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)
The Quik Pro is a tricky one for us Brits as it’s on when we’re asleep, so didn’t catch too much of day one as were catching zzzz instead. Did see John John this morning who is confident enough in his knee to go for mellow airs which is a good sign. The shift to D-Bah has made things a bit of a lottery with some big names getting bumped into round two, including last year’s winner Julian Wilson. Jordy, Owen and Kelly are also in a place they’re not used too, so some good scraps to come.
The new format means the loser from the three-man round one heats is now in a do or die three-man round two. The last place goes home and the top two advance. Then from round three onwards is person-on-person.
WSL PRESS RELEASE BELOW…
After an anticipated start, the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) is officially open for the 2019 season. The first day of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast saw the completion of Round 1 where the men took on Duranbah, the event’s back-up site, in four-to-five foot (1.2 – 1.5 metre) conditions.
The Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast also got underway today with the first Qualifying Round. The Red Bull Airborne is a three-part speciality series that highlights surfing’s most creative feats. The event saw no shortage of action with standout airs from CT star Italo Ferreira (BRA), aerial specialist Chris ‘Chippa’ Wilson (AUS) and Hawaiian surfer-skater Kalani David.
Newcomers Shine on Opening Day
2019 CT rookie Seth Moniz (HAW) and event trials winner Reef Heazlewood (AUS) delivered a heavy upset to 2018 World No. 2 Julian Wilson (AUS), sending him to elimination Round 2. Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning handed down his No. 7 jersey to the 21-year-old Moniz, who carried its winning form with a CT debut heat win.
“It’s pretty amazing wearing Mick Fanning’s jersey here at D-Bah,” said Moniz. “I came here three weeks ago and got to surf with a whole week straight with Mick, and I got a few little secret tips from him. It’s pretty awesome to have all the support I do here and back home.”
Round 1 winners also included CT sophomores Griffin Colapinto (USA), Michael Rodrigues (BRA), third-year elite competitors Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Joan Duru (FRA), along with veterans Adrian Buchan (AUS), Michel Bourez (PYF), and Kolohe Andino (USA), who will all advance straight into Round 3.
Mixed Results for World Champs and Rookies
Reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) reignited the fire he walked away with last season with his signature flair and power to defeat event wildcard Mateus Herdy (BRA) and CT returner Ryan Callinan (AUS).
“It’s good to start off the year like this and this jersey feels special,” Medina said. “I’ve got two stars on here, which seems like World Cup stars and it’s cool to have these on there. It’s the third year of the Gabriel Medina Institute and we have 32 kids and they have a whole routine kind of like we do as athletes. It’s cool giving these kids opportunities to become professional surfers or whatever they want to be in the future and it’s amazing to give back some of what surfing’s given me.”
The long-awaited return of John John Florence (HAW) was met with an equally awaited rematch with the now-full-time-competitor Mikey Wright (AUS) after last year’s battle. The heat also included rookie Peterson Crisanto (BRA) in the mix. While Crisanto gave Florence a scare in the dying minutes, the two-time WSL Champion responded with an impressive air of his own and secured his place into Round 3 behind heat winner Wright, who maintains his status as a threat to the elite.
11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) fell short in his opening heat to Yago Dora (BRA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA). After flashes of brilliance in 2018, CT sophomore Dora narrowly requalified but showed his maturity on opening day with a clutch win over compatriot Ferreira and Slater. Dora’s aerial attack put both Ferreira, one of last year’s early World Title threats, and Slater, one of the sport’s greatest, on their heels midway through the heat.
“I’m so happy to start my year off with a heat win like this,” Dora said. “There are always a lot of nerves at the start of the year so just getting that heat out of the way is good and to win it is a bonus. I’m really happy to be surfing around here at Duranbah. There are a few lefts on offer which suits me and to get a few frontside air sections was really great.”
D-Bah Delights for Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast
The Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast followed men’s Round 1 with the first three Qualifying heats, which showcased creativity above the lip on the Duranbah beach breaks. The freakish talents of the 18-surfer field launched with entertaining attempts by Harry Bryant (AUS) and Reef Heazlewood (AUS) and a few standout landings from Kalani David (HAW) and Filipe Toledo (BRA). But, only Chris ‘Chippa’ Wilson (AUS) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) were able to find truly perfect ramps and post scores of consequence during the first qualifying round.
Known the world over for producing some of the most mind-blowing free surfing clips of the last decade, Coolangatta local Noa Deane struggles to remember the last time he pulled on a contest jersey and competed for scores. Although Deane admits he’s not the most competitive guy in the water, he’s excited to see what heights sharing the lineup with 18 of the world’s best aerialists will push him too.
“This is going to be really fun surfing this format with this group of guys,” Deane said. “I surf on trips with a lot of the guys that are here for the Red Bull Airborne so I think it will feel like any other day where we are all pushing each other to go bigger but at the same time not taking it too seriously. I think even the CT competitors will be taking a pretty relaxed approach and just having fun but that will probably all change as soon as someone lands something massive – then I can see dudes pushing it.”
The next call for the Quiksilver Pro, Boost Mobile Pro and Red Bull Airborne 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.
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 10.26 DEF. Soli Bailey (AUS) 9.83, Owen Wright (AUS) 8.23
Heat 2: Jack Freestone (AUS) 10.67 DEF. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 10.47, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 5.03
Heat 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.33 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 11.93, Kelly Slater (USA) 9.70
Heat 4: Joan Duru (FRA) 11.10 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 9.53, Caio Ibelli (BRA) 7.60
Heat 5: Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.17 DEF. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 9.50, Julian Wilson (AUS) 8.36
Heat 6: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.84 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 13.57, Mateus Herdy (BRA) 7.23
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.13 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 10.00, Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.40
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.27 DEF. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 8.90, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 7.57
Heat 9: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 13.17 DEF. Wade Carmichael (AUS) 13.07, Ricardo Christie (NZL) 12.67
Heat 10: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.73 DEF. Deivid Silva (BRA) 12.00, Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 8.03
Heat 11: Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.00 DEF. Jesse Mendes (BRA) 10.90, Willian Cardoso (BRA) 8.40
Heat 12: Mikey Wright (AUS) 12.10 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 10.93, Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 8.36
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 2 Matchups:
Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Ricardo Christie (NZL) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA)
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 4: Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast Leaderboard:
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA)
2 – Chippa Wilson (AUS)
3 – Kalani David (HAW)
4 – Mateus Herdy (BRA)
5 – Coby Perkovich (AUS)
6 – Yago Dora (BRA)
7 – Filipe Toledo (BRA)
8 – Eithan Osborne (USA)
9 – Mitch Parkinson (AUS)
10 – Jack Freestone (AUS)
11 – Matt Meola (HAW)
11 – Kael Walsh (AUS)
11 – Harry Bryant (AUS)
11 – Finn McGill (HAW)
11 – Aaron Kelly (AUS)
11 – Noa Deane (AUS)
11 – Thomas Woods (AUS)
11 – Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Sage Erickson (USA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 4: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
Heat 5: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 6: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
The Quiksilver Pro, Boost Mobile Pro, and Red Bull Airborne will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Surfline Forecast for the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast.
WERE YOU WATCHING LAST NIGHT?!? Occasional whiffy judging calls aside (see exhibit one: Jordy v Medina) what a day of surfing. Medina’s comeback from combo against Conner was ridiculous. The title went to the wire with Medina just edging Jordy, Kelly proved there’s still life in the 46-year old dog yet and other tales like Joan Duru sealing his spot on tour next year through getting so far at Pipe were a joy also. Have to feel for Julian who is in need of a title and we look forward to next year when Kelly rolls the dice for the last time and JJF will hopefully be back to tussle with Medina for their respective potential third world titles. The tour crew get to chill now and train for a few months before it all kicks off again, much later in the season, in April on the Gold Coast.
–WSL PRESS RELEASE–
Gabriel Medina (BRA) won the 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Title, claiming a final victory at the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons. Pipeline delivered epic 12-to-15 foot barrels for the final stop on the 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Men’s Championship Tour (CT) and final jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (VTCS). Medina made history in 2014 as the first Brasilian to ever win a World Surfing Title and now cements himself in the history books with a second crown.
Gabriel Medina of Brazil won the world title in Heat 1 of the Semifinals at the Billabong Pipe Masters at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii.
“All my heroes have won this contest,” Medina said. “I’m stoked to be a part of everything here. Winning this event is a little different. I really wanted this one, and I worked really hard for this one so I’m so happy. That was a good final. Julian (Wilson) is the toughest competitor to go up against so I’m lucky I got two good waves. He won in a Final against me a few years ago and I got this one, so it feels good. I really appreciate everyone that came down to watch and I’m stoked to put on such a great show. I’m so happy to be part of history – I’ve put in a lot of work.”
2014 World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) is now a 2X World Champion and his first Pipe Masters title after winning the final of the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
Medina’s road to the Title in 2018 was bumpy at first but then the Brasilian switched gears mid-season and claimed back-to-back wins in Tahiti and the inaugural Surf Ranch Pro. He continued to impress as one of the most consistent surfers through the European leg with two equal-third places and arrived in Hawaii with a 4,740-point lead over his direct competition Julian Wilson (AUS). The rest is history as Medina reached the Final to claim his second WSL Title.
Gabriel Medina of Brazil won Heat 2 of Round 4 at the Billabong Pipe Masters at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii.
“It’s hard to believe, this year was a long and intense year,” Medina continued. “Everyone put in a lot of hard work and this is the day. I’m so happy and thankful. To have the opportunity to travel the world with family and friends and to do what I love…it’s the most fun job in the whole world. This is such a special day for me and I’m so happy to do it again. Julian and I always have great battles. He’s always pushing the limits, and Filipe (Toledo) too – he’s a great surfer who had a great year. I love to watch them surfing and I’m a big fan of both of them. I’m so happy to get this trophy again. I had to put in a lot of work to get here. I like to surf when there is pressure and I think that’s when I do my best. After Jeffreys Bay (South Africa) I just put a bit more of me into each surf and each training. At the beginning of the year it all felt so far away but after Europe, it felt much closer.”
Gabriel Medina (BRA) advances to the final of the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters after semifinal heat 1 at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Medina also wins his second World Title with the heat victory.
In 2014, the then-20-year-old Medina wrote a new page in surfing’s history books as the first Brasilian to win a World Title, in an exciting year-long race against Mick Fanning (AUS), John John Florence (HAW) and Kelly Slater (USA). It is also the year the phenomenal surfer from Maresias shut down all criticism about his bigger-surf aptitudes by winning two of the most prestigious events in Fiji and Tahiti, finishing off the season with a runner-up at Pipeline.
With over 8 million followers on social media, Medina has built a global and dedicated fanbase – growing the profile of professional surfing both in Brasil and in the rest of the world. His friendship with football superstar Neymar Jr has only contributed to elevating his profile as a celebrated athlete and Medina’s influence in his home country continues to reach new heights.
Gabriel Medina (BRA) 2X World Champion and winner of 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
The emergence of the Brasilian Storm dates back to 2011, when an unprecedented 7-strong group of Brasilian surfers made the Championship Tour roster, the same year 17-year-old Medina first qualified. Only accessing the elite tour halfway through the season, Medina managed to clinch two event victories right away as a preview of what was to come. It took two more years for the phenomenon to find his competitive rhythm, winning his first World Title in 2014. His success inspired compatriot Adriano de Souza (BRA), who went on to win Brasil’s second World Title the following season. In 2018, Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo, Willian Cardoso, and Medina were collectively responsible for nine out of 11 CT event wins this year, with Wilson claiming the other two.
The event’s Final today was a clash of epic proportions between the two strongest surfers in the field Medina and Wilson. Both surfers threaded lefts and rights to put big scores on the board, but ultimately it was Medina who took out the final matchup of the year and claimed the prestigious Billabong Pipe Masters title for the first time in his career.
Julian Wilson (AUS) finished runner-up in the World Title race and the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
Wilson capped off an incredibly consistent season where he claimed two event victories in Australia and France, two additional Final appearances and another four strong results to finish second overall for the first time in his career. On Finals day at Pipeline, the Australian needed to make the Final for a shot at bringing the World Title home, and he delivered with inspiring performances, most notably facing the 11x World Champion Slater in the Semifinals. Unfortunately, Medina reaching the Final left no chance for Wilson to lift surfing’s most prestigious trophy.
“I’m so thankful for the incredible waves and the locals for allowing us to surf here,” Wilson said. “The hopes and dreams of the World Title were there today and it’s been an emotional one. It came down to the final heat of the year and I’m ready to do it again next year. I put my heart out there and gave it my all, but Medina deservedly took the title and I’m so happy for him. Beating Kelly out here in great conditions is no mean feat and I take a lot of confidence from that. I’m so happy to represent my country and do my very best. It wasn’t enough to get the title but it was enough to share a final with the 2018 Champion. I’ll take some time to rest and come back in 2019 fired up for sure.”
Brasil’s Jesse Mendes Clinches Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Title
Jesse Mendes (BRA) won the VANS Triple Crown of Surfing title following Jordy Smith’s (ZAF) Semifinal loss to Medina. Mendes collected a fifth place at Haleiwa, a runner-up in Sunset and a 9th at the Billabong Pipe Masters. Mendes is only the second surfer from Brasil to claim the prestigious award after Medina in 2015.
“I’ve been coming here for 13 years already,” said Mendes. “It was a dream but a far dream. I’m so thankful, so blessed and thank God for making this happen. Going against Joel (Parkinson), one of the best surfers ever, was such an honour. I want to thank my family for always supporting me no matter what, my girlfriend, my coach, WSL, my fans, and the surfers – it couldn’t have been a better Final. I also want to thank the local community for giving us the best waves over the past few weeks.”
Coco Ho (HAW) won the Women’s Pipe Invitational during the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
The break before the Final saw 3x World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) take on compatriots Alessa Quizon (HAW), Coco Ho (HAW) and Zoe McDougall (HAW) in a women’s invitational heat. World No. 11 Ho dominated with radical manoeuvres on rights at Backdoor and took out the win ahead of Moore in second, Quizon and McDougall placing 3rd and 4th respectfully.
2012 World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) has retired from Championship Tour surfing with the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters being his final event of his illustrious career. Parkinson was eliminated with an equal 9th finish after placing third in Heat 3 of Round 4 at Pipeline, Hawaii, Oahu, USA.
Earlier in the day, Joel Parkinson (AUS) surfed the last heat of his professional career on the Championship Tour, defeated by Yago Dora (BRA) and Wilson in Round 4. The 37-year-old Australian who claimed the World Title in 2012, spent 18 seasons among the world’s best surfers and received many accolades, being regarded as the most stylish surfer on tour.
“I was having such an emotional reception with everyone there,” Parkinson said. “It’s been an honour, I’m proud of what I achieved. It’s given me an amazing lifestyle and so many good moments. The tour has so many hills and valleys, all these emotional rollercoasters. Like any professional sport, it’s just the way it rolls. It’s nice to get to the end of it and finally maybe just run on an even keel for a while. I guess Kelly is the really last one of our generation and I’m sure it will be pretty emotional once he goes and surfing’s in good hands now with the next generation.”
11X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is eliminated from the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters with an equal 3rd finish after placing second in semifinal heat 2 at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
In the second Semifinal, the battle between Wilson and 11x World Champion Slater happened mostly on the rights of Backdoor and the Australian managed to fence off the all-time greatest surfer at Pipe (Slater won the event 7 times) to advance into the Final against newly crowned World Champion Medina. Slater was sidelined for most of the season by a foot injury sustained last year at J-Bay but finished today with an Equal third place result.
“Even though it had a lot of north in the swell, there are some really really good waves,” Slater said. “It’s been a fun day and yesterday was a blast. I’m pretty excited to come back to competing full-time next year because I had almost a year and a half off, to kind of recharge the batteries and get excited again. I watched all the guys, saw where the level is at, worked on my equipment, worked on my body and got back in good shape.”
Joan Duru (FRA) is eliminated from the 2018 Billabong Pipe Masters with an equal 5th finish after placing second in quarterfinal heat 4 at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
Billabong Pipe Masters Final Results:
1 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.34
2 – Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.70
Billabong Pipe Masters Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.27 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.83
SF 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.20 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.17
Billabong Pipe Masters Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.16 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 6.93
QF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.43 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 14.26
QF 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.53 def. Yago Dora (BRA) 10.17
QF 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.50 def. Joan Duru (FRA) 10.07
Billabong Pipe Masters Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.50, Conner Coffin (USA) 9.43, Ryan Callinan (AUS) 7.93
Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.90, Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 11.93, Michel Bourez (PYF) 6.57
Heat 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 15.97, Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.44, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 7.77
Heat 4: Joan Duru (FRA) 10.80, Kelly Slater (USA) 9.20, Jesse Mendes (BRA) 7.00
Final VANS Triple Crown of Surfing Top 5:
1 – Jesse Mendes (BRA)
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS)
3 – Jordy Smith (ZAF)
4 – Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
5 – Joan Duru (FRA)
Gabriel Medina’s 2018 WSL Championship Tour Results:
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast – 13th
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach – 3rd
Oi Rio Pro – 5th
Corona Bali Protected – 9th
Uluwatu CT – 5th
Corona Open J-Bay – 5th
Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o – 1st
Surf Ranch Pro – 1st
Quiksilver Pro France – 3rd
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal – 3rd
Billabong Pipe Masters – 1st
Gabriel Medina’s Championship Tour Career Rankings:
2018 – 1st
2017 – 2nd
2016 – 3rd
2015 – 3rd
2014 – 1st
2013 – 14th
2012 – 7th
2011 – 12th
