After several lay days, the Rip Curl Search Portugal finally went live, and has now run through all of rounds one and two. Let’s take a look at who’s making waves and who’s already on the flight to Hawaii.
Big winners:
Owen Wright – cut his teeth on Kekoa Bacalso in round one, then killed Slater’s 2009 title hopes in round two with an exciting aerial performance.
Mick Fanning – I don’t have to like him, but it’s hard to knock his ability to perform. He fought a close battle with Pat Gudauskas. Pat had more flare (and yeah, he almost landed a rodeo), but Mick’s steady and safe surfing triumphed.
Joel Parkinson – ousted Bruno Santos, but didn’t seem to have all that much fight in him. It will be interesting to see how he performs in round three.
Bede Durbidge – obliterated Marlon Lipke in front of the underdog’s local crowd. Bede’s in the title race and hungry.
Taj Burrow – was on fire. Taj is in fine form, dropped Miky Picon like a bad habit, and is ready to fight for that world title we all know he deserves.
Dane Reynolds – put on an amazing show. Reminded us why we all anxiously anticipate his heats when he flew high over Dean Morrison. Dane’s now vying with Jordy Smith for sophomore of the year.
Jordy Smith – made Roy Powers look silly with two big frontside reverse airs. Believe the hype folks.
Bobby Martinez – made Nic Muscroft look like… well… Nic Muscroft. He’s statistically still in the running for a title and showing his intent.
Drew Courtney – after an equal 5th at Mundaka, Drew is fighting to requalify, topping Dustin Barca in a high scoring heat, then Taylor Knox with another solid point total.
The Hobgood twins – yep, they both advanced and are both still technically in the title race. CJ has much better odds, but keep an eye on Damien in round three.
Adriano de Souza – took out fellow unlovable Brazilian, Jihad Khodr. Hardly an impressive win, but he put up some crisp turns and he’s looking good for another strong finish and continued title contention.
Big losers:
Kelly Slater – showed fine form and tore the bag out of the waves he chose, but it wasn’t enough to put down the frothing Owen Wright who upped the ante and topped Slater by just under a half a point.
Tiago Pires – fizzled in the first round in front of his hometown crowd, bumped out of the event by the back of the pack rookie, Nathan Curran.
Marlon Lipke – showed some promise and local knowledge when he took down Michel Bourez in round one, but his big forehand hacks weren’t enough to match Bede Durbidge in round two.
Taylor Knox – is now officially out of the title race (though he was really only a fringe challenger), thanks to the hungrier than ever Drew Courtney. Good show though, Taylor.
Chris Ward – where the eff is Wardo? Chris was sent packing with another equal 33rd, this time by back of pack Fronchie, Miky Picon.
Ace Buchan – continues his lackluster year, plagued with loss and injury after a breakthrough year last year. Fellow Aussie goofyfoot Kai Otton edged him out by the narrowest of margins, sending Ace to Hawaii with another equal 17th.
Tune in to the event website for the start of round 3 when competitions resumes. Don’t even try to pretend there’s a more exciting heat than the Owen Wright and Dane Reynolds matchup.
Round 3 matchups:
Heat # 1 CJ Hobgood (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat # 2 Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat # 3 Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat # 4 Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat # 5 Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat # 6 Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat # 7 Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Frederick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat # 8 Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Related posts:
- Rip Curl Pro Search lands in Peniche, Portugal
- Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach – Dane Reynolds sent packing, Jordy Smith dominates
- Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach – Round 2 upsets continue with more top seed falling
- 2009 ASP World Tour rankings – after event 2: Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach
- Quiksilver Pro France 2008 – lay day
I agree with you. Fanning is boring.