Brazil’s Gabriel Medina top-scored in Round 1 of the Fiji Pro, which kicked-off in less than perfect (by Fiji’s standards) but rippable Cloudbreak.
Gabriel found his rhythm and smashed his way to a 17.13 (9.23 and 7.90) heat total.
It was a good day for the Brazilians in fact, with five heat wins from eight in Round 1. Highly-rated rookie Italo Ferreira, fellow goofyfoots Jadson Andre and Wiggoly Dantas, as well as Alejo Muniz all joined Gabriel directly in Round 3. Ratings leader Adriano De Souza, world number 2 Filipe Toledo and Miguel Pupo finished 2nd, 3rd and 2nd in their respective heats though, and will have to surf in Round 2.
Other heat winners from Round 1 included Australians Taj Burrow, Adrian Buchan, Mick Fanning, Kai Otten, Hawaiians Sebastian Zietz and Keanu Asing, as well as Nat Young from the USA.
Kelly smashed some lips on his plain white sleds, but not enough to advance to Round 3.
With Jordy Smith having withdrawn from competition due to injury, surf fans back home will be backing their favourite international surfer, and a majority will have been hoping Kelly Slater (USA) would have worked his magic and won his heat. Unfortunately he wasn’t able in the less than ideal conditions and finished third, which sees him matched-up with Jay Davies (AUS) in Round 2. Another fan favourite, Dane Reynolds (USA), was unable to get the better of Adrian Buchan in Heat 4, and he’ll be up against Josh Kerr (AUS) in Round 2.
The forecast is predicting much improved and bigger conditions for the days ahead, so watch out for the big guns like Owen Wright (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS) and King Kelly himself to kick into gear and record some solid scores.
Go to worldsurfleague.com for all the results, highlights and photos from the Fiji Pro.
