Hurley Pro Trestles Rd 2

Action at the Hurley Pro and Swatch Women’s Pro, stops No. 8 and 7 respectively on the Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today. Competition ran through the final heat of Women’s Round 1, followed by Women’s 2 and the opening 10 heats of Men’s Round 2 in excellent surf at Lower Trestles.

Wildcard Ian Crane (USA) and world No. 4 Filipe Toledo (BRA) put on a thrilling display in the opening heat of the men’s competition. The pair opened with 7-point rides and followed up with two excellent scores – a 9.10 for Crane and an 8.00 for Toledo. After sitting in second place for much of the heat, the Brazilian delivered a huge aerial maneuver in the final minutes to turn the heat and secure the win. Crane was eliminated in equal 25th place.

 “I was kind of nervous at the beginning of the heat and fell on a few waves,” said Toledo. “Ian opened up really strong so there was definitely some pressure. Winning on the last wave is definitely the Brazilian style and that’s how I like it. I keep believing until I hear the horn and never give up.”

 Reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) matched-up against wildcard Tomas Hermes (BRA) in Heat 3. Medina dominated the bout ending with a 17.50 heat total to leave Hermes in a combination situation and storm through to Round 3.

 “Trestles is such a fun wave I have to work to control myself,” Medina said. “The support I get here is great -- plus having my family on site  -- so I’m feeling fantastic.”

An impressive backhand display from Nat Young (USA) netted him a 16.60 heat total and a place in Round 3. Young looked confident and in control and was rewarded with an excellent 9.43. Wildcard and former CT surfer Aritz Aranburu (ESP) couldn’t catch Young and is eliminated from the competition.

“This year I just want to take it event by event rather than focus on where I finish,” Young said. “I’m coming off a bad result in Tahiti so I just want to surf my best here and see where that takes me.”

 Another form goofy-footer, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), used power surfing and impeccable timing to defeat Brett Simpson (USA). The Brazilian rookie posted an excellent score of 9.23 on his opening ride and backed it up with a 7.50 to secure his place in the next round and eliminate Simpson.

 “I’ve been struggling on the QS for seven years,” Dantas said. “Every year I get more support and build more confidence. This year being on the CT has been really amazing and I’ve learned so much in the process.”

 Glenn Hall (IRL) caused the upset of the day in Heat 7 by eliminating event favorite John John Florence (HAW). A 7.47 from Hall in the final minutes left Florence needing a 7.15 as the clock ran down. Last year’s Hurley Pro runner-up Florence wasn’t able to deliver and is eliminated in equal 25th place, his worst result of the year.

 “It was a really slow heat, which played in my favor," said Hall. "I’m really pleased to get through and look forward to unleashing in the upcoming Rounds.”

 Despite carrying a neck injury from a freesurf during Tahiti, 2012 World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) wowed the crowd with the highest single-wave score of the day, a 9.57, putting the pressure on opponent C.J. Hobgood (USA). The Australian quickly backed this up with another excellent 9.17 for a series of rail turns punctuated with an air reverse for an unbeatable 18.74 heat total. Parkinson moves on to Round 3 while Hobgood leaves in equal 25th place.

 “My neck’s been sore but it’s getting better every day and going right it seems to be fine,” said Parkinson. “I haven’t been having a great year and I’m glad I could finally drop some good scores and get the results. C.J. is an inspiration to me and he’s a true champion.”

 The Hurley Pro and Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles event started on September 9 and could run through September 20, 2015.  Fans can follow all the action LIVE via webcast on WorldSurfLeague.com and on the WSL mobile app.

Hurley Pro Round 2 Results:

Heat 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.50 def. Ian Crane (USA) 16.43

Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.50 def. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 12.77

Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.50 def. Tomas Hermes (BRA) 9.60

Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) 16.60 def. Artiz Aranburu (ESP) 13.66

Heat 5: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 16.73 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 12.60

Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.27 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.00

Heat 7: Glenn Hall (IRL) 13.64 def. John John Florence (HAW) 9.90

Heat 8: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.60 def. Ricardo Christie (NZL) 14.83

Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.74 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.73

Heat 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 17.20 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.43

 Upcoming Hurley Pro Round 2 Match-Ups:

Heat 11: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)

Heat 12: Keanu Asing (HAW) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)