TAVARUA AND NAMOTO ISLANDS, FIJI The Quiksilver Pro resumed today with remaining round two heats completed. The $250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) is expected to unfold over the coming days, with an increase in swell predicted for the business end
TAVARUA AND NAMOTO ISLANDS, FIJI The Quiksilver Pro resumed today with remaining round two heats completed.
The $250,000 World Championship Tournament (WCT) is expected to unfold over the coming days, with an increase in swell predicted for the business end of the draw and event climax.
Strong offshore winds and 4-5 foot surf was on offer today at Cloudbreak. After four consecutive days without waves, the world’s best eagerly swapped their tennis rackets, fishing rods and snorkels for their preferred surfboards and attacked the lineup.
Australian Nathan Hedge (Narrabeen, NSW) dominated the day’s surfing action, with the best single and combined scores to eliminate Brazilian Armando Daltro. Hog’ began with two tubes on his first 8.5 ride, and then emerged from a long barrel on his final wave for a near-perfect 9.5 score and convincing victory.
“I was lucky when Armando had priority as he was a little too far out for that good wave and I was on the inside and could catch it,” explained Hedge of his best ride. “It was big enough, so I expected to get barreled and that’s what happened. It was a good long one. My first wave had a couple of tubes too, and I did a turn as well… I’m starting to feel so form again.”
Floridians Shea and Cory Lopez (USA) dominated the opening two heats of the day. Shea, who finished runner-up in last year’s Quiksilver Pro, posted a strong win over WCT newcomer Luke Stedman (Avalon, Aus), and then watched brother Cory do likewise the following match against Tom Whitaker (Bronte, Aus).
“It’s been a couple of days, so I just wanted to get the feeling of surfing going early on,” explained Shea, of finding his sea legs with a coupe of quick, inside waves. “I’ve been out on the water fishing a lot, but no surfing. I love these left reef breaks and this is one of the best in the world, so I get excited coming every year. I love the Island we stay on and the waves are so perfect. Hopefully the swell kicks in and I can take it one step further this year.
“It’s a real plus to have him around,” he added, of his younger brother. “Just traveling together and riding similar boards. I came out of my heat all excited, but straight away Cory was out there so I went into brotherly mode instantly. I kind of forgot about my win, but I’m psyched we both won and hopefully we’ll keep going.”
Chris Davidson (Narrabeen, Aus) created an upset by eliminating world No. 16 Shane Dorian (Kona). The Australian re-qualified for his third attempt on the WCT this year, but until now had lost all previous round two showings. Against Dorian he locked in a great 8.5 ride on his backhand, and advanced to next face current ratings No. 3 Taj Burrow (West Australia).
“You’ve just got to sit and wait for the good waves,” said Davidson afterward.
“I haven’t had much luck this year, so it’s good to finally get through one. I knew Shane-O’ would be looking for the barrels, so I’m glad it wasn’t doing it during out heat (laughs), as he would have been sitting in them like he always does. When the waves are more rippable it suits me a bit better, so hopefully I’ll shine this event.”
Victor Ribas eliminated fellow Brazilian Neco Padaratz today. The goofy footer collected a series of slightly above average scores, though his opponent waited in vain for the superior rides that never materialized.
Despite being seasick this morning prior to his clash, Ribas left Padaratz requiring a ride worth 9.36-points.
Australian Danny Wills (Byron Bay, NSW) was another to post a win, eliminating fellow countryman Toby Martin (Dee Why, NSW).
The former world No. 3 created an early lead, and while Martin positioned into a great tube toward the end, he was unable to emerge or bridge the gap.
“Toby didn’t catch the first one, so I went and it sort of got me on a roll,” said Wills.
“It was tough though, as some waves barrel and some were really fat, so it was hard to know which waves to go. I saw him get a really good wave, so I was cringing, but he didn’t make the barrel so it was lucky for me.”
“Yeah, it’s great,” added Wills, of having his wife and two kids with him in Fiji.
“It’s kind of like a second honeymoon for us, especially since the waves were flat for so many days and we could just do our own thing.”
