The fourth stop on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), the Margaret River Pro, is now down to its final four women and final four men after big eliminations today in four-to-six foot (1.2 – 1.8 metre) waves at Main Break.
The men completed the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals to see John John Florence (HAW), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Kolohe Andino (USA), and Julian Wilson (AUS) still standing, while the women completed the Quarterfinals to determine Semifinalists Lakey Peterson (USA), Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Carissa Moore (HAW), and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS).
Lakey Peterson,Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Peterson Defeats Title Rival Gilmore in Quarterfinals with Highest Heat Total of 2019
Lakey Peterson (USA) unleashed the performance of 2019 season so far with the highest two-wave total of the year, a near-perfect 18.83 (out of a possible 20), in Quarterfinal 4. Peterson’s incredible surfing eliminated seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) from the Margaret River Pro in Equal 5th place. Gilmore got the best of a year-long World Title race against 2018 runner-up Peterson to win her seventh World Title, but today Peterson struck back with the dominant win. Peterson now advances to the Semifinals where she matches up with Carissa Moore (HAW).
“The win was really satisfying,” Peterson said. “Steph (Gilmore) and I had the Title race last year and every time we meet up in heats she beats me. Going into that heat just now I was like, ‘I’m done losing to her.’ Steph is such a phenomenal surfer and I feel like this year she is surfing better than ever, so even when I scored my first nine, I was still scared because she could always get an 8.5 or something. That one felt really good and was definitely good for my confidence, so I’m stoked. I love competing with Steph as she always brings the best out in me. I’m really happy to be doing well here at Margaret River.”
Sally Fitzgibbons, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Former Event Winners Moore and Fitzgibbons Through to Semifinals
In a rematch of their Quarterfinal heat at last week’s Corona Bali Protected, three-time WSL Champion Moore took on 2019 CT Rookie Brisa Hennessy (CRI) for a spot in the Semifinals. The rookie clinched the last-minute win at Keramas, but Moore got redemption at Main Break. Hennessy leaves with a 5th place result, while Moore continues her hunt for a third event title heading into Finals Day.
“I had so much more respect for Brisa (Hennessy) after Keramas,” Moore said. “I knew that you couldn’t give her an inch if she needed a score, so I was definitely a little bit nervous especially when that long lull came because all she needed was one wave, but luckily, the universe was on my side this time. I really respect Lakey (Peterson) and she is on fire so our Semifinal should be fun.”
2017 event winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) eliminated current World No. 2 Caroline Marks (USA) in Quarterfinal 2. The high-scoring match-up saw Fitzgibbons put early pressure on the 17-year-old with an 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and 7.33. Marks fought back with a 5.83 and an 8.57 but needed a 6.93 score to advance. Fitzgibbons will face Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) in the Semifinals.
World No. 10 Weston-Webb Finds Rhythm in WA, Dispatches World No. 3 Conlogue
After an uncharacteristically slow start to the 2019 CT season, Brasilian Title hopeful Weston-Webb guaranteed her best result of the year after taking down former Margaret River Pro winner Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the opening Quarterfinal. Weston-Webb thrived in the powerful conditions, unleashing her trademark backside re-entries to overcome to current World No. 3.
“I feel like this season so far I have had a few little mistakes that have been pretty costly because a good start is really critical for a good year,” Weston-Webb said. “It doesn’t mean that I can’t come back midway through and I’m feeling really good. Courtney (Conlogue) and I have had some amazing battles over the years. We’ve had many heats and I’m glad to get one back. She’s been doing really well especially with that win at Bells. I was super envious that I missed out on the big day at Bells, so I really wanted to make sure that I was in the Final Series here.”
John John Florence, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
John John Florence Lights Up Main Break During R/16 and Quarters
John John Florence (HAW), 2017 event winner and current World No. 1, commanded the Main Break lineup today with big victories over Italo Ferreira (BRA) in the Quarterfinals and Sebastian Zietz (HAW) in the R/16. Florence scored three excellent rides throughout the day, including his 9.23 (out of a possible 10) to beat Ferreira. Florence took the Jeep Leader Jersey off of Ferreira after Bells Beach and continues to add the pressure to the Brasilian’s World Title campaign after his win today.
Florence’s win against Zietz came with an 8.17 to combat Zietz’s 7.90. Zietz has made a name for himself in West Australia with his Perfect 10s in 2017, event victory in 2016., and standout performances in 2015. Zietz now leaves the West in 9th place, his best finish of the season.
“I got inspired by Lakey (Peterson) in the heat before,” said Florence. “She was ripping in that heat. You just have to find the ones with the clean face on it. It really gives you an edge to be able to surf the wave because there is so much bump it is hard to fit your board and find the spot. I just got lucky on some mid-size ones with clean faces.”
Replacement Caio Ibelli’s Upsets Continue at Margaret River, Eliminates Kelly Slater and Jordy Smith
After eliminating two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) yesterday, Caio Ibelli (BRA) continued his upset streak today with his win over 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA). Ibelli is the replacement surfer for injured athletes on the 2019 CT and has been subbing in for Adriano de Souza (BRA) in the first four events. Ibelli himself missed out on 2019 full-time CT qualification with an injury that occurred at this location last year. The full-time CT wildcard went to Slater this season — giving Ibelli extra motivation to win their matchup. Ibelli got the win with a 14.50 heat total to Slater’s 10.26.
Ibelli went on to face Jordy Smith (ZAF) in Quarterfinal 2. An extremely close heat saw Ibelli advance with only two-hundredths of a point separating the high-scoring heat. Smith’s 15.24 two-wave total included a critical air-reverse for an 8.07 but narrowly missed the mark over Ibelli’s two 7-point rides.
“There was so much going on in that heat,” Ibelli said. “I stepped on an urchin, I was getting hit by sea lice, cut my foot on the reef, so I was just trying to regroup the whole time. When I saw that wave coming, I knew what I wanted and then Jordy (Smith) went on the first wave and I got the best one out the back. I’m feeling so good and staying calm here. At the other events this year, I put so much pressure on myself but this event I’m just letting everything happen naturally and not trying to control everything. I’m stoked to have a rematch with John John (Florence) and am really excited for the Semifinals.”
Julian Wilson, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Former Margaret River Pro Finalists Andino and Wilson Advance to Semifinals
Heat 3 of the Quarterfinals saw 2019 CT Rookie Seth Moniz (HAW) take on former Margaret River Pro runner-up Kolohe Andino (USA) as the wind dropped and conditions began to turn on at Main Break. Currently sitting in 5th place on the rankings, Andino is positioned to make a big jump up the Jeep Leaderboard with a solid result in Margaret River. The pair had to wait for their opportunity as the competition was placed on a temporary hold while a shark was observed adjacent to the contest zone. Once the shark was confirmed to be moving west and away from the lineup, while being monitored closely by the safety drone and jet skis, the competition resumed. Andino went into overdrive, taking down Moniz and moving on to Finals Day where he will take on Julian Wilson (AUS) in Semifinal 2.
The last heat of the day saw the last two Aussie males left in the draw, Wilson and Ryan Callinan (AUS), go head-to-head in idyllic Western Australian conditions. The pair went back and forth attempting to outdo each other, but Wilson finished with the upper hand as he continues to search for a breakthrough result in 2019.
Recent Form Runs out for Robinson and Igarashi
Local wildcard Jack Robinson’s run in his backyard was ended by good friend Moniz in Heat 5, R/16. With the event moved back to Main Break, Robinson had to show that his skills in the tube were accompanied by an impressive rail game. With the heat coming down to back-up scores, Moniz secured his Quarterfinal position with a second 7-point ride, while Robinson was left needing a 7.11. Robinson has come close to qualifying for the elite CT via the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) but has fallen short the past few years. 2019 could be Robinson’s year as he currently sits in 5th on the QS rankings (Top 10 men on the QS qualify for the CT at the end of the year).
Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) was riding on a high after his first CT win at the Corona Bali Protected last week. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old was unable to continue his run in Western Australia with a loss to Callinan in Heat 8, R/16.
The next call for the Margaret River Pro will be tomorrow, Monday, June 3 at 8:00 a.m. AWST for a possible 8:05 a.m. start. At this time, event organizers will assess the conditions and determine the day’s competition schedule.
Caio Ibelli, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Margaret River Pro Men’s Round of 16 (Round 4) Results:
Heat 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.74 DEF. Michel Bourez (FRA) 12.14
Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 13.67 DEF. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.40
Heat 3: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 14.50 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 10.26
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.16 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 10.77
Heat 5: Seth Moniz (HAW) 14.20 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 9.97
Heat 6: Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.26 DEF. Owen Wright (AUS) 12.73
Heat 7: Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.27 DEF. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 11.70
Heat 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 14.57 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 14.07
Margaret River Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: John John Florence (HAW) 17.73 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.36
QF 2: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.26 DEF. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.25
QF 3: Kolohe Andino (USA) 13.90 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 13.34
QF 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.40 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 11.60
Margaret River Pro Men’s Semifinal Matchups:
SF 1: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA)
SF 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Margaret River Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 14.26 DEF. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.10
QF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.50 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 14.40
QF 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.84 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 8.50
QF 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 18.83 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.16
Margaret River Pro Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
SF 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
SF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
The Margaret River Pro, Stop No. 4 on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), completed the women’s and men’s Elimination Rounds and the first five heats of the Round of 16 in three-to-five foot (0.9 – 1.5 metre) waves at Margaret River Main Break. Today’s first eliminations said goodbye to 11 surfers, including locals Mia McCarthy (AUS) and Jacob Willcox (AUS), and international competitors Johanne Defay (FRA) and Frederico Morais (PRT).
Tomorrow’s competition at Margaret River Pro has a high probability of relocating to The Box, the famed right-hand slab known for producing fast, square-shaped tubes. If the conditions continue to align, the event will likely commence at 7:40 a.m. AWST with the men’s Round of 32 at The Box.
Kelly Slater. Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Floridians Caroline Marks and Kelly Slater Dominate the Day
World No. 2 Caroline Marks (USA) showed that she means business here in Margaret River with the highest two-wave total of the entire event so far, an excellent 17.60 (out of a possible 20). The 17-year-old utilized her powerful surfing against the Main Break’s heavy walls, attacking the lip on her backhand to progress into the Quarterfinals where she will take on 2017 Margaret River Pro winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS).
Caroline Marks, Photo Dunbar/WSL.
“The conditions during our heat were so fun,” Marks said. “Having a jersey on just gives me so much confidence. I’m having the time of my life. I gave that heat my all, but I still have more left in the tank. Hopefully, the waves stay this good. I’ve been paddling out every day no matter what the conditions. I just want to spend as much time out there as possible. I’m still figuring this place out during my heats, but it has been working so hopefully it keeps working.”
In his most impressive performance of 2019, 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) posted an excellent two-wave combination of 16.50 to eliminate Australian Adrian Buchan, despite Buchan having his own excellent 8.13 (out of a possible 10). Slater will take massive confidence from this win as his heat total is not only the highest of the men’s event so far, but it was the first time this season that he posted a wave score in the excellent range. Slater progresses into the Round of 32 with opponent Caio Ibelli (BRA), who finished runner-up in the three man matchup.
“That heat came down to mindset and strategy,” Slater said. “I’ve got a board that I feel I can really push through my turns in these waves and let me put all my power into it. I really didn’t want to rush it out there. I feel like in my first heat I was all antsy and rushed, so I didn’t want to do that again. I just wanted to have fun. I just don’t think I can do this anymore if I’m not having fun, so I really need to set myself before I surf and go out there for the enjoyment of it. When I started on Tour, I didn’t think I’d be competing with guys who are my age now, but I feel like when I go into overdrive I can beat anyone.”
Sally Fitzgibbons, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL.
Former Event Winners Fitzgibbons and Conlogue Thrive in Round of 16
Fitzgibbons eliminated Johanne Defay (FRA), winner of the 2019 Uluwatu CT, in the Heat 6 of the R/16. Fitzgibbons earned a 6.83 (out of a possible 10) and a 7.27 to leave Defay searching for excellent rides to boost her 9.20 two-wave total (out of a possible 20). Defay now leaves in Equal 9th place for the third time in 2019.
“It’s awesome to walk up those stairs with all of the names of the past winners,” Fitzgibbons said. “It’s very humbling to see my name there amongst all of those legends of the sport. To come back here reminds me a lot of home on the South Coast of NSW, so it’s very homely and a lot of warm energy. I’ve got a good team here with the Micro crew and Surfing Australia. I’m surrounded by a lot of love on the road, which is great.”
Courtney Conlogue (USA), current World No. 3, dispatched Silvana Lima (BRA), current World No. 15, in the opening R/16 heat. Lima got to an early lead, but Conlogue closed the door on the Brasilian with an increase to her scoreline (an 11.44 heat total to Lima’s 6.33 heat total) in final five minutes of the matchup. After a sidelining injury last season, Lima returned to the surfing’s elite stage earlier this month at the Corona Bali Protected and earned a 5th place result. Unfortunately, Lima was unable to take down the former Margaret River Pro winner and exits in 9th place.
Wildcard McCarthy and Rookie Callaghan Exit in Equal 17th
Trials winner and Margaret River local Mia McCarthy (AUS) put up a valiant fight against two seasoned CT veterans, Defay and Lima, in the opening elimination heat of the day. McCarthy showcased her sharp form but faced elimination as their experience prevailed.
After a disappointing opening round heat, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) came swinging back with a 7.33 to start her redemption run. Macaulay held her lead through the majority of the heat until fellow Australian Nikki Van Dijk scored a 7.00, in addition to a mid-range back-up score, to earn first and deal rookie Macy Callaghan (AUS) back-to-back last-place finishes after the Corona Bali Protected.
Jack Robinson, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Heavy blows started early in the men’s Elimination Round 2 with wildcard Jack Robinson (AUS) won his heat after missing his Seeding Round heat due to travel. Robinson dispatched compatriots Jack Freestone and 2018 CT Rookie of the Year Wade Carmichael. Robinson hammered into the dangerous final section, which solidified his win and completed a hefty upset to Carmichael.
“I had a really long transit of 34 hours to get back here and surf in this event, but that doesn’t worry me one bit,” Robinson said. “I just had to get out there and get the best waves and enjoy competing on the home court and have some fun. It’s always good to be home. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It looks good for The Box so it’s going to be on. I’m going super hard on the Qualifying Series this year so to get this opportunity to surf against everyone here is great.”
Leonardo Fioravanti, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
In 2016, Margaret River helped provide a platform for Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) to catapult into the limelight after taking down 11-time WSL Champion Slater. Today, Fioravanti showed he still has the prowess in Main Break lineup with a clutch performance over Michel Bourez (FRA) and trials winner Jacob Willcox (AUS). The Italian put his name in the excellent range to close out the heat as he looks to better a Quarterfinal result.
Deteriorating conditions forced event organizers to pause the competition eleven minutes into R/16, Heat 6 with Malia Manuel (HAW) and Brisa Hennessy (CRI). Instead of restarting the heat, the heat will resume in more favorable conditions at the time paused when the Margaret River Pro R/16 continues.
The next call will be tomorrow, Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 a.m. AWST for a possible 7:40 a.m. start at The Box. At this time, event organizers will assess the conditions and decide the day’s competition schedule.
The Margaret River Pro will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL . Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Silvana Lima, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Margaret River Pro Women’s Elimination Round (Round 2) Results:
Heat 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 13.10 DEF. Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.40, Mia McCarthy (AUS) 9.13
Heat 2: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 12.40 DEF. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 11.00, Macy Callaghan (AUS) 9.00
Margaret River Pro Women’s Round of 16 (Round 3) Results:
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.44 DEF. Silvana Lima (BRA) 6.33
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 12.50 DEF. Coco Ho (HAW) 6.30
Heat 3: Caroline Marks (USA) 17.60 DEF. Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.10
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.10 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 9.20
Heat 5: Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.34 DEF. Keely Andrew (AUS) 8.17
Margaret River Pro Remaining Women’s Round of 16 (Round 3) Matchups:
Heat 6: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
Heat 7: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 8: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Margaret River Pro Women’s Quarterfinals Matchups:
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
Heat 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. TBD
Heat 4: TBD vs. TBD
Margaret River Pro Men’s Elimination Round (Round 2) Results:
Heat 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) 12.60 DEF. Jack Freestone (AUS) 10.83, Wade Carmichael (AUS) 10.67
Heat 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 15.34 DEF. Michel Bourez (FRA) 13.00, Jacob Willcox (AUS) 11.23
Heat 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.66 DEF. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 13.77, Frederico Morais (PRT) 13.46
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.50 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 14.40, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.93
Margaret River Pro Men’s Round of 32 (Round 3) Matchups:
Heat 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS)
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (FRA) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA)
Heat 6: Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 8: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)
Heat 10: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 11: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Heat 12: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Heat 13: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 14: Peterson Crisanto (BRA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 15: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
Heat 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Ricardo Christie (NZL)
Italo Ferreira (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
The Corona Bali Protected, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), got an early start and completed the men’s and women’s Seeding Round (Round 1) on opening day. The competitors showcased their flair in the three-to-four foot (1 – 1.2 metre) waves at Keramas to improve their seeds and avoid the dreaded Elimination Round. The top two surfers in each heat will advance directly to Round 3 (Round of 32 for men, Round of 16 for women), while the third place finishers will go to the Elimination Round (Round 2).
Local Wildcard Rio Waida Upsets with Early Heat Win, Kailani Johnson Relegated to Elimination Round
Wildcard Rio Waida (IDN) may have taken out the heat of his career so far, defeating two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) and CT Rookie Deivid Silva (BRA) in their Round 1 matchup. Fresh off an equal third-place finish at the 2018 World Junior Championship, the 19-year-old Indonesian had his opportunity to perform on the big stage today and he capitalized on the opportunity. Waida’s intimate knowledge of Keramas was evident as the low tide conditions made things tough for the internationals who struggled to fire. Waida progresses into the Round of 32, where his next opponent will be determined after men’s Elimination Round 2 closes.
“I was so nervous before that heat but not because of my opponents but just because this is the CT,” Waida said. “I tried to forget about the fact it was Deivid (Silva) and Gabriel (Medina) in my heat and wanted to just focus on me and Keramas. It definitely feels good to have made it into the Round of 32 and I think I’ll feel more relaxed heading into my next heat. I know I’ll be up against another high seed but I know this wave better than most people so once again I’ll just focus on my surfing and the wave of Keramas.”
Unfortunately, Kailani Johnson (IDN) did not find the same wildcard success as Waida and will surf again in Round 2 of the Corona Bali Protected. After her Round 1 heat today against seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), Johnson became the first Indonesian woman to ever compete in the Championship Tour event. Johnson will be against three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and Paige Hareb (NZL) in Heat 1 of the
Stephanie Gilmore (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
Elimination Round when competition resumes.
“It’s really cool to see the WSL award a wildcard to the highest Indonesian on the QS,” Gilmore said. “It really shows a commitment to grow surfing in a region where it’s not as popular. You could really see that yesterday with the Rising Tides event. There were so many young Indonesian girls participating and they all surfed so well, but Kailani is obviously leading the pack, so to surf against her in a heat was really special. She seemed nervous before the heat so as we paddled out I gave her a smile and just said, ‘Let’s have fun, we’ve got Keramas to ourselves.’ Then when we got out there she was straight to the peak and hustling for priority, so it shows that you can’t underestimate these girls because they’re hungry and they want it. She is a really accomplished surfer and it is awesome to see her compete on this level.”
“My first heat was actually really fun,” said Johnson. “It was a little bit slow but I am glad when the waves actually came they were fun. I did not make my first heat, but I am so lucky that there is another one and I get another chance to go out there and try my best. I did not know what to expect, but there was so much support when I came in. It was really lovely to see the whole community come out for not only me but Rio’s (Waida) heat, as well.”
Brasilians Toledo and Ferreira Light Up Keramas
Filipe Toledo (BRA) threw down an incredible performance in the shifting Keramas peaks in Heat 5 of Round 1 (Seeding Round). As to be expected, Toledo combined his lightning-fast rail game with his technical aerials to post an excellent heat total of 16.17 (out of a possible 20) to progress directly into the Round of 32 (Round 3).
“To land moves like that takes a lot of training,” Toledo said. “I grew up watching all of the air guys and surfing with my brother who had a lot of tricks, so I had a lot of inspiration to work hard at landing stuff like that. I love combinations, like a big carve to an air, or a barrel to a turn, which Keramas is really good for. I was just stoked to find that section out there and to be able to launch that air.”
Reigning Corona Bali Protected event winner Italo Ferreira (BRA) started where he left off at Keramas, taking out his opening matchup against compatriot Caio Ibelli (BRA) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW). Ferreira progressed with an uncharacteristically low heat total but knows he still has plenty left in the tank when he hits the water in the Round of 32.
“I’m so happy to be back here again and start with a win,” Ferreira said. “A week ago I hurt my ankle and was a bit worried about surfing in this event but am feeling really good now so I’m really happy. The waves were fun today so I can’t wait to surf my next heat here at Keramas.”
Ricardo Christie Proudly Wears Māori Flag on CT Jersey
Ricardo Christie (NZL) took out his Seeding Round matchup against Wade Carmichael (AUS) and rookie Seth Moniz (HAW) with an epic mixture of power and progression. Today’s heat win was special for Christie because he now represents his Māori heritage on his competition jersey sleeve along with the New Zealand flag on the other.
“I saw that Soli (Bailey) was representing his Indigenous Australian flag and realized that it would be an option for me to do as well,” Christie said. “I contacted WSL and they were really helpful in getting it organized, but we didn’t think it would all be ready to go until the middle of the season, so it was a really special moment when I got here and saw it on my sleeve. My Māori heritage comes on my mother’s side and I was brought up in a small, vastly Māori community, so I have so much respect for our culture and I’m really proud to represent my Māori heritage. I have been working hard this year to do my best but having the flag on my sleeve today definitely gave me a little bit of extra motivation.”
John John Florence (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
Jeep Frontrunners Florence and Marks Fly Through Opening Heats
Current World No. 1 John John Florence (HAW) got his Corona Bali Protected campaign off to a good start today with a win in his opening heat of the Seeding Round. Florence surfed with confidence, boosting a huge full-rotation air-reverse to progress into the Round of 32 with Michael Rodrigues (BRA). Italian star Leonardo Fioravanti earned third in the heat and will be left to do battle in Elimination Round 2.
Not even a dreaded illness could stop current Jeep Frontrunner Caroline Marks (USA) in her opening heat of the Corona Bali Protected. Marks barely got a chance to watch the surf before her heat as she was focused on overcoming her sickness, but it didn’t matter as she cured her ailments with a dominant performance over Coco Ho (HAW) and Silvana Lima (BRA), who made her first CT appearance in 2019 after returning from a knee injury.
“I wasn’t feeling great this morning and wasn’t really too focused on that heat, so I’m stoked I just pulled the trigger and got out there,” Marks said. “Being in the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey feels really good. I’m here with my family just enjoying Bali and surfing heaps, which is just keeping me really excited. It’s also great having my coach Mike Parsons here. I didn’t even look at the waves because I felt so sick just before the heat and he just told me what to do and it worked. I’m so grateful to have him my corner.”
Caroline Marks (Photo by Cait Miers/WSL via Getty Images)
Veterans Find Rhythm in Clean Conditions
11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) claimed his first Seeding Round victory of the season against Kolohe Andino (USA) and Ryan Callinan (AUS). 2018 event runner-up Michel Bourez (FRA) also advanced with his win over CT sophomores Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Willian Cardoso (BRA).
Keramas standout Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) dominated the Seeding Round with the highest two-wave combination of the women’s event. The veteran impressed the judges with her use of innovation as she landed an impressive air-reverse to win her heat and progress into the Round of 16.
One of the strongest performances of the Seeding Round went to South African Jordy Smith, who posted the second highest two-wave combinations of the men’s Seeding Round, a 14.00 point total. Smith fired a warning shot across his competitors showing that his aggressive brand of power surfing is very well suited to the high-performance walls of Keramas.
In addition to the veterans’ success, Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and Mikey Wright (AUS) were the sole rookies who won their opening heats today.
The next call for the Corona Bali Protected and the Red Bull Airborne Bali will be tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14, at 6:20 a.m. WITA for a possible 6:35 a.m. start. At this time, event organizers will reassess the conditions to decide the day’s competition schedule.
Corona Bali Protected Men’s Round 1 (Seeding Round) Results:
Heat 1: John John Florence (HAW) 11.50 DEF. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 10.16, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 7.47
Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.00 DEF. Jadson Andre (BRA) 10.44, Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 9.04
Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 10.90 DEF. Jack Freestone (AUS) 8.60, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.74
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 11.50 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 8.97, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 7.80
Heat 5: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.17 DEF. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 10.40, Jacob Willcox (AUS) 7.60
Heat 6: Rio Waida (IDN) 9.60 DEF. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 9.54, Deivid Silva (BRA) 6.77
Heat 7: Yago Dora (BRA) 11.63 DEF. Owen Wright (AUS) 10.33, Soli Bailey (AUS) 9.50
Heat 8: Conner Coffin (USA) 11.24 DEF. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.00, Jesse Mendes (BRA) 8.17
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) 11.66 DEF. Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.23, Ryan Callinan (AUS) 10.67
Heat 10: Ricardo Christie (NZL) 11.93 DEF. Wade Carmichael (AUS) 8.63, Seth Moniz (HAW) 5.10
Heat 11: Mikey Wright (AUS) 12.00 DEF. Joan Duru (FRA) 9.50, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 1.77
Heat 12: Michel Bourez (FRA) 12.43 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 9.63, Willian Cardoso (BRA) 8.73
Corona Bali Protected Men’s Round 2 (Elimination Round) Matchups:
Heat 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Jacob Willcox (AUS)
Heat 2: Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 3: Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS)
Heat 4: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Corona Bali Protected Women’s Round 1 (Seeding Round) Results:
Heat 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 12.60 DEF. Coco Ho (HAW) 10.90, Silvana Lima (BRA) 6.44
Heat 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 13.73 DEF. Keely Andrew (AUS) 12.97, Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.10
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.77 DEF. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 6.36, Kailani Johnson (IDN) 4.73
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.13 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.34, Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.57
Heat 5: Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.34 DEF. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.53, Macy Callaghan (AUS) 3.80
Heat 6: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 11.96 DEF. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 10.90, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.87
Corona Bali Protected Women’s Round 2 (Elimination Round) Matchups:
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Kailani Johnson (IDN)
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA)
ack Freestone. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
Stephanie Gilmore(Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)
As much as the time difference makes watching this comp a pain in the derriere for us Brits it is definitely worth the toothpicks propping my tired eyelids open this morning. Bells roared to ugly, fascinating life after a swell starved event and it was a sight to behold. Actual carnage, jetski rescues, or not in the case of Italo, abandoned to his fate. John and Gabe dominated, whoever wins their quarter final match up tonight will win the event, and both attacked the end section closeout with a gusto that was a pleasure to watch. This was raw surfing, windy, big, unruly waves that left some lost at sea. Others frothed, Caroline Marks was particularly impressive in the womens. Calling a Courtney/Caroline final with the youngster taking the top spot again. Can anyone hear the words ‘world title’ in the wind?
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Stop No. 2 on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), witnessed some of the biggest surf the event has seen since the historic 1981 contest. The world’s best surfers took on pumping 10-to-12 foot (3 – 3.6 metre) waves with 15-foot (4.5 metre) sets at Bells Beach, narrowing the draw to the final four women and final eight men.
The huge surf encouraged groundbreaking performances – not without its carnage – in the women’s Quarterfinals and men’s Round of 32 and 16. Now, the conditions and matchups have aligned for an epic Finals Day tomorrow, most likely starting at 7:05 a.m. AEST.
Courtney Conlogue, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Final Four Decided in Pumping Conditions at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Two-time Bells winner Courtney Conlogue (USA) eliminated Carissa Moore (HAW), three-time Bells winner and three-time WSL Champion, in the second Quarterfinal. Moore waited patiently in the big shifty conditions while Conlogue got busy and attacked the solid Bells’ walls to put Moore in a combination situation. Conlogue, who is yet to lose a heat at Bells since 2016 (wins in 2016, 2017, injured in 2018), will take on fellow Californian Lakey Peterson (USA) in Semifinal 1.
“I just had a few personal goals for myself during that heat,” Conlogue said. “I felt like I had been surfing well this event but hadn’t had a rhythm yet, so my goal was to go out there and find a rhythm and have some fun. These are the conditions that I love to surf in because they are wild and wooly waves that test you. I changed my equipment a little and it all seemed to work well. ”
Malia Manuel (HAW) guaranteed her first Semifinal appearance at Bells, after eliminating seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), who was hoping to clinch back-to-back Bells title this year. Manuel controlled the heat in its entirety as Gilmore struggled to find a wave that offered any opportunity. Manuel looked comfortable in the massive surf and will move into the Semifinals, guaranteeing a career-best start to the season after finishing Equal 3rd on the Gold Coast earlier this month.
“I survived the 50-year storm today, which is great,” Manuel said. “I had a bigger board, which definitely helped with paddling and then when I was on the wave the extra rail really helped control all of the speed. Coming from Hawaii means I’ve got good experience on bigger boards and in bigger surf. Getting back-to-back Semifinals is so good for the confidence and I’d love to keep it going and push for a World Title.”
Caroline Marks, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Americans Peterson and Caroline Marks continued to stamp their authority on the 2019 Championship Tour, both dominating their Quarterfinal heats to grab a spot in the Semifinals. Peterson dispatched of Hawaii’s Coco Ho while Marks took down 2019 CT Rookie Brisa Hennessy (CRI). At this time last year, Peterson wore the Jeep Leader Jersey at World No. 1, now 17-year-old Marks holds the lead and her success at Bells could keep her in the top spot.
Men’s World Champions Medina, Florence, and Slater Through to Quarters
Reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) separated himself from the field in the massive waves at the Bells Bowl today, posting a series of excellent scores across Rounds 3 and 4 to book himself a spot in the Quarterfinals. Out of the five 9-point-plus single wave scores (out of a possible 10) scored this year, four belong to Medina, whose commitment and attack in the big intense surf was undeniable.
“I got so worked and took a couple of sets on the head, so I’m really tired right now,” Medina said. “It’s a good size and hard to hang in there with a lot of water moving. That’s what happens when it’s like this, sometimes you break the board or a leash, but I love it like this. It would be a dream come true to win a Bell. I grew up watching my idols winning this one and it would mean a lot to me and to do it for Brasil.”
John John Florence, Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Fellow two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) was not to be outdone and posted his own brilliance with a near-perfect 18.16 heat total (out of a possible 20) to seal a victory over Owen Wright (AUS). Florence was on fire, but Wright battled with an impressive heat total of 16.97 to narrowly finish runner-up. Florence was lucky to compose himself after he was washed over the button and past Bells Beach down to Winkipop, having to be picked up by the water safety.
“It’s so big out there right now and it’s pretty scary,” Florence said. “There’s so much water moving around and you’re ending up so close to the shelf at Winki. Bells feels similar to Hawaii for me. This wave has a lot of power to it and it’s windy. In Hawaii, we tune all our boards for that. These waves are fun for me because you’re going so fast. You don’t have to generate any of the speed. You can really set your rail if you get a clean face on it. In waves like this everyone has to change their entire game plan. It’s a different mindset. I’m super stoked to go up against Gabe (Medina) in my next matchup. He’s been ripping and dropping some massive scores. Hopefully, the waves are still pumping.”
Fresh off an early round loss at Stop No.1 on the Gold Coast, 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) navigated the huge surf at Bells Beach to progress into the Quarterfinals. Slater looked relaxed in the shifty surf to take down 2019 CT Rookie Peterson Crisanto (BRA). Moving into the final day of competition, Slater will have to overcome Ryan Callinan (AUS) if he is to have a solid tilt at claiming his fifth Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach title.
“It’s wild and wooly out there today and there are some massive waves coming through,” Slater said “I got smashed by a few and think if I saw waves that big in Hawaii, I’d be so scared. I still don’t feel like I’ve got any momentum going really. I kind of just got through that heat. I changed boards halfway through and couldn’t get anything right, so feel lucky to get through and am glad to get into the Quarterfinals. I’ve got a lot of good memories here at Bells. It’s hard to choose the best one. Obviously, winning my first Bell is up there, then there’s the Final with Mick Fanning, even though he won it, was just a great heat, and it was the day that MP (Michael Peterson) passed away – it’s definitely a special place.”
Broken Boards and Committed Turns in Men’s Eliminations Rounds 3 and 4
Filipe Toledo (BRA) bounced back from his poor result on the Gold Coast and now has a shot at a maiden Bells Title on Finals Day tomorrow. Quarterfinal 4 will see the only two former Bells winners left in the men’s draw go head-to-head with Jordy Smith (ZAF) battling Italo Ferreira (BRA).
Italo Ferreira, Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL
Wildcard Jacob Willcox (AUS) continued his stunning run through the event, this time delivering a loss to rookie Deivid Silva (BRA). CT comeback-kid Callinan also guaranteed his best finish as a full-time competitor (defeating USA’s Conner Coffin) locking into the Quarterfinals where he will take on Slater.
The final call for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be tomorrow at 6:40 a.m. AEST, when event organizers will decide the event’s start time (likely 7:05 a.m. AEST) with men’s Quarterfinals, followed by the women’s and men’s Semifinals, and the women’s and men’s Finals.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 8.67 DEF. Coco Ho (HAW) 8.16
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.17 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 9.37
Heat 3: Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.77 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 8.70
Heat 4: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.83 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 5.97
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Remaining Men’s Round 3 (H9-16) Results:
Heat 9: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.03 DEF. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 7.80
Heat 10: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 12.20 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 9.63
Heat 11: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.10 DEF. Ricardo Christie (NZL) 12.07
Heat 12: John John Florence (HAW) 17.67 DEF. Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.24
Heat 13: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.76 DEF. Jack Freestone (AUS) 9.10
Heat 14: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.03 DEF. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 13.44
Heat 15: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.07 DEF. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.93
Heat 16: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.10 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.27
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 10.80 DEF. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 6.87
Heat 2: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 13.93 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 9.93
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.10 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 7.13
Heat 4: Jacob Willcox (AUS) 11.80 DEF. Deivid Silva (BRA) 10.04
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.27 DEF. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 7.76
Heat 6: John John Florence (HAW) 18.16 DEF. Owen Wright (AUS) 16.97
Heat 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.20 DEF. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 6.03
Heat 8: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.10 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 11.03
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
Heat 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jacob Willcox (AUS)
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
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)
