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3x World Champion Mick Fanning Announces His Retirement From The WSL World Tour

3x World Champion Mick Fanning Announces His Retirement From The WSL World Tour

01/03/2018, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 25935825

 

 

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3x World Champion Mick Fanning Announces His Retirement From The WSL World Tour

 

Thursday, March 1, 2018 (Sydney, NSW, Australia) –

Late last night, 3x World Champion Mick Fanning announced his retirement from the WSL World Championship Tour. He will surf the first two events of the 2018 season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, and will retire from competitive surfing on the CT after his final heat in the famous Bells Bowl.

“I feel like I’ve just lost the drive to compete day-in day-out now,” says Mick. “It’s been something I’ve been doing for 17 years, and even before that through QS and Juniors, and I feel that I just can’t give it 100 per cent anymore. I’m just not enjoying it as much as I was in the past. I still love surfing, and I’m still super excited by it, but I feel that’s there’s other paths for me to take at this stage in my life.

“As for choosing to retire at Bells, I’ve always had in mind that my last event on Tour was going to be Bells. That’s basically where I started my career, it was my first ever CT win, and I feel really connected down there.”

Over the course of his career Mick has been through more than most of us could imagine. He’s seen both personal triumph and personal tragedy under the scrutiny of the public eye, worked through injuries that would have ended others’ careers, and punched a shark on live television, coming out completely physically unscathed.

Throughout all of that, he has won 3x World Championship Titles, 22x World Tour events, and completed 16 career tours – cementing himself as one of the greatest surfers and sportsmen in history.

“My time on Tour has been a rollercoaster for sure,” says Mick. “You have your peaks and valleys – but you know, when I look back on my time on tour it’s amazing memories - from building myself up to compete, to heat wins and event wins, celebrating with friends and just seeing places I never thought I’d even get to.”

Mick has been a part of Rip Curl for as long as we can remember, and long before he joined the elite World Tour. We’ve been with him through all of the up and all of the downs.

“It’s been a wild and emotional ride on Mick’s pro career for all of us at Rip Curl,” says Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl Chief Brand and Marketing Officer. “He’s been our #1 surfer on Tour for so long that it will be a bit weird when we watch him step off at Bells. We have learned a lot about being partners in the surfing game from being together for so long and I thank him for all that he has done in his three World Titles.

“I have a mountain of respect for him personally, such are the moments that mattered in his career and quite often the very challenging circumstances behind the scenes that he achieved them in. I can dine out on Mick tales for the rest of my life because of that, so ‘Cheers, Mick!’ And we will see you on The Search.”

Congratulations Mick, we couldn’t be more proud of you and everything that you’ve achieved – and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

#CheersMick

 

For all media enquiries contact: Mimi LaMontagne, Rip Curl Media and Communications Manager, at Mlamontagne@Ripcurl.Com or +61425412053


 
 

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WORLD SURF LEAGUE CLASS OF 2018 DETERMINED

WORLD SURF LEAGUE CLASS OF 2018 DETERMINED

21/12/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 25242746

World Surf League


 

 

 

WORLD SURF LEAGUE CLASS OF 2018 DETERMINED
WORLD’S BEST MALE AND FEMALE SURFERS DECIDED FOR NEXT SEASON - WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

 

 

 

Caption: California's Griffin Colapinto (USA) will join the elite men's Championship Tour in 2018. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Tuesday, December 19, 2017) - The 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) season has come to a close, with John John Florence (HAW)and Tyler Wright (AUS) both defending their respective maiden world surfing crowns to become two-time WSL Champions.

The 2018 elite men’s Championship Tour (CT) will be contested by the WSL Top 34, made up of the top 22 finishers on the 2017 CT season, the top 10 finishers on the 2017 Qualifying Series (QS) and two WSL wildcards.

2017 Top 22 CT:
John John Florence (HAW)
Gabriel Medina (BRA)
Julian Wilson (AUS)
Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Owen Wright (AUS)
Kolohe Andino (USA)
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Filipe Toledo (BRA)
Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Mick Fanning (AUS)
Connor O’Leary (AUS)
Frederico Morais (PRT)
Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Caio Ibelli (BRA)
Michel Bourez (PYF)
Conner Coffin (USA)
Joan Duru (FRA)
Italo Ferreira (BRA)

2017 Top 10 QS (minus double qualifiers from CT):
Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Wade Carmichael (AUS)
Tomas Hermes (BRA)
Yago Dora (BRA)
Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Keanu Asing (HAW)
Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

WSL Wildcards: Kelly Slater (USA) and Ian Gouveia (BRA)

CT Men’s Replacement Surfers:
Michael February (ZAF)
Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)

The 2018 elite women’s Championship Tour (CT) will be contested by the WSL Top 17, comprised of the top 10 finishers on the 2017 CT, the top six finishers on the 2017 QS and the WSL wildcard.

2017 Top 10 CT:
Tyler Wright (AUS)
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Carissa Moore (HAW)
Lakey Peterson (USA)
Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Sage Erickson (USA)
Johanne Defay (FRA)
Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW)

2017 Top 6 QS (minus double qualifiers from the CT):
Silvana Lima (BRA)
Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Coco Ho (HAW)
Caroline Marks (USA)
Keely Andrew (AUS)
Paige Hareb (NZL)

WSL Wildcard: Malia Manuel (HAW)

CT Women’s Replacement Surfers:
Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Pauline Ado (FRA)
Dimity Stoyle (AUS)
Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)

The 2018 WSL Championship Tour season will commence with the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast from March 11 - 22, 2018.

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com

MATT WILKINSON CLAIMS VICTORY AT OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

MATT WILKINSON CLAIMS VICTORY AT OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

15/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22837627

World Surf League


 

 

MATT WILKINSON CLAIMS VICTORY AT OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO
- DEFEATS IN-FORM ROOKIE CONNOR O’LEARY IN THRILLING FINAL
- WIN SEES WILKINSON TAKE JEEP LEADER JERSEY

- MORE AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

 

 

Caption: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) claims the Jeep Leader Jersey after winning the OK Fiji Pro.
Credit: © WSL / Sloane


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TAVARUA/NAMOTU, Fiji (Thursday, June 15, 2017) Matt Wilkinson (AUS) has won the Outerknown Fiji Pro, Stop No. 5 on the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), after an action-packed Finals Day that saw the world’s best surfers battle in pumping waves at Cloudbreak.
 
Wilkinson’s win comes after a hard-fought Final against 2017 CT Rookie Connor O’Leary (AUS), and triumphs over 2017 World Title contenders Michel Bourez (PYF) and Julian Wilson (AUS).
 
The Australian came into Fiji determined to take the win after earning a runner-up finish to 2014 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) at this event last year. Wilkinson’s incredible 2016 season saw him win the opening two events and finish the year in fifth place. Today’s win not only marks Wilkinson’s third CT victory, but sees him lead the elite World Title race heading into the next event.
 
“We’ve had an awesome week that started with pumping waves and then had some lay days,” said Wilkinson. “If you were going to have lay days anywhere, this is the place to do it. Happiness translates to results.”
 
Wilkinson will now sport the coveted yellow Jeep Leader Jersey with 26,750 points on the leaderboard. His win advances him past former frontrunner and reigning WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW), as well as Jordy Smith (ZAF)Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Owen Wright (AUS).
 
“I am so stoked,” continued Wilkinson. “It definitely feels good to pick up momentum rather than to have the yellow Jeep Jersey to lose. Now I have it to keep. Thanks to everyone - all my support crew and everyone that has helped me.”
 

Caption: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) looked unstoppable throughout the event, charging his way to victory with a series of impressive performances.
Credit: © WSL / Cestari


An exciting Final saw both surfers post excellent-range scores in the opening ten minutes. The rookie took a slight edge thanks to his 6.50 back-up score and went on to build his advantage with a 7.37. Wilkinson battled through the rest of the 40 minute bout to turn the heat and with two minutes remaining his persistence paid off and an 8.03 was enough to earn him victory.
 
Today’s result sees O’Leary move up from 15th to 7th on the Jeep Leaderboard and secure his place firmly inside the Top 10. The impressive performance from the young Australian sees him leading the 2017 WSL Rookie of the Year race and become the only rookie to make a final this year. O’Leary won through every heat en route to the Final and defeated 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS), fellow rookie Joan Duru (FRA) and 11X WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) before meeting Wilkinson in the Final.
 
“It was such a good final back-and-forth and I’m really glad we put on such a good show for everyone,” said O’Leary. “Wilkinson’s a legend. He got second here last year so he really deserves the win - he’s been ripping. I’m going to do some training and then head to Ballito and J-Bay.”
 

Caption: The in-form rookie Connor O'Leary (AUS) jumps up to 7th place on the Jeep Leaderboard after a runner-up finish today.
Credit: © WSL / Cestari


Bourez battled eventual winner Wilkinson in Semifinal 1. The pair were neck-and-neck through much of the heat but a last-ditch effort from the Australian saw him earn a 5.90 and edge the win over Bourez. The result is the best of the season for the Tahitian who was a standout all event, posting consistently high scores and winning each heat on his way to the Semifinals.
 
“It’s a weird feeling because he got that wave with like 20 seconds to go,” Bourez said. “He (Wilkinson) just got it at the end so good on him. I’m just super happy to be here - it’s pumping, there are barrels and it’s a beautiful day. I wish I made the Final but at the end of the day I had fun.”
 
En route to his runner-up finish, O’Leary took down Parkinson, CT veteran and 2012 WSL Champion, in the second Semifinal. Parkinson gained the lead on his opening exchange with a 6.83, but the rookie dominated with an excellent 8.00 and 7.40 for the win. Parkinson’s 3rd place finish marks his best result of the season and puts him in 6th place on the Jeep Rankings.
 
“I’m a little disappointed but stoked with a Semifinal,” said Parkinson. “I’ve had pretty scrappy heats today so I really wanted to go out there and do the surfing I know I can do. Going into the dream leg of the tour I’m happy with a Semifinal finish. J-Bay is definitely one of my favorite events coming up.”
 
The Outerknown Fiji Pro was an incredible event for the 2017 rookie class with Leonardo Fiovaranti (ITA), Duru and Ian Gouveia (BRA) all making it through to Finals Day and delivering their best results of the season. The three rookies Fioravanti, Gouveia and Duru, each caused a stir in Round 3 where they eliminated top seeds Florence, Wright and Smith respectively. Fioravanti was eventually eliminated by Bourez in the Quarterfinals after sending home Gouveia in Round 5 while Duru couldn’t overcome runner-up O’Leary.
 
The next stop on the 2017 Men’s WSL CT will be the Corona Open J-Bay from July 12 - 23, 2017. The women will next compete at the Vans US Open of Surfing, which opens July 31 and runs through August 6, 2017.
 
The events will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL's Facebook page. Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal and as part of the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Final Results:
1 - Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.60
2 - Connor O’Leary (AUS) 15.70
 
Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.23 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 14.00
SF 2: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 15.40 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.36
 
Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 17.00 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.30
QF 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 17.80 def. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.57
QF 3: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 11.16 def. Joan Duru (FRA)
QF 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.67 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.23
 
Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.34 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 7.34
Heat 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 14.83 def. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 11.33
Heat 3: Joan Duru (FRA) 17.33 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.50
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.57 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 12.36
 
2017 WSL Men’s Jeep Leaderboard (After Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro):
1 - Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 26,750 points
2 - John John Florence (HAW) 26,500 points
3 - Jordy Smith (ZAF) 26,150 points
3 - Adriano de Souza (BRA) 26,150 points
3 - Owen Wright (AUS) 26,150 points

Matt Wilkinson Wins The 2017 Outerknown Fiji Pro, Takes Yellow Jersey

Matt Wilkinson Wins The 2017 Outerknown Fiji Pro, Takes Yellow Jersey

15/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22837588
 
 
 

 

Matt Wilkinson Wins The 2017 Outerknown Fiji Pro, Takes Yellow Jersey

 

Cloudbreak, Tavarua, Fiji (Thursday, June 15, 2017) –

In one of the most entertaining and unforeseen, finals of the year, Matt Wilkinson has taken the win at the Outerknown Fiji Pro over rookie Connor O’Leary.

It was a stunning day in tropical paradise, with 6 – 8 foot sets rolling through the reef at Cloudbreak – the sun was shining, the action was non-stop – and the result was almost fairy-tale-esque.

“We’ve had such an awesome week,” Wilko said, dripping in salt and excitement after the final horn blew. “It obviously started with some pumping waves, then we had some lay days – and if you’re going to have lay days, this is the place to do it! All the Aussies stay on Namotu and have such a good time, and now, this result! I’m so stoked!”

And so he should be. At the start of the event, Wilko was sitting fifth on the Jeep Leaderboard and was a whopping 8000 points behind yellow jersey leader John Florence – a leap that was almost unfathomable for one event.

Yet when John was knocked early and bowed out with a 13th (along with all the other World Title contenders) Wilko saw an opportunity and ran with it. Throughout each day of competition he was slated as one of, if not the most, in-form surfer at Cloudbreak. And with the help of his coach Glenn “Micro” Hall, he didn’t falter once.

“I actually forgot about the old yellow jersey change, but… it’s BACK! And I know there’s a long time to go in the season, but it definitely feels awesome picking up momentum, instead of having a bunch of people saying, ‘Ooh, you’ve got the yellow jersey to lose!’ Now I’ve got it to KEEP.”

Wilko had to put up a tough fight both throughout the event and in the final heat to get to where he is now. Earlier in the event Connor had no trouble taking down heavy-hitters like Joel Parkinson and 11x World Champion Kelly Slater, and he wasn’t about to give Wilko an easy ride through to becoming Champion.

It was turn-for-turn, barrel-for-barrel, wave-for-wave, first-to-second and then back again for the entire 35-minute final – and it wasn’t until the last four minutes that Wilko was able to snag the lead and, as the ocean went silent, keep it for good.

“Now, well… now I guess it’s time to go drink some beer!” Wilko says, almost laughing as he bends over from exhaustion, a huge grin on his face. “What else do you do when you win the OK Fiji Pro!?”

Congratulations on the win, Wilko… now go enjoy that yellow jersey! And the beer…


 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLOUDBREAK DELIVERS CLEAN CONDITIONS FOR OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

CLOUDBREAK DELIVERS CLEAN CONDITIONS FOR OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

14/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22830217

World Surf League


 

 

 

 

CLOUDBREAK DELIVERS CLEAN CONDITIONS FOR OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO
- WILKINSON, BOUREZ, O’LEARY & DURBIDGE THROUGH TO QUARTERFINALS

- MORE AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

 

Caption: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) will advance through to the Quarterfinals after defeating Julian Wilson (AUS) and rookie Ian Gouveia (BRA) in Round 4 Heat 1 of the OK Fiji Pro. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

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TAVARUA/NAMOTU, Fiji (Wednesday, June 14, 2017) - The Outerknown Fiji ProStop No. 5 on the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), decided the first four Quarterfinalists today after the completion of non-elimination Round 4 in clean four-to-five foot (1.2 - 1.5 metre) waves at Cloudbreak.

Matt Wilkinson (AUS), current World No. 5, was first to earn his place in the Quarterfinals after winning the opening heat of Round 4. Wilkinson posted an excellent 8.67 (out of a possible 10) and 5.60 with sharp frontside carves. Julian Wilson (AUS) and rookie Ian Gouveia (BRA) kept busy in the heat but could not find the scores to combat the 2016 event runner-up. The Australian is in a unique position to claim the coveted yellow Jeep Leader Jersey, but will need nothing short of the event win to be World No. 1.

“I got out here this morning and I expected it to be pretty average, but it is beautiful,” said Wilkinson. “I’ve just been freesurfing and keeping busy on those lay days, but stoked to get it back on and get some fun waves. Before last year, I’d never really had a big result here. To get to that Final last year was a pretty good confidence boost for me for this year.”

Michel Bourez (PYF) has yet to drop a heat in Fiji and will carry on to the final series for the second time this season. The Tahitian locked in mid-range attempts against rookie Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA), but really heated up on his last two rides for a 15.73 combined score, including a near-perfect 9.00. Fioravanti and Ferreira will be relegated to elimination Round 5, while Bourez advances to the Quarterfinals.

“That wave just came through to me and was the biggest set of the morning,” Bourez said. “I got some little barrels before, but I could not get any scores on them so I told myself not to stall but to do some turns. I wish I made my last turn, but it is how it goes. I did not expect them to run today, but we woke up and saw the clean, perfect lineup and I am happy about it.”

Rookie Connor O’Leary (AUS) edged through his Round 4 heat against fellow CT freshman Joan Duru (FRA) and 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS). In a back-and-forth battle, O’Leary secured a 13.66 two-wave total to Duru’s 13.50. Parkinson locked in a 10.83, but with a more selective approach, was not able to find the required scores.

“I am over the moon,” said O’Leary. “I was stoked to make it through that third round yesterday but now I am beyond stoked. The waves are pumping and everyone is ripping so it is great to be a part of it. It is hard to avoid the barrels, but it is more risk than reward for the tube today.”

The final heat of Round 4 saw Bede Durbidge (AUS) take the win over compatriot Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Sebastian Zietz (HAW). In a slow heat, Durbidge tracked down two scores to get control and secure his place in the Quarterfinals. Kennedy and Zietz will do battle in elimination Round 5 when the event resumes.

“It was pumping all morning and then it shut down,” Durbidge said. “I just got those two waves and I fell off on my second wave, but that was all it took. Just happy to make it through that round and get ready for Finals day. I’ve been through some different eras and still feel like I am matching with the best. I am finding my groove and getting more confident with every heat.”

Event officials will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. local time to assess the conditions and make the next call.

Surfline, official forecaster for the Outerknown Fiji Pro, are calling for:

 

The swell that filled in through the afternoon on Tuesday will ease through Wednesday. New, long period forerunners should start to slowly build late Wednesday, but the bulk of the SSW swell arrives and peaks on Thursday with medium to fairly solid surf, easing into Fridaymorning. A final SSW swell looks likely to build over the afternoon/evening on Friday. Moderate, albeit somewhat variable, ESE trades on Wednesday will give way to building and breezier SE trades Thur-Fri. 

The event will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL's Facebook page. Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal and as part of the EDGEsport Network.

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com

 

 

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: 
Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.27, Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.93, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.40
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.73, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 10.77, Italo Ferreira (BRA) 8.50
Heat 3: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 13.66, Joan Duru (FRA) 13.50, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.83
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.10, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 5.54, Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 4.67

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 5 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: 
Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA)
Heat 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA)
Heat 3: Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Heat 4: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)

ROOKIES DOMINATE ROUND 3 OF OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

ROOKIES DOMINATE ROUND 3 OF OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

13/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22820350

World Surf League


 

 

ROOKIES DOMINATE ROUND 3 OF OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO
WSL CHAMPIONS SLATER, FANNING, FLORENCE & DE SOUZA DISPATCHED IN ROUND 3
- TOP SEEDS SMITH & ANDINO FALL IN EARLY ELIMINATIONS

- MORE AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

 

 

Caption: 2017 CT Rookie Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) upset the competition today with his win over 2016 WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) in Round 3 of the OK Fiji Pro. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

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TAVARUA/NAMOTU, Fiji (Tuesday, June 13, 2017) - The Outerknown Fiji Pro, Stop No. 5 of the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), saw sensational upsets today in the remaining eight heats of Round 3. After a series of lay days, the event recommenced in dramatic fashion to witness the world’s best surfers battle in the four-to-five foot (1.2 - 1.5 metre) waves at Cloudbreak.

Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), 2017 CT Rookie, upset the competition with his win over reigning WSL Champion and current World No. 1 John John Florence (HAW) in Round 3. Fioravanti showcased a new level to his surfing with aggressive snaps for a 16.83 two-wave score (out of a possible 20).

“The waves are really fun and I just got into a good rhythm,” Fioravanti said. “My mom always tells me that I surf better on my backhand so I was just thinking about what my mom always says and trying to hit the lip as hard as I could, and it paid off. I felt really confident. It is a dream to surf these types of conditions at Cloudbreak with nobody else out.”

The Italian’s second ever CT win this season forces Florence to leave in 13th place, his second and worst result of 2017.  

“The waves were hard, but Leo [Fioravanti] was ripping,” said Florence. “I just wasn’t getting the right ones. Wave selection is definitely important and I think that is something that I need to work on. I am starting to figure out -- in these last few events -- choosing the right waves. I’ve got my two throw-aways for the year so far. I really believe that things are going to get a lot better. I am learning a lot and I am excited and confident for J-Bay. I think it will be really fun.”

11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) was eliminated by rookie Connor O’Leary (AUS) in a close battle separated by only 0.40 points. O’Leary secured a 10.74, while Slater tried to improve his 10.34. With priority in the dying minutes of the heat, Slater could not find the backup wave to combat the rookie and will exit Fiji early.

“It is always tough to win that low scoring, but I am over the moon,” said O’Leary. “I thought the energy was there at the start, but as soon as the trades came up, it went to nothing. I was glad I had two average scores to finish it off. I made a few errors on a few waves that I could have maximized my score on, but I am stoked to win.”

“There wasn’t much I could do - I had priority, I was in the spot I wanted to be and I had the biggest score of the heat,” Slater said. “I sat most of the heat waiting for a 4.00, but it’s a tricky day. You’ve seen other experienced guys that you’d expect to win out here losing. It’s been total decimation of the top seeds and it’s played into the hands of the underdogs.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), three-time WSL Champion, was eliminated from the event by an in-form Michel Bourez (PYF) in the opening heat of the day. The Round 3 Heat 4 match-up saw Fanning lead with strong backhand snaps for a 5.67, but Bourez tracked down a tube for a 7.00. The win came down to the last exchange, where Bourez landed a 6.53 over Fanning’s 5.53. Fanning will be eliminated in Equal 13th place, his second Round 3 elimination this season.

“The conditions were pretty tricky at the start of the heat,” said Bourez. “After my first wave, I knew I needed a small score just to put pressure on Mick. Mick is unbelievable. He is Mick Fanning and there is nobody else like him. It worked out well and I am glad to make it through.”

The rookie takedowns continued as World No. 2 Jordy Smith (ZAF) fell to Joan Duru (FRA) in Round 3 Heat 7. Duru opened with a near-perfect 9.20, putting early pressure on Smith. Duru solidified his win with an incredible 8.40 on his last exchange. Smith was unable to escape the combination and will be eliminated in his worst result this season.

The upsets continued through to the last heat of the day with Stuart Kennedy’s (AUS) big win over Adriano de Souza (BRA), 2015 WSL Champion and current World No. 2. Kennedy, who is in his second year on the CT, held the lead for the majority of the heat with a 14.83 combined-score. Needing a 7.51, De Souza battled until the dying seconds of the heat but fell just 0.50 points short of the requirement on his last attempt. De Souza will leave with his worst finish this year, while Kennedy advances to the next round.

2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) was victorious in his matchup against fellow veteran Jeremy Flores (FRA) in Round 3 Heat 9. Flores earned the highest score of the heat, an 8.67, but it was not enough to combat the Australian’s two 7-point rides.

Bede Durbidge (AUS) and Sebastian Zietz (HAW) will also advance through to the next round after winning their heats against Kolohe Andino (USA) and Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), respectively.

 

Event officials will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. local time to assess the conditions and make the next call.

Surfline, official forecaster for the Outerknown Fiji Pro, are calling for:

A number of medium size or larger swells are lining up over the next few days: one peaking Tuesday, with a second and larger swell peaking Thursday. There is even a chance to see another new swell for the final afternoon of the waiting period (Fri). Moderate to breezy ESE to SE trades prevail through the week.  

The event will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL's Facebook page. Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal and as part of the EDGEsport Network.

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Remaining Round 3 Results:
Heat 5: 
Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.53 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.20
Heat 6: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 16.83 def. John John Florence (HAW) 13.33
Heat 7: Joan Duru (FRA) 17.60 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.73
Heat 8: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 10.74 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 10.34
Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.30 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.84
Heat 10: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.10 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.90 

Heat 11: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.93 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 12.80
Heat 12: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 14.83 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.33

 

 

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: 
Ian Gouveia (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 3: Joan Duru (FRA), Connor O’Leary (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat 4: 
Bede Durbidge (AUS), Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Stuart Kennedy (AUS)

DRAMATIC UPSETS SHAKE UP TOP SEEDS AT OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

DRAMATIC UPSETS SHAKE UP TOP SEEDS AT OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

05/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22752658

World Surf League


 

 

DRAMATIC UPSETS SHAKE UP TOP SEEDS AT OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO
FERREIRA ELIMINATES WSL CHAMPION MEDINA IN INCREDIBLE RETURN FROM INJURY
- ROOKIE GOUVEIA KNOCKS OUT WORLD NO. 2 WRIGHT
- ZIETZ, WILKINSON & FLORES SCORE BIG AT CLOUDBREAK

- MORE AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

 

 

Caption: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) earned the highest heat score of the day, a near-perfect 18.43, in Round 2 Heat 3 of the OK Fiji Pro. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

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TAVARUA/NAMOTU, Fiji (Monday, June 5, 2017) - Action continued today at the 
Outerknown Fiji Pro with big eliminations in Round 2 and the first four heats of Round 3. Cloudbreak served up six-to-eight foot (2 - 2.5 metre) conditions for the world’s best surfers as they battled to advance in the fifth stop on the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).

Italo Ferreira (BRA) shocked the competition today with his victory over Gabriel Medina (BRA), in his first event back after suffering an ankle injury on Gold Coast. Medina, 2014 WSL Champion and defending event winner, opened up Round 3 Heat 4 with an authoritative 8.10 (out of a possible 10). Ferreira found the barrels and turns to battle back with an exemplary 7.83 and 8.00. Ferreira held control with pressure on Medina to score a 7.73. In the dying seconds of the heat, Medina found his opportunity but fell just 0.36 points short of the win.

“That was amazing,” said Ferreira. “It is always fun to compete with Gabriel [Medina] -- he is a hard competitor. In the last few waves I was just getting good barrels and feeling no pressure. I am so happy to be back again. I just want to say thanks God, my family, girlfriend and all my friends supporting me. I am just enjoying myself and catching good waves.”

Medina is currently ranked 10th on the Jeep Leaderboard and will leave with a 13th place result. The Brazilian has struggled to advance past Round 3 this season, as his finish today marks his third early exit (13th place at Bells, 25th at Margaret River). 

Ian Gouveia (BRA), 2017 CT Rookie, upset the competition with his elimination of current World No. 2 Owen Wright (AUS) in the opening heat of Round 3. Gouveia set the pace with an excellent 8.33 with a series of barrels, while Wright secured 6.33. With less than ten minutes on the clock, Gouveia utilized his priority to improve his situation with a strong 7.33 to put pressure on Wright. Wright made several attempts to score the 9.33-requirement, but lacked the 0.40 point difference on his final attempt.

“I am super stoked to finally make Round 3 and go to Round 4,” said Gouveia. “It is an amazing feeling to be here at Fiji and to beat Owen [Wright]. He is probably one of the best surfers out here. I knew I had to do something crazy and in the heat I found the first wave where I was able to get that barrel and then just had to get the backup.”

Wright, who earned the historic Perfect 20 and win at this event in 2015, will exit in 13th place. This finish marks Wright’s worst result of the 2017 season and he will look to the Corona Open J-Bay to strengthen his World Title campaign.

“Pretty bummed with that,” Wright said. “It is just a result, but it hurts because it is a perfect left-hander. That is just how things go sometimes. The season has been great so far. For me it was a lot about recovery, and I feel like I turned a corner just in Brazil where I felt a little bit out of that recovery stage and more into building. I feel more aggressive and attacking heats. At the start of the year I had some good results but I never felt that ‘go for it’ feeling. I am excited to compete now and excited for the tour.”

WSL Champions Kelly Slater (USA) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) found success today in their respective heats. The CT superstars will continue to compete for the event title to add to their decorated careers.

11-time WSL Champion Slater exhibited his dominance at Cloudbreak with a win over 2017 CT Rookie Ethan Ewing (AUS). The Round 2 heat saw Slater throw up big turns for a 7.73 and 7.80 and the win. Ewing has yet to earn a heat win this season and will leave in 25th place. Slater will face rookie Connor O’Leary (AUS) in Round 3 Heat 8.

“I had Ethan [Ewing], who I do not underestimate at all,” Slater said. “He won everything last year and is an amazing surfer. I was stoked to have a heat with him, but I was nervous. It was a slow heat and I kind of played it more right than he did. I’m on a new board and just experimenting with some stuff. I was a little nervous and jittery out there, but I am happy to get the win and loosen up.”

2012 WSL Champion Parkinson eliminated event wildcard Yago Dora (BRA) to open up the day (Round 2 Heat 2). Parkinson utilized his elite tour experience to optimize his priority on the best waves. Dora put up a solid fight with the highest single-wave score of the match-up, a 6.83. Only trailing by 0.33, the young Brazilian could not find the wave to combat the veteran. Dora will be eliminated in Equal 25th place in his second-ever CT event.

“I was really nervous - I was nervous coming here and I was nervous out in the heat,” said Parkinson. “And I was thinking to myself that that is a real good thing. It is a positive for me. If I am getting nervous, it means I still want to win, and I am happy with that. Hopefully my wins do not come with a six and a four, but I’d like to get some good scores.”

In addition to Gouveia’s success, the rookie class represented at Cloudbreak today with big performances from the young competitors. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Joan Duru (FRA) found success in their Round 2 heats, while Ewing, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) and Frederico Morais (PRT) will be eliminated despite their strong showings.

In his career-first heat win as a CT competitor, Fioravanti defeated World No. 12 and veteran Adrian Buchan (AUS) in Round 2. The Australian fired off a commanding 8.50, while the Italian showcased his barrel riding skills and sharp backhand snaps for an excellent 8.33. The heat came down to a battle of the backup scores, with Fioravanti gaining a marginal 0.39-point lead for the win.

“I am stoked to make finally make a heat,” said Fioravanti. “The tour has been amazing, but it has been hard for me. I’ve been learning so much. It has not just been my surfing, but little things that I have to get better at. Hopefully I can take this confidence and improve from that in my next heat.”

Morias fell to 2017 World Title contender Julian Wilson (AUS) in Round 3 Heat 2. Morais leaves in 13th place, while Wilson marches on to non-elimination Round 4.

In addition to the dramatic eliminations, the OK Fiji Pro applauded incredible performances by CT challengers Matt Wilkinson (AUS)Sebastian Zietz (HAW) and Jeremy Flores (FRA), who scored the three highest heat totals of the day.

In particular, Zietz put on a show with his phenomenal 18.43 two-wave score over injury replacement Bino Lopes (BRA) in Round 2 Heat 3. Zietz found two deep, running barrels to earn a near-perfect 9.00 and 9.43 and put Lopes in a combination situation. Zietz will be up against Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) in Round 3 after Dantas took down compatriot Jadson Andre (BRA) in Round 2.

“It was a little shaky at the beginning, but I think the swell just arrived,” said Zietz. “After I got a score, I relaxed a little bit. My theory in that heat was to worry about getting in the barrel first and then worry about how deep you are. That kind of worked. That one had a 10 written all over it, I just didn’t grab the rail on the takeoff!”

Wilkinson competed in Heat 3 of Round 3 to claim his spot in the next round. Wilkinson dispatched Miguel Pupo (BRA) with a 16.84 combined score. Stuck needing two new scores, Pupo was not able to strike back.

“I had a plan to put some turns down at the start,” Wilkinson said. “I got two 7s right off the bat so I could wait for waves. I think Miguel [Pupo] had a plan to be patient, but I got a few under his priority. It was such good fun.”

Flores also put on a stunning performance in his Round 2 matchup against replacement surfer Nat Young (USA) with his dominant 17.57 two-wave total. Flores will face fellow veteran Parkinson in Round 3 Heat 9, while Young walks away with a 25th place result.

Event officials will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. local time to assess the conditions and make the next call.

Surfline, official forecaster for the Outerknown Fiji Pro, are calling for:

SW swell mix will trend down on Tuesday, although still relatively solid in the morning. Smaller leftovers are expected Wednesday.  New, long period SW swell will slowly build through Thursday, likely peaks Friday and then slowly eases on Saturday.  More swells are possible during the final four days of the waiting period. 

The event will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL's Facebook page. Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal and as part of the EDGEsport Network.

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.

 

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Remaining Round 2 Results:
Heat 2: 
Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.66 def. Yago Dora (BRA) 10.33
Heat 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 18.43 def. Bino Lopes (BRA) 9.53
Heat 4: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.26 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.87
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.90 def. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 4.27
Heat 6: Joan Duru (FRA) 13.00 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 10.30
Heat 7: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 14.77 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.27
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 17.57 def. Nat Young (USA) 11.10
Heat 9: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 10.74 def. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 9.10
Heat 10: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 15.10 def. Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 7.13
Heat 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.00 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 9.23
Heat 12: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.10 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.90

 

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: 
Ian Gouveia (BRA) 15.66 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 15.26
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.04 def. Frederico Morais (PRT) 10.20
Heat 3: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.84 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 5.67
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.83 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.47

Upcoming Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 5: 
Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 6: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Connor O’Leary (AUS)
Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 10: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 11: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Stuart Kennedy (AUS)

TOP SEEDS DOMINATE ROUND 1 OF OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

TOP SEEDS DOMINATE ROUND 1 OF OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO

04/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22743992

World Surf League


 

 

TOP SEEDS DOMINATE ROUND 1 OF OUTERKNOWN FIJI PRO
- WSL CHAMPIONS MEDINA, DE SOUZA, FLORENCE & FANNING OFF TO STRONG START
- WORLD NO. 2 WRIGHT FINDS RHYTHM IN CLOUDBREAK LINEUP
- ROOKIES MORAIS, O’LEARY DOMINATE OPENING HEATS

- MORE AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

 

Caption: Michel Bourez (PYF) earned the highest heat score of the day with his increible tube riding at Cloudbreak in Round 1 Heat 11 of the OK Fiji Pro. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

 

TAVARUA/NAMOTU, Fiji (Sunday, June 4, 2017) - The Outerknown Fiji Pro, Stop No. 5 on the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), commenced today with Round 1 and the opening heat of Round 2 in heavy 6-to-8 foot (2 - 2.5 metre) waves at the world-renowned Cloudbreak.

Reigning WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) navigated his way through sizeable Cloudbreak barrels to win his Round 1 matchup against event wildcard Tevita Gukilau (FJI) and CT veteran Josh Kerr (AUS). Florence, who’s wearing the Jeep Leader Jersey in Fiji, opened up strong with an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10), but local favorite Gukilau set the pace with the highest single-wave score of the heat, an 8.30. Florence secured a safe 6.67 to add to his scoreline, while Gukilau just needed to find a 6.54 backup. Gukilau and Kerr were not able to find the waves to combat the top seed. 

“The waves are really fun,” said Florence. “There are some good barrels, but it is a bit tricky. Tevita [Gukilau] is ripping. It was a little nerve-wracking in these sneaky conditions. I think I made a mistake at the end by taking off on a pretty bad wave with my priority. I left the door open for Tevita and, luckily for me, another wave did not come.”

Owen Wright (AUS), current No. 2 on the Jeep Leaderboard, earned his place in Round 3 after taking down rookies Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW). Wright made a few attempts to fire out of the Cloudbreak barrels, but could not quite escape. He finally found his exit on his last attempt to score an excellent 8.50 and take the win.

“That was nice to win the first heat back at Fiji,” said Wright. “It has been my theme this year to build and find the right spot. I finally found the right place on that last one and made it out. That was the one that got me through the heat.”

Caption: Owen Wright (AUS) finds coverage in his Round 1 heat at the OK FIji Pro.
Credit: © WSL / Sloane


Gabriel Medina (BRA), two-time event winner, won his Round 1 heat against Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) and replacement surfer Nat Young (USA) in a close battle. The three goofy-footers showcased their forehand attacks in tricky conditions. Medina posted a strong 7.50, but only a 4.50 second-wave score to control the heat by a slim margin. Young and Dantas were not able to challenge the 2014 WSL Champion and will be relegated to elimination Round 2.

“It is good to get the win in the first one, but it is really hard out there,” said Medina. “It is hard to read the wave. I got one that I thought was pretty good, but when I pulled in, I couldn’t come out. It is hard to choose what to do on the wave -- turns or barrels. I did manage to get that barrel and make it through. The goofy-footers do a good job here. I love this wave and hope to keep going.”

Michel Bourez (PYF) put on a clinic at Cloudbreak during Round 1 Heat 11 against Miguel Pupo (BRA) and Adrian Buchan (AUS). The Tahitian dominated the match-up with two near-perfect nine point rides for an 18.70 heat total, the highest of the day, and a pass directly to Round 3.

“I went home before I came here and went to ‘Chopes (Teahupoʻo) and surfed some epic waves with my friends, which was a great preparation for here,” said Bourez.

The final heat of Round 1 saw 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA), three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), and CT veteran Bede Durbidge (AUS) do battle for an opportunity to skip through to the next round. Fanning gained control with a series of barrels and critical turns for an excellent 8.00 and 5.93. Slater, four-time event winner, locked into multiple tubes but without completion. With time running out for the surfers to challenge, Fanning was able to come away with the win.

“This is the fourth time Kelly [Slater] and I have met this year,” said Fanning. “We don't know how long we are going to be on tour for so it is great to get as many heats as we can with each other. Kelly is the greatest out here too so it is a huge honor to be out there with him. It was fun. We were pretty relaxed at the start but it got pretty intense at the end.”

Adriano de Souza (BRA), 2015 WSL Champion, will join compatriot Medina after he edged through his heat against Kanoa Igarashi (USA) and injury replacement Bino Lopes (BRA) with a 10.83 combined score.

“I had a strategy out there to try to catch as many waves as possible,” said De Souza. “But, I think that Bino [Lopes] and Kanoa [Igarashi] got better waves than me, but I was able to complete and get the scores to make it through. I want to be the best I can be, staying focused and being the best athlete. I am stoked that things went my way in that one and I will keep putting out my best.”

Caption: Adriano de Souza (BRA), 2015 WSL Champion, charges down a fast barrel at the world-famous Cloubreak in Round 1 Heat 4 of the Outerknown Fiji Pro.  
Credit: © WSL / Sloane


Frederico Morais (PRT) and Connor O’Leary (AUS) will represent the rookie class in Round 3 after winning their Round 1 heats. Morais successfully took down 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) and Brazilian threat Jadson Andre (BRA) in Heat 7 with two 5-point rides. O’Leary took the lead against fellow rookie Ian Gouveia (BRA) and Sebastian Zietz (HAW) for his early win. The remaining members of the rookie class will need to pull out all the stops in order to join Morias and O’Leary in Round 3.

Italo Ferreira (BRA) will skip through to Round 3 after winning the opening heat of Round 1. Ferreira picked up right where he left off after missing the last three events with a solid two-wave combined score over current World No. 7 Kolohe Andino (USA) and rookie Joan Duru (FRA).

Andino was able to bounce out of dreaded elimination Round 2 by knocking out wildcard Gukilau in the first and only heat of the second round that was completed today. 

2017 World Title contenders Jordy Smith (ZAF)Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and Julian Wilson (AUS) will also advance to Round 3 after winning their matchups today.

Event officials will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. local time to assess the conditions and make the next call.

Surfline, official forecaster for the Outerknown Fiji Pro, are calling for:

An overlapping mix of longer and shorter period SW swell prevails Sunday and Monday with fairly strong, but at least somewhat jumbled, surf at Cloudbreak. The surf will fade Tue-Wed. The next swell of interest is lining up for the end of next week and possibly next weekend, with medium size, mid to longer period energy possible.

The event will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL's Facebook page. Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal and as part of the EDGEsport Network.

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1:
 Italo Ferreira (BRA) 11.43, Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.00, Joan Duru (FRA) 3.94
Heat 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 12.50, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 7.74, Ethan Ewing (AUS) 6.90
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.00, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.60, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 8.17
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.83, Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 7.43, Bino Lopes (BRA) 3.30
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.16, Yago Dora (BRA) 9.43, Jack Freestone (AUS) 5.10
Heat 6: John John Florence (HAW) 14.84, Tevita Gukilau (FJI) 10.17, Josh Kerr (AUS) 8.33
Heat 7: Frederico Morais (PRT) 10.44, Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.33, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.60
Heat 8: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.00, Nat Young (USA) 7.43, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 5.63
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.33, Conner Coffin (USA) 15.27, Stu Kennedy (AUS) 8.90
Heat 10: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 11.00, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 9.27, Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 8.34
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 18.70, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 17.50, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.33
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.93, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 9.13, Kelly Slater (USA) 5.20

Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: 
Kolohe Andino (USA) 13.50 def. Tevita Gukilau (FJI) 4.16

Upcoming Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 2: 
Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
Heat 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Bino Lopes (BRA)
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)
Heat 6: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 7: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 9: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Stu Kennedy (AUS)
Heat 10: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA)
Heat 11: Jack Freestone (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 12: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)

COURTNEY CONLOGUE WINS OUTERKNOWN FIJI WOMEN’S PRO

COURTNEY CONLOGUE WINS OUTERKNOWN FIJI WOMEN’S PRO

04/06/2017, International, Surfing, World Surf League, Article # 22743967

World Surf League


 

 
COURTNEY CONLOGUE WINS OUTERKNOWN FIJI WOMEN’S PRO
- MASSIVE CONDITIONS CHALLENGE COMPETITORS IN HISTORIC FINAL
- RUNNER-UP TATIANA WESTON-WEBB EARNS BEST FINISH OF THE SEASON

- WSL CHAMPION TYLER WRIGHT RETAINS JEEP LEADER JERSEY
- MORE AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM
 

Caption: Courtney Conlogue (USA) claimed victory today at the Outerknown Fiji Women's Pro in pumping conditions at Cloudbreak.
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

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TAVARUA/NAMOTU, Fiji (Sunday, June 4, 2017) - Barriers were broken down today during the historic Final of the Outerknown Fiji Women’s Pro, Stop No. 5 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), with California’s Courtney Conlogue (USA) taking the win over Hawaii’s Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW).

Conlogue and Weston-Webb, two of the hardest-charging surfers in the field, battled for the event title in dangerous six-foot barrels at Cloudbreak in front of the world's best male surfers who stepped aside and reorganized their event schedule to see the Women’s Final run in these critical conditions.

Caption: Courtney Conlogue (USA) takes on massive waves at Cloudbreak in the Final of the Outerknown Fiji Women's Pro.
Credit: © WSL / Cestari


The Final saw the women go all out in waves of consequence for the CT win. Massive walls and heavy barrels lined-up at Cloudbreak to challenge Conlogue and Weston-Webb in their seventh head-to-head matchup. Weston-Webb charged through the fast tubes, but was unable to find the exit to complete her scores. Conlogue plowed through the lineup but got caught up on the lip trying to land extreme maneuvers. The Californian kept fighting and landed big combination moves in critical sections to take the win.

Conlogue claims her seventh career Championship Tour victory and her second of 2017, after a win at Bells Beach earlier this season. The win for the two-time CT runner-up sees her move up one place from 5th to 4th on the Jeep Leaderboard and close the gap on the top three.

“This event has always had a really special spot in my heart,” Conlogue said. “There’s been so many amazing winners and this is one of the best left-hand reef breaks in the world. I’m really stoked the WSL did what they did and thank you Jessi [Miley-Dyer] for really supporting the women. We’re pushing the change and being strong for all the women out there and going for it. Conditions were definitely tricky, but we were stoked to get into a couple.”

Conlogue stormed her way to the Final by defeating reigning WSL Champion and No. 1 on the Jeep Leaderboard Tyler Wright (AUS) and defending event winner Johanne Defay (FRA).

“Two wins is a great way to turn things around,” Conlogue continued. “I have a great support team around me and I’m learning a lot. This win means so much to me and I’m so fired up. So many amazing surfers have won here so I’m really honored to be taking this trophy home.”

The runner-up finish for Weston-Webb sees her jump up two places on the Jeep Leaderboard from 12th and puts her back inside the top 10 after a disappointing start to the season. Today is Weston-Webb’s first Final appearance of 2017 and her best ever result in Fiji.

Caption: Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) charges through fast barrels at the OK Fiji Women's Pro. 
Credit: © WSL / Sloane


“It was definitely really challenging and I really wanted to put on a show for everyone," said Weston-Webb. “I really wanted to get barrelled out there because I knew that’s what they were going to score, but unfortunately I just couldn’t make it out of a few. I really wanted to push it and show everyone that anything is possible. Courtney [Conlogue] relied on turns and was smart. She’s pushing all the women harder than ever with her surfing.”

The young surfer from Hawaii earned her place in the Final with a string of incredible victories that saw her take down two-time event winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 3X WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and 6X World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS).

Highlights from the Outerknown Fiji Women’s Pro are available at WorldSurfLeague.com.

The next stop on the 2017 WSL Women’s Championship Tour will be the Vans US Open of Surfing from July 31 - August 6, 2017.


The Outerknown Fiji Men’s Pro is ON now and holds an event window of June 4 - 16, 2017. The event will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL's Facebook page. Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal and as part of the EDGEsport Network.

Outerknown Fiji Women’s Pro Final Result:
1 - 
Courtney Conlogue (USA) 8.74
2 - Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) 5.53

2017 WSL Women’s Jeep Leaderboard (After Outerknown Fiji Women’s Pro):
1 - 
Tyler Wright (AUS) 36,200
2 - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 34,700
3 - Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 33,000
4 - Courtney Conlogue (USA) 31,800
5 - Johanne Defay (FRA) 28,200

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