TGI Report FIJI – The Quiksilver Pro commenced Sunday with current ratings leader and Hanalei resident Andy Irons topping #2 Taj Burrow (Aus) and two-time world champion (1983-4) and event wildcard Tom Carroll (Aus). The Kauaian, who has won the
TGI Report
FIJI – The Quiksilver Pro commenced Sunday with current ratings leader and Hanalei resident Andy Irons topping #2 Taj Burrow (Aus) and two-time world champion (1983-4) and event wildcard Tom Carroll (Aus).
The Kauaian, who has won the past two WCT’s, overcame one of his heroes to advance directly into round three.
“That was the first time I’ve surfed against Tom Carroll and he’s always been a hero of mine,” said Irons. “It’s pretty cool and memorable to get to surf a heat against him at 6-8ft Cloudbreak.”
Burrows, meanwhile, did well just to make it to Fiji, as he still has 11 staples in his head following a bad wipeout in Western Australia last week.
Kelly Slater was simply outstanding. He waited patiently before picking off a 9.25 ride, and then posted the only perfect 10 of the tournament so far for an incredible two-wave tally of 19.25 out of a possible 20-points.
Reigning world champion CJ Hobgood (USA) faced Trials winner Patacchia, as well as Mick Lowe (Aus) in his round one clash. The Floridian took control with two high scores, happy to avoid one of the tournament wildcards in the second round.
Mark Occhilupo (Aus) dominated his match with Trials runner-up Machado and Nathan Hedge (Aus), posting the day’s second best total for 18.15-points. Securing a 9.25 and then an 8.9 later in the heat, the inaugural Quiksilver Pro Fiji winner is in awesome form.
Wildcard Brooks (Aus), who was last to qualify for the main event, created an upset by defeating current #2 Cory Lopez (USA) and Shane Powell (Aus).
Defending Quiksilver Pro Fiji champion Luke Egan, who won the event when it last ran in 2000, took out a fantastic clash this morning against two Australian WCT newcomers Dean Morrison and Darren O’Rafferty.
Joel Parkinson (Aus) won his opening heat against fellow Australian Lee Winkler and Brazilian Marcelo Nunes, after locking in a near-perfect 9.6 on his second ride.
