Matchups:
Heat 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Conner Coffin (USA)
Heat 3: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 4: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS)
Heat 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Heat 8: Wade Carmichael (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Kolohe Andino, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images.
Isabella Nichols (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
The first event of the women’s World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) season, the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast, kicked off today after a three-month offseason. The world’s best surfers started the day at Duranbah in three-to-five foot (1-to-1.5 metre) conditions, completing Rounds 1 and 2.
Stephanie Gilmore (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
Following the women, men’s elimination Round 2 said goodbye to its first four competitors. The day ended with the high-flying action of the Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast, which saw Italo Ferreira (BRA) claim the win.
Wildcard Isabella Nichols Off to Strong Start
Wildcard Isabella Nichols (AUS) was not flustered by Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and battled with the reigning, seven-time WSL Champion throughout the heat alongside Paige Hareb (NZL). Nichols’ CT debut was nothing short of tactful and displayed the grit Qualifying Series competitors possess heading into the five-minute mark, by posting a 5.60 (out of a possible 10) under pressure from Gilmore.
“You have to do what you have to do and I had to block Steph (Gilmore) on that last one because I wanted to win the heat,” said Nichols. “Both girls were surfing really well, so I’m just happy to take the win. Of course, Steph will always be the favourite, it’s her hometown, she is the seven-time World Champion and she’s also my favourite, too, so I probably would’ve put my vote towards her, as well. I have ‘100%’ written on my board to remind me to go one-hundred percent all the time. I can get lost out there time to time as we all do, but it’s a great reminder from my coach.”
With a second-place finish in Round 1 Heat 3, Gilmore will also advance to Round 3. She will face 2019 CT Rookie Macy Callaghan (AUS) next in the head-to-head, elimination round.
“The yellow Jeep Leader Jersey is a pretty special jersey to have on and it has stars for how many Titles we’ve won,” said Gilmore. “But it adds a bit of pressure for sure. The first event of the year, it’s a light, bright jersey but it has some weight to it. It’ll be tough going for an eighth. The first heat of the year, I wanted two excellent scores and to really start strong, and I didn’t do that. It’s a long year, but it’s important to start strong, so I’ve got work to do. The best surfers learn to adapt really quickly and that’s something maybe I wasn’t confident in just then and wanted to stick with my plan.”
2018 Event Winner Peterson on Track to Repeat
Lakey Peterson (USA) made an incredible statement in 2018, going toe-to-toe Gilmore’s Title campaign all the way to Maui, and renewed that intensity today coming into the 2019 season. The Californian left no doubt in her win over injury replacement Sage Erickson (USA), who will also advance into Round 3, and Coco Ho (HAW).
“It’s so good to be back and get a heat under the belt,” said Peterson. “I always get nervous with that first heat. A lot of it is just giving yourself enough opportunity. There are waves for everyone to surf and perform in the heat. I think a lot of our waves on Tour are right pointbreaks, but I’ve been surfing a bunch of beach breaks going left and right that are similar to here.”
Rookies Find Redemption in Round 2
Unlike the men’s rookie class spoiling yesterday’s proceedings on opening day, Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and Callaghan got a taste of what it takes to compete among the world’s best as both were relegated to Round 2, despite a few shining moments.
Hennessy fell to a dominant performance from Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), who posted an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10), leading to a 15.16 heat total (adding top two wave scores, out of a possible 20). Malia Manuel (HAW) had no intention of an early exit and locked in a second-place finish behind Weston-Webb to advance to Round 3. Finishing last in the heat, Hennessy was relegated to elimination Round 2 where she handled the pressure against Hareb and Ho to win Round 2 Heat 2. The rookie’s heat win puts her back in the running at the Boost Mobile Pro, eliminating Hareb in Equal 17th place.
“I look up to Coco Ho and Paige Hareb a lot and it was pretty scary,” said Hennessy. “I needed to bring out my surfing and get the best waves. To get a heat win in any CT event helps your confidence a lot. It doesn’t happen too often for a rookie so I will take it. It was special and I was happy with that.”
Rookie Callaghan started strong in her full-time CT rookie debut with a quick lead against Courtney Conlogue (USA), who she faced in the 2018 Roxy Pro France Final, and Johanne Defay (FRA). Callaghan’s lead was short-lived with Defay and Conlogue finding their rhythm and placing ahead in Round 1. In Round 2 Heat 1, the newcomer found redemption with a runner-up result behind Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and overtaking Keely Andrew (AUS), the 2018 event runner-up.
11X Champion Kelly Slater Eliminated Early, Disruptors Continue To Charge
2019 CT Rookie Peterson Crisanto (BRA) helped send shockwaves through the event proceedings after helping eliminate 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) alongside veteran Owen Wright (AUS), who took the Round 2 heat win.
“I felt a lot more settled in that heat,” said Wright. “The first heat I felt great and just got a little bit lost out there and that last heat I just felt like I was there. I’ve gotten a little heavier, so I’ve got a bit more volume in my boards. I’ve been training a bunch in the offseason using weights, probably the first time in four years, and it felt great to enjoy that heavier training again.”
Reigning World Junior Champion Mateus Herdy (BRA) also caused trouble of his own with a big Round 2 heat win over last year’s World Title contender Julian Wilson (AUS) and simultaneously eliminating Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti.
Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Ricardo Christie (NZL) showcased their innovative and powerful styles to overcome Caio Ibelli (BRA) in Round 2 Heat 2. Finishing Round 2, Willian Cardoso (BRA) took over for a vital win alongside Sebastian Zeitz (HAW) advancing to eliminate Jadson Andre (BRA).
The next call for the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. AEST, when event organizers will assess the conditions to decide the event’s location and schedule.
Yago Dora, (Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images)
Italo Ferreira Wins Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast
Today, Italo Ferreira (BRA) won the Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast, a WSL specialty event that highlights aerial surfing. The 24-year-old is known for his creative antics in the air, landing some of the Championship Tour’s biggest maneuvers and setting the bar for above-the-lip surfing. Ferreira brought his same flair into today’s air show to light up Duranbah and take home the win.
“That was an epic Final,” said Ferreira. “It was special with Filipe (Toledo) and Yago (Dora). To me those are two of the best guys in the air. I am so happy to take the win. I tried to go big in the first five minutes and I landed the first one. It was so fun.”
To make the Final, the Brasilian battled through the 18-surfer field in a leaderboard-scoring format for a place in the top six alongside finalists Filipe Toledo (BRA), Yago Dora (BRA), Mateus Herdy (BRA), Reef Heazlewood (AUS), and Mitch Parkinson (AUS). Ferreira landed a frontside air-reverse to earn the specialty event win. Ferreira will now prepare for his next heat in the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.
“Two years ago I had a big injury here and hurt my ankle,” continued Ferreira. “That was devastating. It was crazy because after two years, I’ve now won an air comp here. I do not know how to explain how crazy that is to me. I am so excited for tomorrow and bringing this to the CT competition.”
The Red Bull Airborne Series is a three-part WSL speciality event that will now look ahead to its next air shows in Keramas, Bali and Hossegor, France.
Italo Ferreira,(Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images)
Italo Ferreira. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
The Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast Final
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA)
2 – Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
3 – Yago Dora (BRA)
4 – Mitch Parkinson (AUS)
5 – Filipe Toledo (BRA)
6 – Mateus Herdy (BRA)
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 3 Matchups:
Heat 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Heat 4: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
Heat 6: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 7: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
Heat 8: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Heat 9: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
Heat 10: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
Heat 12: Mikey Wright (AUS) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 13: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Ricardo Christie (NZL)
Heat 14: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Heat 15: Wade Carmichael (AUS) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Heat 16: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
