Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal (Monday, June 30 2014) – The Brazilian surfers emulated the success of their nation’s soccer team, dominating the punchy beach break conditions, on the opening day of competition at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime rated Mr Price Pro Ballito, on Monday June 30, 2014.

Fifty percent of the morning’s heat wins belonged to Brazilian surfers with Tomas Hermes (BRA) leading his nation’s victory charge. Hermes posted the highest heat total of the morning, a 15.80 (out of a possible 20.00) and advanced ahead of Nic Von Rupp (PRT).

“It’s exactly the start I was hoping for,” Hermes said. “The waves are so powerful and everyone is firing, it’s amazing to be here, surfing this wave.”

Former ASP World Junior Champion Caio Ibelli (BRA) proved similarly unstoppable, earning his first Qualifying Series heat win of the season and, the second highest heat total of the morning, a 15.10 (out of 20.00).

“It feels good to finally make a heat,” Ibelli said. “I’ve had a lot of round one losses, so it’s great to get through here in Ballito.”

ASP World No. 28 Alejo Muniz’s (BRA) combination of speed and power through his turns, combined with his aerial mastery, added to the Brazilians supremacy. He advanced ahead of Australian Thomas Woods.

“We have similar waves in Brazil which is why the Brazilians are doing so well here,” Muniz said. “We love to compete and we love to win. We’re missing the World Cup at home but we are watching on TV and it’s good to see Brazil doing well here and there.”

Peterson Cristano (BRA) posted the day’s single highest wave score, an 8.93 (out of ten) advancing in first place, while former WCT surfer Heito Alves (BRA) appeared polished with his win over wildcard and 2009 Mr Price Pro Champion Tanner Gudauskas (USA).

Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) currently rated No. 2 on the Qualifying Series, stamped his authority on the competition with a series of backhand hooks, to advance in first place with Davey Cathels (AUS) in second.

South Africa suffered a major upset at the hands of the Brazilian contingent when Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) made a critical priority error, taking-off on a wave that belonged to his opponent Alejo Muniz. The error cost De Vries his second place finish and was eliminated from the event.

Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Travis Logie (ZAF) kept local supporters on the edge of their seats, earning last-minute victories to maintain their positions in this year’s competition.

Logie secured the first of the days wins for South Africa, posting the required pair of six-point rides (out of ten) to bump Dillon Perillo (USA) down to second place and Wade Carmichael (AUS) down to third.

“I had a bit of a nerve-wracking start,” Logie admitted. “I was falling a lot but knew if I kept catching waves, it would come together. It’s a special win because I haven’t been home some since February, so it’s a great way to start.”

Smith employed his aerial game to secure a come from behind heat win over Krystian Kymerson, the pair edging out South African trialist winner Brandon Jackson, who was unfortunately eliminated in third place.

“It was really fun out there, I didn’t get the sets but I managed to find the waves I needed to get through,” Smith said. “I got to surf with one of my good friends ‘Jacko’ (Brandon Jackson) who I haven’t surf against in about seven years, it was just unfortunate he got knocked out by the Brazilian surfer at the end.”

Wildcard David Van Zyl (ZAF) was the third South African to advance, placing second behind Portugal’s Frederico Morais, with the pair edging out WCT surfer Sebastian Zietz (HAW).

Despite suffering a bad case of nerves, Hawaii’s Torrey Meister put together an impressive opening performance, to score an 8.83 for an exceptionally high aerial maneuver. Meister’s 15.76 two- wave heat score earned him, his victory over Australian Matt Banting.

“I was super nervous and I kept falling at the start,” Meister said. “This wave is perfect for airs and I knew there was lots of opportunity out there. I love coming to South Africa, it has some of the best waves in the world and it’s awesome to have a QS down here.”

Billy Stairmand (NZ) continued his recent form that has taken him to No. 4 on the QS rankings, posting a pair of 7-point rides for a well-deserved win.

Sixteen heats of the Men’s Round of 96 were completed in contestable, half to one-meter waves, before organisers were forced to call the event off, due to adverse conditions in the afternoon.

The next call will be made at 06:45 (local time) for a possible 07:15 start on Tuesday July 1, 2014.

The event is webcast LIVE on www.mrpricepro.com

- ends

Mr Price Pro Ballito Round of 96 Results:
Heat 1: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.10; Filipe Toledo (BRA) 10.66;  Ricardo Christie (NZL) 9.17; Michael February (ZAF) 8.23
Heat 2: Tomas Hermes (BRA) 15.80; Nic Von Rupp (PRT) 9.50; Felix Messias (BRA) 8.50;  Charles Martin (GLP) 4.47
Heat 3: Aritz Aranburu (ESP); Carlos Munoz (CRI); Dales Staples (ZAF); Santiago Muniz (BRA)
Heat 4: Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 14.26; Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 12.83 ; Steven Pierson (PYF) 12.30;  Bino Lopes (BRA) 7.83
Heat 5: Heitor Alves (BRA) 13.23; Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 12.93; Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.27 Thiago Camarao (BRA) 11.44
Heat 6: Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.60; Dillon Perillo (USA) 13.44; Wade Carmichael (AUS) 12.87; Vincent Duvignac (FRA) 11.93
Heat 7: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 13.74; Davey Cathels (AUS) 11.60; Keanu Asing (HAW) 11.44; Evan Geiselman (USA) 11.23
Heat 8: Frederico Morais (PRT) 14.34; David Van Zyl (ZAF) 12.77;  Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 11.60; Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 10.80
Heat 9: Billy Stairmand (NZL) 14.77; Tim Reyes (USA) 13.43; Cory Arrambide 11.90 ; Halley Batista (BRA) 7.07
Heat 10: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.83; Thomas Woods (AUS) 14.73;  Perth Standlick (AUS) 12; 14; Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) 6.13
Heat 11: Torrey Meister (HAW) 15.76; Matt Banting (AUS) 13.66 ; Garrett Parkes (AUS) 12.84; Willian Cardoso (BRA); 5.23
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.33; Krystian Kymerson (BRA) 12.70; Brandon Jackson (ZAF) 11.33; Mason Ho (HAW) 10.70
Heat 13: Stu Kennedy (AUS) 12.50; Kai Otton (AUS) 11.06; Shayne Sykes (ZAF) 9.57; Jesse Mendes (BRA) 8.93
Heat 14: Tom Whittaker (AUS) 12.70;  Granger Larsen (HAW) 11.17;  Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.34; Jean Da Silva (BRA) 9.90
Heat 15: Marlon Lipke (PRT) 11.20;  Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.06; Chris Ward (AUS) 10.50; Masatoshi Ohno (JPN) 9.07
Heat 16: Adam Melling (AUS) 11.60; Joan Duru (FRA) 10.13;   Jay Thompson (AUS) 9.94;  Luke Davis (USA) 8.17

Upcoming Mr Price Pro Ballito Round of 96 Heats; 
Heat 17: Jeremy Flores (FRA); Nathan Hedge (AUS); Brian Toth (PRI); Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
Heat 18: Dion Atkinson (AUS); Marc Lacomare (FRA); Cooper Chapman (AUS); Michael Dunphy (USA)
Heat 19: Brett Simpson (USA); Damien Hobgood (USA); Marco Fernandez (BRA); Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 20: Adrian Buchan (AUS); Glenn Hall (AUS); Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR); Dylan Lightfoot (ZAF)
Heat 21: Matt Wilkinson (AUS); Kiron Jabour (HAW); Hodeo Collazo (EUK); Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 22: Mitch Crews (AUS); Yadin Nicol (AUS); Gony Zubizarreta (ESP); Vincente Romero (ESP)
Heat 23: Mitch Coleborn (AUS); Conner Coffin (USA); Ryan Callinan (AUS); Hizunome Bettero (BRA)
Heat 24: CJ Hobgood (USA); Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY); David do Carmo (BRA); Slade Prestwich (ZAF)

The 3rd and final EP trial presented by Billabong went down in really good conditions on the wildside. Decent sized surf and glassy offshore winds made the drive round the corner worthwhile for sure. 

The EP team should be announced some time next week.

U20 Ladies
1. Gina Smith
2. Crystal Hulett
3. Robin van der Merwe
4. Emma Smith (had to withdraw after 1 heat due to illness)

U20 Boys
1. Dylan Lightfoot
2. Matt McGillivray
3. Jerry van Wyk
4. Peter Coffey

Open Men
1. Bruce Campbell
2. Dominique Abersalie
3. Josh Enslin
4. Remi Petersen
5. Robert Jacobs

After the initial CYOH SURF OFF #2 presented by Billabong was postponed due to lack of surf, nobody had ever imagined what Neptune had in store for us the following weekend. We had noticed that the forecast was predicting light Northerly winds with a decent swell, so this meant our options were totally open to scout & hopefully have a session somewhere at a location "off the grid" ... & score we did indeed.

After stopping at all the spots along the way, our final stop was destined to be the best. We arrived at Maitlands bright & early with a very chilly breeze in the air. Regardless of the temperature & nothing a quick bonfire couldn't fix, we kicked off the jam-packed event in near perfect conditions.

First heat of the day set the standards with some awesome barrels & with all time conditions, it didn't take much for everyone to start performing at the highest level. With a pretty serious inside section, it left most of the pack breathless after paddle backs & for the unlucky few, some decent under water beatings.

The entire day from sun rise to literally the final minutes of sunset, was filled with epic waves, amazing surfing, & family & friends coming together for a very unique day.

A very special thanks to our amazing sponsors & to everyone who supported & that made the event so special. We look forward to seeing all of you again soon & keep on creating your own happening.

CYOH LIFESTYLE LIVING - FRIENDS - FAMILY - FUTURE :)

Open: 1. Matt McGillivray  2. Justin Grey  3. Clinton Fraser  4. Grant Beck
Juniors: 1. Matt McGillivray  2. Alex van Rijswijck  3. Jono Coffey  4. Cuan McGregor  
Ladies: 1. Britney Linder  2. Kia Fenton   3. Tracey Admirall  4.Kelly Fenton

All surf images Luc Hosten
All lifestyle images Gypsey Diaries

BILLABONG EP SENIOR TRIALS 
RAD WAVES. RAD VIBE. RAD SURFING...


BILLABONG supported the Eastern Province Senior trials & Cyoh Surf Club contests this weekend in very fun surf on the wildside of Port Elizabeth.

Both events well supported and good vibe all round… Billabong is heavily invested in ROOTS surfing in Eastern Province.

OPEN:
1st Remi. 2nd Shannon. 3rd Josh E. 4th Jakes

U/20 BOYS:
1st Dylan. 2nd Matt. 3rd Steve. 4th Peter.

LADIES:
Faye 

U/20 WOMEN:
1st Crystal.2nd Emma.3rd Robin.4th Gina

A thrilling Finals day saw Brazilian Gabriel Medina reign supreme and win the Fiji Pro, stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), in three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf at Cloudbreak. The win moves Medina back to the top of the ASP World Championship Tour Rankings after he defeated Hawaiians John John Florence and Freddy Patacchia as well as American Kolohe Andino on his way to the Final.

Gabriel Medina (BRA) won his second WCT event of the season, taking the win over 2013 Rookie of the Year Nat Young (USA) in a hard-fought final. The Brazilian got out of the gates first while Young waited 10 minutes before posting a score. Medina posted a near-perfect 9.87 for a series of barrel sections and sizzling snaps to extend his lead. Young fought back but Medina's additional 8.53 left the American in need of two high scores for the win. Young was unable to break the combination, cementing Medina's fourth career ASP WCT victory.

“It’s great to be back at the top of the ratings, it’s still early but I’m feeling good,” said Gabriel Medina. “I’ve never surfed at Jeffreys Bay before but I’m going home after this to prepare and I’ll be working hard. Nat (Young) is a great guy and that was a good Final against him. I was so nervous inside those barrels, I couldn’t see anything, but when I came out I was stoked. Thanks to the Namotu guys who were supporting me. Thanks to everyone in Fiji, I just love it here especially with a win.”

Nat Young (USA) posted his best result of the 2014 season today after finishing his third WCT Final as runner-up. He topped reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning on route to the Final but, despite being on excellent form throughout the competition, wasn’t able to find the scores he needed to surpass Medina for victory.

"Third final and third runner-up finish so that's frustrating,” said Nat Young. “I felt good. My boards felt good and I waited for a good one to start the Final with. Unfortunately, I got a little out of rhythm and Gabriel (Medina) found waves with more opportunity. He's been surfing really well so he was always going to be hard to beat, but I felt like I had it in me. Runner-up is a good finish, my best of the year, so hopefully it's good for the momentum heading into J-Bay and Tahiti."

Michel Bourez (PYF) was defeated in the first Semifinal by Nat Young (USA) and secures a third-place finish moving him to No. 2 in the rankings. Both surfers got on the board quickly grabbing average scores. The first major exchange unfolded just before the 15 minute mark, with the Tahitian taking 7.33 to Young's 6.17. The Californian built momentum, navigating a technical tube ride finished with a big frontside carve for a 7.83 and the lead over Bourez with nine minutes remaining. Bourez waited patiently to find the wave needed to surpass Young, but was unable to top the Californian up-and-comer.

“I’m really disappointed with that because I made a mistake on my second to last wave,” said Michel Bourez. “Nat (Young) is one of the guys that I thought would get a good result out here. He’s amazing and he surfs so good and I’m super happy that he ended up making the Final. I’m so pleased that I made it to the Semifinals and got another good result.”

Kolohe Andino (USA) backed up his Billabong Rio Pro runner-up finish with an equal 3rd place in the Fiji Pro after facing eventual event winner Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the second Semifinal. Medina paddled deep and it paid off early as he nabbed a fast tube ride for an early lead. Andino answered back but with less than 10 minutes on the clock Medina found a quick tube for an excellent 9.07, leaving the American in an unattainable combination situation. 

"It was a good event for me,” said Kolohe Andino. “Gabriel (Medina) kind of went nuts in our Semifinal and I needed better waves. That's okay though, I've had two really good results back-to-back and I'm having a lot of fun. Next event is Jeffreys Bay and it hasn't been a WCT event since I've been on tour so I'm really excited to surf it."

The next stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour is the J Bay Open from July 10 - 21, 2014.
 
For more information, check out aspworldtour.com.

Fiji Pro Final Result:
Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.40 def. Nat Young (USA) 14.77

Fiji Pro Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Nat Young (USA)14.00 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.10
Semifinal 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.50 vs. Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.57

Dylan Lightfoot has won the JBU Supertrial, presented by RVCA, which was held in 4- 6 foot waves at Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay.

Lightfoot, a Jeffreys Bay local who surfs Supertubes regularly, won a tight final much to the delight of the crowds who packed the beach and boardwalks.
Kommetjie surfer Mikey February was a close second, Durban North surfer Slade Prestwich came third with another JBay local, Matt McGillivray finished in fourth position.

“I am so stoked; this is a dream come true,” said Lightfoot after the event. “I have wanted to surf in the World Championship Tour (WCT) event in Jeffreys Bay since I was a kid and winning the JBU Supertrial has given me that opportunity.”
Supertubes delivered the goods since the first heat entered the water, with Warren Dean claiming the Barrel Of The Day early this morning and winning a Firewire Surfboard for his efforts.
Slade Prestwich won the award of an Arbor Skateboard for the best carve of the contest, with Dylan Lightfoot winning a Nixon watch, the Capital Automatic, valued at R10,000, and the coveted Wild card entry into the JBay Open of Surfing, an ASP World Championship Tour event, that will be held in Jeffreys Bay from 10 – 20 July.

The JBay Open forms part of the JBay Winterfest, a multi sport Festival that includes events like mountain biking, skating, cold water swimming and trial running.
“We are proud to be involved with the JBU Supertrial and it’s great that a local surfer has won the wild card into the WCT event to be held in July at Supertubes,” said Arno Lane from event sponsor RVCA.

The JBU Supertrial was sanctioned by Surfing South Africa and organised by the JBU Surf Club, who are also organising the JBay Open, an ASP WCT event that will see the top surfers in the world descend upon Jeffreys Bay in their quest to be crowned the world champion.
“The JBU is stoked that once again JBay will host an ASP WCT event and that a local surfer, Dylan Lightfoot, will be surfing in the main event against guys like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Jordy Smith,” said Koffie Jacobs from the JBU.

Other event sponsors were Firewire Surfboards and Arbor Skateboards

Final results:
1.   Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffrey’s Bay)
2.   Mikey February (Kommetjie)
3.   Slade Prestwich (Durban)
4.   Matt McGillivray (Jeffrey’s Bay)

Semifinalists were decided today at the Fiji Pro, stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), in three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf at Cloudbreak. An action packed day of competition saw the field narrowed to just four of the world’s best surfers as the event ran through Rounds 3, 4 and 5 and the Quarterfinals. Top seeds went down as Round 5 saw Taj Burrow and Joel Parkinson eliminated from the Fiji Pro and the Quarterfinals ended with Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater being eliminated from competition.

Nat Young (USA) took on reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) for the second time today in Quarterfinal 1. Young kept busy throughout, picking off some medium sized waves to take the lead while Fanning waited until the 18-minute mark before posting any scores. The Californian extended his lead and Fanning tried to fight back, but was unable to the find the waves he needed. Young moves ahead to the Semifinals where he will face Michel Bourez (PYF).

“The goal is to win the Final but you’ve to take it heat-by-heat,” said Nat Young. “I’m stoked that I get to surf on the final day tomorrow in the Semifinals and I hope the waves will be fun.”

"Disappointing to go down before the Semifinals, but Nat (Young) has been in really impressive form all event,” said Mick Fanning. “I’ll take a Quarterfinals, but am really going to need to put some wins on the board soon to put myself back in the race. Jeffreys Bay next and I'm traditionally pretty strong through the back half of the season. Going to head home and work on the knee a bit before heading to South Africa. Thank you Fiji for another special year."

Quarterfinal 2 saw one of the most anticipated heats of the day when 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) took on 2014 standout Michel Bourez (PYF). Bourez was the first to register a noteworthy score and back it up. Slater was left with low scores and swapped surfboards in the hopes of bridging the score gap. Last year's Fiji Pro winner and current ASP World No. 1 was unable to find the scores needed and was eliminated with a 5th place finish. Bourez becomes only the fifth person ever to beat Slater in a man-on-man heat at Cloudbreak.

“Before I came here I was thinking that just to get to the Quarterfinals would be great,” said Michel Bourez. “I thought Kelly (Slater) would win and when I knew that I was going to surf against him I was really excited. To have a chance to surf against the best guy out here is a chance for me. It’s good to make the Semifinal, but to make the Final is even better. To win the Final is the goal and I’ve got two more heats to go.”

John John Florence (HAW) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) faced off in inconsistent conditions at Cloudbreak in the third Quarterfinal. The Hawaiian, who previously dispatched Taj Burrow in Round 5, got on the board first, connecting a series of backhand turns. Medina waited nearly 10 minutes to find his first ride but the Brazilian soon found his rhythm, adding a 7.37 to leave Florence searching for a score that never came. Medina secures himself a Semifinals berth where he will face American Kolohe Andino.
 
“I felt good and John John (Florence) is always a tough guy to beat,” said Gabriel Medina. “We’ve already had some good battles with each other and he’s one of my favorite surfers, so that felt good. It’s always good to be up there at the top of the ratings and this was a good result but I’m focused on my surfing and having fun.”

In one of the highest scoring heats of the day American Kolohe Andino took on Brazilian Adriano de Souza and the pair battled for a place in the Semifinals. Andino kept busy through the heat, taking 11 waves to de Souza’s four. His hard work paid off and Andino posted two nine-point rides leaving the Brazilian in need of a near-perfect 9.86 for the win. Despite taking down Joel Parkinson (AUS) in Round 5 de Souza couldn’t catch Andino and leaves the competition in equal 5th place while the American moves on to the Semifinals.

“Today was for sure the best I’ve ever surfed since I’ve been on Tour,” saidKolohe Andino. “I felt really calm which is good for me and I’m stoked. I’m still improving and my board change has really helped. I’m just taking it heat by heat and really enjoying myself out there so we’ll see what happens. I’m stoked that Nat (Young) is still in the draw because he’s my best friend on Tour.”

Fiji Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.07 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.44
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 16.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 13.20
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 18.70 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.57
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.70 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.43
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.16 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.93
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.33 def. Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 9.43
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.36 def. Glenn Hall (IRL) 9.60
Heat 8: John John Florence (HAW) 16.17 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 4.03
Heat 9: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.63 def. Freddy Patacchia Jr (HAW) 15.10
Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18.63 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.56
Heat 11: Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.07 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.60 
Heat 12: Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.24 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.74

Fiji Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Nat Young (USA) 13.83, Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.74, Michel Bourez (PYF) 6.13
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.00, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.77, Owen Wright (HAW)13.07
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.20, John John Florence (HAW) 10.93, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 9.83
Heat 4: Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.27, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.14, Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.37

Fiji Pro Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.90 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 14.86
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.44 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 8.20
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) 16.70 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.34
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.67 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.10

Fiji Pro Quarterfinal Results:
Quarterfinal 1: Nat Young (USA) 14.27 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 7.50
Quarterfinal 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 8.90
Quarterfinal 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.20 def. John John Florence (HAW) 6.34
Quarterfinal 4: Kolohe Andino (USA) 18.36 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.93

Fiji Pro Semifinal Match-ups:
Semifinal 1: Nat Young (USA) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Semifinal 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)

Ag nee, the Saffa's have bowed out in the early rounds yet again. Travis got taken out by Ace in Rd 2, and Jordy - who was looking in killer form in his Rd 1 heat fell to Filipe Toledo in Rd 3. Sigh.

Here's the official wrap:

The Fiji Pro, stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), ran through Round 2 and half of Round 3 today. Day two of competition saw 18 surfers eliminated as the world’s best battled in three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf at Cloudbreak. 

Tiago Pires (PRT) caused the upset of the day in Round 2 after matching up against C.J. Hobgood (USA). Both surfers looked on form but Pires, despite struggling to find a wave in the early stages, pounced at the 20-minute mark amassing a 7.77 and taking the lead. With seven minutes on the clock the 2001 ASP World Champion was left chasing a score that never came. Pires moves onto Round 3 after eliminating one of the most consistent performers at the Fiji Pro.

“C.J. (Hobgood) is one of the best surfers out there and I knew it was going to be a tough heat,” said Tiago Pires. “I was a bit stressed at the beginning of the heat but after I got that seven I felt more confident. I was really disappointed after my heat yesterday, it was one of my lowest scores in ASP history, but I kept my nerve and I knew I had something to show. I really like surfing backside in these powerful waves.”

Reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) bounced back from his Round 1 loss yesterday to win through Rounds 2 and 3. Fanning defeated dangerous wildcard Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) and Alejo Muniz (BRA) with sharp turns and carves and difficult tube rides and is now through to Round 4.

“I’d love to win this event,” said Mick Fanning. “Kelly has had a strangle hold on it for a long time. There are so many great surfers out here that are so good, so a lot can happen.”

Nat Young (USA), fresh from a Round 2 victory against compatriot Brett Simpson, took to the water alongside Kai Otton (AUS) for a battle of the goofy-footers. Despite a quiet start Young posted an excellent 8.93 for a solid barrel and took a commanding lead. While Otton displayed his full forehand repertoire, Young was able to add an additional 7.40 at Cloudbreak to secure his place in Round 4.

“I’m feeling good and I had a lot of fun out there,” said Nat Young. “I got a lot of waves and I kept getting barrels so that was fun. I get to surf the non-elimination Round so at the least I get two more heats and I’m looking forward to it. My goal for Fiji is to do better than I did last year, when I got a 9th place.”

Michel Bourez (PYF) gave the performance of the event in Round 3 Heat 3. He matched up against Jeremy Flores (BRA), who previously took out Mitch Crews (AUS) in Round 2, in barreling conditions at Cloudbreak. Bourez put on a clinic, posting a 9.50 and a 9.20 while throwing away an 8.33. Flores suffered a broken board on his first wave and was unable find the score needed to back up a 7.67. Flores leaves the event with an equal 17th place and Bourez moves on to Round 4.

“The conditions turned on during my heat,” said Michel Bourez. “It was very, very positive for me to be out there and get barrelled. I’m not going to quit and I’m not going to give up. I feel like it’s everyone’s chance to win. You just have to stay positive and stick with your game. Getting two 9’s and and an 8 in my heat is amazing, I was going crazy out there.”

Round 2 Heat 4 saw South African Jordy Smith take on Brazilian Filipe Toledo. Smith got off to a quick start, throwing his powerful frame into a flurry of backhand blasts. Toledo, having previously despatched compatriot Jadson Andre, hunted the barrel early on with little success. Despite this he went on to secure set waves of his own, assaulting them with speed, versatility and progression to take the win late in the affair. Toledo secures his place in Round 4, bettering his 25th place finish at last year's Fiji Pro.

“The heat started slow but got much better,” said Filipe Toledo. “I started to focus on the barrels and doing some big turns. I’m a bit sad about not always getting the results I want but I just need to keep doing well in each heat and making it through to the next Round.”

Australian powerhouses Owen Wright and Bede Durbidge reveled in the ideal afternoon Cloudbreak conditions, with Durbidge establishing an early lead due to a series of ferocious backhand snaps. Wright got off to a slower start, but eventually locked into one of the best waves of the day. The goofy-footer unloaded a big forehand carve that set him up for a deep barrel ride that was rewarded with a near-perfect 9.33. With seconds remaining, Durbidge belted another wave, but his 7.50 fell shy of the score needed to surpass Wright, who moves on to Round 4.

“I’m pretty glad that the barrels won that one,” said Owen Wright. “I actually didn’t know the heat had started so I just let that first wave go. My start wasn’t great but it came together towards the middle of the heat.”

11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) dominated his Round 3 heat against wildcard Mitch Coleborn (AUS). The reigning four-time event winner struck first and Coleborn hit back with a deep tube to earn a 5.33. Slater then backed up his opener with a solid 8.50 courtesy of a long Cloudbreak barrel and left Coleborn in a combination situation. Coleborn battled hard, but couldn't match Slater and must to settle for a 3rd Round exit as Slater advanced into Round 4.

Fiji Pro Round 2 Results
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.00 def. Isei Tokovou (FJI) 4.43
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.43 def. Wiggolly Dantas (AUS) 11.60
Heat 3: Glenn Hall (AUS) 11.76 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.97
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) 14.67 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.17
Heat 5: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.87 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 7.40
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.37 def. Dion Atkinson (AUS) 14.20
Heat 7: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.10 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.93
Heat 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.70 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 10.83
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) 14.10 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.10
Heat 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 12.90 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.50
Heat 11: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.10 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.96
Heat 12: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.53 def. Mitch Crews (AUS) 9.70

Fiji Pro Round 3 Results
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.07 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.44
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 16.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 13.20
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 18.70 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.57
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.70 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.43
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.16 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.93
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.33 def. Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 9.43

Upcoming Round 3 Match-ups
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Glenn Hall (IRL)
Heat 8: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Sebastian Zeitz (HAW)
Heat 9: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 12: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)

The JBU Supertrial, presented by RVCA, is a one day event that will take place on the best day of surf in the month of June. And it looks like that day might be Thursday.....

The winner of the JBU Supertrial will receive a wildcard into the Jeffreys Bay Open World Tour event to be held at Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay. Surfing the world's best right with the world's best surfers is too good an opportunity to miss.

Those vying for the coveted wildcard slot include:
Sean Holmes, Shaun Joubert, Greg Emslie, Joshe Faulkner, Dylan Lightfoot, Slade Prestwich, Warren Dean, Mikey February, Remi Peterson, Matt Bromley, Beyrick De Vries, Matt McGillivray, Frankie Oberholzer, Dale Staples, Ryan Payne and Davey Van Zyl.


Those who may be considered favourites for the win include two-times Xcel Pro Showdown At Supers winner Ryan Payne, whogrew up surfing the waves of Jeffreys Bay, and is definitely a competitive force out there. Franky O, is well, Frankie O. Amazing surfer, and will no doubt be taking apart Supers walls with his unique brand of smooth- like-butter surfing.


Sean Holmes is no slouch at Supers. Being the perennial boogy-man to many of the Top 44 in previous years, and AI's nemesis. Probably be safe betting on him to be in the top finishers if not the winner.


Davey van Zyl and Dale Staples are freshly in competition mode so may have the edge on the free-surfers. Dale's just spent a few days getting shacked off his pip on his backhand at Donkey Bay so is no stranger to serious tube time - just has to do it on a right now, that's all. Mikey and Matt are also in jersey-wearing mode, which is what helps when you gotto get the points on the board.


Slade might be a lightie but he ain't no lightweight. Winning the Volcom VQS Global Trials in Fiji last year gave him a taste for victory. Don't expect him to hold back.


Greg Emslie can never be discounted. All those who saw him streak to victory recently in the SA Masters at Nahoon can attest to the fact he's lost none of his competitive prowess. Big Foot can still put foot at Supers for sure. Shaun Joubert is also a stand-out out there. Good heat strategy is one of his forte's. 


Dylan, Matt, Joshe and Remi have a wealth of local knowledge between them that could help them pick off the best sets on the day. Warren Dean has Supers hard-wired into his genetic material - so expect to see him shacked off his mielie, repetitively. 


Now all we need is for Supers to do it's thing - and these guys will do theirs. Gonna be epic to watch to go down!

TAVARUA, Fiji (Tuesday, June 3, 2014): The Fiji Pro, Stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), got underway today and the world’s best surfers took to the water in three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf. The event ran through Round 1 at Cloudbreak with 12 surfers earning a fast track through to Round 3 while several top seeds were relegated to surf again in elimination Round 2.
 
Fresh from a win at Rio de Janeiro Michel Bourez (PYF) faced Brett Simpson (USA) and Filipe Toledo (BRA) in Round 1 Heat 2. Simpson took an early lead but was quickly overtaken by the Billabong Rio Pro winner, who locked in a solid 8.83. Toledo suffered a slow start, but the young Brazilian posted a 6.23 of his own. Simpson came back with an 8.43 but Bourez reclaimed first place with a fast flurry of backhand carves and floats. Bourez's red-hot run continues as he skips Round 2 and advances directly into Round 3.

“I’m really happy to make it through that Round,” said Michel Bourez. “I just want to do well in every single event. I have two throwaway results already this season, but I don’t feel pressure. I just want to look forward and do as well as I can.”

Reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) stamped his authority early on during his Round 1 bout against Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)and Glenn Hall (IRL), finding the first set wave of consequence for an excellent 8.60. Patacchia, however, would not be denied and the goofy-footer secured the first barrel of the event for a 7.93 and the lead. Fanning had an opportunity in the final minutes, but Patacchia's dissection of a late set wave for an 8.10 put the nail in the coffin for his Round 1 campaign.

“I got a pretty good barrel in that heat,” said Fredrick Patacchia. “I feel like I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been in, my surfing’s there and my competition mind is all there. I’m just going to keep the ball rolling and hopefully things turn around and I get results.”

Australians Taj Burrow, Adrian Buchan and replacement surfer Mitch Colebornmatched up in Round 1 Heat 4. Buchan got the best of an early exchange between the trio but Coleborn remained consistent, belting the lefthander at Cloudbreak with his signature forehand style for a 6.53, overtaking Buchan for first place. Burrow and Buchan battled for backup scores, but it was Coleborn who took the win to advance directly to Round 3 over the more experienced competition.

“The first Round at Cloudbreak has been good to me so far,” said Mitch Coleborn. “It’s such a fun wave and I feel at home here. I’m feeling good and I don’t think about the contest too much. I wasn’t able to make it here on the first day, but when I found out they weren’t going to run the first two days I knew it was possible to make and I did everything I could and got here on time.”

Kelly Slater (USA), reigning four-time Fiji Pro winner, started strong in his Round 1 heat against Jeremy Flores (FRA) and wildcard Isei Tokovou (FJI), connecting a series of sizzling backhand turns for a 7.17. Flores and Tokovou both posted a series of small scores, but the 11-time ASP World Champion strengthened his lead with a backhand barrel for a 7.67. The Frenchman battled back with a blistering backhand attack of his own, but the veteran's early-round dominance combined with an excellent 8.83 proved enough for a convincing Round 1 win.

“I’m happy to not have throwaway results at this point but I don’t feel like I’ve surfed very well this year,” said Kelly Slater. “I feel good out here and right at home - I understand the wave. It’s pedal-to-the-metal time for all the guys that are up there in the World Title race, somebody has to start pulling away and making something happen.” 

Brazilian superstar Gabriel Medina established an early lead over young American Kolohe Andino and Dream Tour rookie Dion Atkinson (AUS), unloading his explosive forehand repertoire on Cloudbreak for a quick 6.17 and 7.27. Both Andino and Atkinson were unable to collect any major scores, confirming Medina's direct advancement to Round 3.

“This is an important Round because it means one less heat, so I’m stoked to make it through,” said Gabriel Medina. “I had a good result here two years ago, so I hope I can make some more heats here this year. I was pretty bummed after Rio but I went home and trained a lot and I hope I can get a good result here.”

Heat 9 provided plenty of barrel opportunities for the clash between Jordy Smith (ZAF), Miguel Pupo (BRA) and Aritz Aranburu (BRA). Smith was in vicious form packing backhand barrel after backhand barrel and combining his tubes with power carves and turn to the tune of 17.13, the highest two-wave heat total of the day. Pupo and Aranburu fought back well with barrel-to-turn combination waves of their own, but were ultimately without answers to Smith's onslaught and will look to regroup in Round 2.

“I feel like my surfing has really been on point this year, I just haven’t had the result I wanted," said Jordy Smith. "I’ve done everything I can and I’m just going to keep going down that road and giving it my all and I’m sure the door will open soon. The main thing is going in to each event with confidence.”

Julian Wilson (AUS) came out firing, locking in a 7.50 and 6.50 in the first 10 minutes of the heat. Opponents Bede Durbidge (AUS) and Jadson Andre (BRA) also looked sharp but, despite posting some good scores later on in the heat, were unable to catch-up to Wilson's early lead, finishing the heat in second and third place respectively.

“It was a good heat and I knew it was going to be hard,” said Julian Wilson. “Bede (Durbidge) has been in really good form and Jadson (Andre) is a tenacious competitor and always up for a fight. I’m really happy to get through Round 1. I feel like I’m surfing well even though the results don’t look great. I’ll just keep working as hard as I can and knocking on the door of better results.”

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Fiji Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.90, Kai Otton (AUS) 10.16, Tiago Pires (PRT) 1.57
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.83, Brett Simpson (USA) 14.76, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 11.33
Heat 3: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 16.03, Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.83, Glenn Hall (AUS) 12.67
Heat 4: Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 12.96, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.23, Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.83
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.50, Mitch Crews (AUS) 9.00, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 6.97
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.50, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.86, Isei Tokovou (FJI) 4.40
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.44, Kolohe Andino (USA) 8.27, Dion Atkinson (AUS) 7.73
Heat 8: Sebastian Zeitz (HAW) 12.07, Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.93, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.67
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.13, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.70, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.10
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) 10.77, Nat Young (USA) 10.46, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.00
Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.00, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.50, Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.73
Heat 12: John John Florence (HAW) 12.17, Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.77, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.54

Fiji Pro Round 2 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Isei Tokovou (FJI)
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Glenn Hall (IRL)
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 5: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT) 
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Dion Atkinson (AUS)
Heat 7: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Aritz Aranburu (ESP)
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 11: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 12: Mitch Crews (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)