Jeffreys Bay, South Africa — Wildcards made their presence felt today in round two of the Billabong Pro. The Foster’s men’s ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) ran through 11 heats in good conditions, before onshore winds settled in and prompted
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa — Wildcards made their presence felt today in round two of the Billabong Pro. The Foster’s men’s ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) ran through 11 heats in good conditions, before onshore winds settled in and prompted organizers to postpone any further competition. Offshore northwest winds created a classic J-Bay morning, however, with 4-5 ft (1.5m) lines running the length of the long point break. Hollow barrels were again on offer, with the world’s best weaving their boards perfectly through critical sections.
Von Zipper Trialist and South African giant killer Sean Holmes (Wilderness) once again led the wildcard charge in the Billabong Pro, eliminating Taylor Knox (CA, USA) in today’s opening heat. Despite difficult low tide conditions, he got off to a good start and then created a strong lead with a clean barrel ride, while his opponent struggled to find anything special. Advancing to round three, Holmes will now face reigning two-time world champion Andy Irons (Kaua‘i, HAW) for the third consecutive year at Jeffreys. Although losing their three-man non-elimination heat yesterday, on both previous head-to-head clashes the local has prevailed, and anticipation is brewing for what is sure to be an epic grudge match.
“I don’t know if I really took him out, or if it was just a question of him not catching any waves,” offered a humble Holmes of this morning’s win. “I think I was lucky, but my next heat against Andy is going to be exciting and I’m definitely going to pick up my game a hell of a lot.
“He’s probably the most confident surfer on tour at the moment,” he continued, of Irons. “He’s got the results and he’s winning contests, so I don’t think he feels much pressure at all. I’m just hoping to pick up my game and surf better.” Australian Bede Durbidge continued the wildcard carnage, accounting for fellow Gold Coaster and former world #2 Luke Egan in another major upset. Durbidge opened his account with a nearperfect 9.5 for three incredible tube rides on the one wave n the best single score so far.
