As the swell built to a solid six feet throughout the day, surfing fans were treated to an outstanding day of action yesterday at the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Samsung. In a day of mixed results for the top
As the swell built to a solid six feet throughout the day, surfing fans were treated to an outstanding day of action yesterday at the Quiksilver Pro France presented by Samsung.
In a day of mixed results for the top seeds, victories were locked in by ratings leaders Kelly Slater and Hanalei’s Andy Irons while wildcards Patrick Beven and Mikael Picon upset Australians Trent Munro and Mick Fanning who sit at four and three on the ratings respectively. Again indicating that he won’t let Slater have a walk- through in France, Irons scored a 9.8 out of 10 looking completely at home on every wave. Realising that he can’t hold back if he wants to win he pulled no punches when he defeated Taylor Knox and Maz Quinn.
“I love it here for both the crowd and the waves,” said Irons. “I love the beach breaks because I grew up surfing similar type waves at home and these are some of the best beach breaks in the world so to get it on here… it’s such a pleasure to surf.”
Irons was looking relaxed and was showing no signs of pressure as he cruised into round three after taking the win. (Surfers who win in round one move straight through to round three while second and third surf in round two.)
“I’m really happy with the way the year is going,” Irons continued. “I’m actually really happy with where my life is right now. Just staying in the running is always good and Kelly’s had an amazing year without any mistakes. I’m not feeling any pressure, though, and I just want to go out and surf.”
Going to press Hanalei’s Bruce Irons clocked up a perfect 10-point ride in his heat against Lee Winkler and Tiago Pires. In taking the win he is hopeful that he can replicate his performance here last year.
