Latest news with #J-Bay
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Updated 2025 world surf rankings after Open J-Bay
These are the updated world surf rankings after J-Bay. South Africa's Jordy Smith drops one position to number two, losing the coveted yellow jersey to Brazil's Yago Dora. However, with one event to go in the toturous barrels of Tahiti before the WSL Finals, there's a silver lining for our Big Bru . Everyone was ecstatic to see Smith reach number one on the world surf rankings in 2025. However, after assuming the yellow jersey in Margaret River, it's plain to see that results have not fallen the big South African's way. Now, freed up from the expectation of surfing in yellow, the 38-year-old tour veteran is focussing only on the job at hand in Tahiti. No matter the colour of his jersey, Jordy Smith is laser focussed on securing a Final Five berth to surf for a world title. Image: File Heading into the last stop of the regular season at Teahupo'o, Tahiti, the updated world surf rankings look like so: RANK SURFER POINTS 1. Yago Dora (BRA) 51 430 2. Jordy Smith (RSA) 47 515 3. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 44 455 4. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 42 675 5. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 41 885 South Africa's Jordy Smith carves a sharp line on a Jeffrey's Bay wall. Unfortunately, he would be denied a Quarter Final appearance. Image: Anton Wannenberg South African Jordy Smith's results in 2025 before assuming the yellow jersey on the world surf rankings were: Lexus Pipe Pro (HAW) – 17th Surf Abu Dhabi Pro (UAE) – 9th Rip Curl Pro Portugal (PRO) – 9th El Salvador Pro (SAL) – 1st Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (AUS) – 5th Gold Coast Pro (AUS) – 5th Margaret River Pro, WA (AUS) – 1st A fantastic run of form, bookended by wins in El Salvador and Western Australia, garnered Smith a brand-new GWM 300 Tank as the grand prize for scoring the most points on the GWM 'Aussie Treble' leg. However, in the number one jersey, his results have been tempered, with surf fans disappointed to see him bow out at his beloved J-Bay before the Quarter Finals: Lexus Trestles Pro (USA) – 9th Rio Pro (BRA) – 5th Open J-Bay (RSA) – 9th Connor O'Leary surfed a 'perfect 10' on the way to his maiden WSL event win in J-Bay. Video: WSL on YouTube A good result at Smith's home break could have well and truly sewn up his entry into the WSL Final Five. However, the surprise from the J-Bay event was the underdog win by goofy footer, Connor O'Leary. The lowly ranked O'Leary surfed like a man possessed. And he took 10 000 points for the event win away from Smith's nearest rivals, ensuring he only slipped one position on the world surf rankings. Every remaining point on the world surf rankings counts. The WSL Finals hosted this year in Cloudbreak, Fiji, follows a man-on-man heat format. Number five surfs number four, the winner takes on number three, and so on … until the low seed matches up against number one. And the higher Jordy Smith is ranked, the less heats he will have to surf, and the better shot at a world title. Tahiti Pro event window opens on Thursday 7 August 2025. WSL Finals in Fiji could run from Wednesday 27 August 2025. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Gabriela Bryan and Connor O'Leary crowned Corona Cero Open J-Bay champs
Gabriela Bryan and Connor O'Leary won the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, stop No 10 on the World Surf League 2025 Championship Tour. It was all-time Supertubes conditions, with solid four-to-six-foot surf in offshore wind, with the world's best putting on a high-performance show in front of thousands of surf fans lining the beach. Molly Picklum (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA) finished runners-up after producing some of the top performances throughout the week. The next stop on the 2025 CT will be the Lexus Tahiti Pro, the final regular-season event before the one-day, winner-take-all Lexus WSL Finals in Cloudbreak, Fiji. Only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the world rankings will compete in the event. Following today's competition, there are now four men's spots and two women's spots remaining. The seeding and final positions will all come down to the world-renowned Teahupo'o from August 7 through August 16, 2025. Japan's Connor O'Leary won his first-ever CT title at the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, a career-best result in his seven years on Tour. O'Leary burst onto the scene in his Rookie year in 2017, and his last Finals appearance was at the Fiji Pro of that year. This season, the 31-year-old from Cronulla had a run of ninth-place finishes and two Quarterfinal appearances, and has jumped to No. 11 on the rankings after his win, his best result for 2025. 'I don't have any words,' said O'Leary. 'I'm just so happy with how I performed today. [Richard] 'Dog' Marsh has been telling me that it's coming this year, but it's been hard to believe sometimes. All the stars aligned for this one, so I'm stoked. 'It felt good to have so many people cheering for me, and then to perform for them. I intended to do some of the best backhand surfing you've ever seen, and to compete with a fellow goofy in the final, hopefully it inspires other goofy-foot surfers that they can compete against the best in perfect right-hand point breaks.' O'Leary took the win over Yago Dora (BRA) in an all-goofy-foot battle at Supertubes. O'Leary's flawless backhand attack saw him earn the event's only 10-point ride (out of a possible 10) to knock out three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) in an exhilarating semi-final clash to advance to his first final for 2025. O'Leary had a massive challenge ahead, with Dora seemingly unstoppable in J-Bay and in his third Final for the season. Locking into a classic leg burner, O'Leary scored an excellent 8.17 and 7.50 for a total of 15.67 (out of a possible 20) for the win. On the hunt for his third CT win of the season, Dora showed his affinity for the long-running walls of Supertubes, finding excellent scores in almost every heat at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. On his way to the final, Dora took out Griffin Colapinto (USA) in an exciting semi-final and defeated Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in the quarter-finals. With this result, Dora clinched his spot in the WSL Final 5, marking his first appearance in the Lexus WSL finals to compete for the World Title. In her fourth Final appearance in 2025, world No 2 Gabriela Bryan earned her third CT win of the season and the fourth of her career in dramatic fashion, defeating world No 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) by the narrowest of margins. After an early exit at the VIVO Rio Pro, Bryan lost the Yellow Leader Jersey to Picklum and flew out to South Africa to reset and get in a few extra reps at Supertubes. 'I don't think it's sunk in yet,' said Bryan. 'I came here early, putting in a lot of time here, and it paid off. I'm so stoked. It's been a dream of mine to win here at J-Bay. It's an iconic wave and one of my favourites in the world. 'The Yellow Jersey comes with a lot of pressure, so I definitely had less pressure in that Final. I personally like chasing something that I want to go after. The only time I want to be wearing Yellow is the first event next year.' Bryan clinched her place in the WSL Final 5 and will compete for the world title in the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji. The 23-year-old dispatched two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in the quarter-finals, before taking out the 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) in the semi-finals. 'I can't even believe it,' said Bryan. 'From last year, where I think I missed out by one heat, and now to do it with one event left in the regular season. I get to go back to Fiji, one of my favorite places in the world, to compete for a world title, it's mind-blowing. 'It's been a great day. I knew that waking up, that's it's going to be a huge day no matter what. I'm going to do everything I can to make it a great day. There are so many good things to take away, but I just tried to simplify things, because it's so exhausting out there today, so I just focused on getting two good waves.' World No 1 Picklum (AUS) will wear the Yellow Leader Jersey going into the last event of the regular season, the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. She overcame an in-form Isabella Nichols (AUS) in the semi-finals, getting one back after Nichols won their semi-final clash in El Salvador earlier this year. Picklum, runner-up in 2023 to Lakey Peterson (USA), defeated Peterson in the quarter-finals but had to settle for another runner-up in 2025 to Gabriela Bryan. 'It's a one-of-a-kind wave,' said Picklum. 'It definitely has a specific timing and rhythm to it. Last year I felt I could learn a lot about my surfing here, and this year I was just trying to hold the throttle down a bit more, and find that rhythm.' Heading into this event, Picklum had clinched her spot in the WSL Final 5 early. Leading the pack going into Tahiti, the 22-year-old will be one to watch as she's been known to charge waves of consequence, such as Teahupo'o and Cloudbreak, up next on the schedule. Caity Simmers also secured her spot in the WSL Finals with her result today and the results of her competitors. With only two spots remaining for the women, it will all come down to the Lexus Tahiti Pro, which holds a competition window starting 7 August 2025. 1 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.60 2 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.34 1 – Connor O'Leary (JPN) 15.67 2 – Yago Dora (BRA) 14.23 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Japan's O'Leary beats world number one Dora to take J-Bay win
Japan's Connor O'Leary won his first world championship tour title at the Corona Open J-Bay in South Africa on Friday. O'Leary had the event's only 10-point ride in the semi-finals as he knocked out three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo, before beating another Brazilian in world number one Yago Dora in the final. The Australian-born O'Leary only rode three waves but racked up scores of 8.17 and 7.50 in his second and third runs, giving him a two-wave total of 15.67 of a possible 20, well clear of Dora's 14.23. "All the stars aligned for this one, so I'm stoked. It felt good to have so many people cheering for me, and then to perform for them," said O'Leary, a goofy-footer, or one who stands with his right foot forward. "I intended to do some of the best backhand surfing you've ever seen, and to compete with a fellow goofy in the final, hopefully it inspires other goofy-foot surfers that they can compete against the best in perfect right-hand point breaks." World number two Gabriela Bryan won the women's event with a hard-fought victory over Australian world number one Molly Picklum, totalling 13.60 with efforts of 6.67 and 6.93 to outdo Picklum's opening 7.67. Picklum finished with a total of 13.34. "I came here early, putting in a lot of time here, and it paid off. I'm so stoked. It's been a dream of mine to win here at J-Bay. It's an iconic wave and one of my favourites in the world," Hawaii's Bryan said. The tour next heads to Tahiti. The top five men and women after the 11-stop tour will then compete for the world title in a one-day, winner-takes-all Finals Day in Fiji. Picklum, Byran and Caity Simmers (U.S.) have qualified for the women's event, while only Dora has sealed his spot in the men's competition. REUTERS
The Star
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Surfing-Japan's O'Leary beats world number one Dora to take J-Bay win
Paris 2024 Olympics - Surfing - Men's Round 3 - Heat 8 - Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia - July 29, 2024. Connor O'Leary of Japan rides a wave. Ed Sloane/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo (Reuters) -Japan's Connor O'Leary won his first world championship tour title at the Corona Open J-Bay in South Africa on Friday. O'Leary had the event's only 10-point ride in the semi-finals as he knocked out three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo, before beating another Brazilian in world number one Yago Dora in the final. The Australian-born O'Leary only rode three waves but racked up scores of 8.17 and 7.50 in his second and third runs, giving him a two-wave total of 15.67 of a possible 20, well clear of Dora's 14.23. "All the stars aligned for this one, so I'm stoked. It felt good to have so many people cheering for me, and then to perform for them," said O'Leary, a goofy-footer, or one who stands with his right foot forward. "I intended to do some of the best backhand surfing you've ever seen, and to compete with a fellow goofy in the final, hopefully it inspires other goofy-foot surfers that they can compete against the best in perfect right-hand point breaks." World number two Gabriela Bryan won the women's event with a hard-fought victory over Australian world number one Molly Picklum, totalling 13.60 with efforts of 6.67 and 6.93 to outdo Picklum's opening 7.67. Picklum finished with a total of 13.34. "I came here early, putting in a lot of time here, and it paid off. I'm so stoked. It's been a dream of mine to win here at J-Bay. It's an iconic wave and one of my favourites in the world," Hawaii's Bryan said. The tour next heads to Tahiti. The top five men and women after the 11-stop tour will then compete for the world title in a one-day, winner-takes-all Finals Day in Fiji. Picklum, Byran and Caity Simmers (U.S.) have qualified for the women's event, while only Dora has sealed his spot in the men's competition. (Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
The Advertiser
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Hesitant Picklum misses chance of World Surf League win
Australian star Molly Picklum has missed out agonisingly on another World Surf League triumph in South Africa, frustrated with herself for not riding one last wave that might have sealed a last-gasp final win over her American rival Gabriela Bryan. In the closest of showdowns, Bryan took a narrow lead in their duel at Jeffreys Bay on South Africa's Eastern Cape on Friday with just 90 seconds left, scoring 6.93 when needing a 6.68. It left Australia's WSL leader Picklum little time for a response as she looked to earn a modest score of 5.93 to seal back-to-back victories in the 'J-Bay' event following her triumph in Saquarema, Brazil, last month. But Picklum. the 22-year-old from Gosford, hesitated when looking for the ideal wave to carry her to victory, failing to grab a couple of possible chances to ride in the final minute in a bid for glory. When her time ran out to respond with what would have been her seventh effort of the final, the Australian ended up the picture of frustration as she splashed the waters in disgust at having lost the final by a mere 0.26 points, 13.60 to 13.34. Picklum's consistency means she still leads the WSL standings on 61,145 points, ahead of Hawaiian Bryan, who was lifting her third title of the season to put her on 58,595 points. The tour moves on to Tahiti next month, with the finals to be staged in Fiji between August 27 and September 4. Australian star Molly Picklum has missed out agonisingly on another World Surf League triumph in South Africa, frustrated with herself for not riding one last wave that might have sealed a last-gasp final win over her American rival Gabriela Bryan. In the closest of showdowns, Bryan took a narrow lead in their duel at Jeffreys Bay on South Africa's Eastern Cape on Friday with just 90 seconds left, scoring 6.93 when needing a 6.68. It left Australia's WSL leader Picklum little time for a response as she looked to earn a modest score of 5.93 to seal back-to-back victories in the 'J-Bay' event following her triumph in Saquarema, Brazil, last month. But Picklum. the 22-year-old from Gosford, hesitated when looking for the ideal wave to carry her to victory, failing to grab a couple of possible chances to ride in the final minute in a bid for glory. When her time ran out to respond with what would have been her seventh effort of the final, the Australian ended up the picture of frustration as she splashed the waters in disgust at having lost the final by a mere 0.26 points, 13.60 to 13.34. Picklum's consistency means she still leads the WSL standings on 61,145 points, ahead of Hawaiian Bryan, who was lifting her third title of the season to put her on 58,595 points. The tour moves on to Tahiti next month, with the finals to be staged in Fiji between August 27 and September 4. Australian star Molly Picklum has missed out agonisingly on another World Surf League triumph in South Africa, frustrated with herself for not riding one last wave that might have sealed a last-gasp final win over her American rival Gabriela Bryan. In the closest of showdowns, Bryan took a narrow lead in their duel at Jeffreys Bay on South Africa's Eastern Cape on Friday with just 90 seconds left, scoring 6.93 when needing a 6.68. It left Australia's WSL leader Picklum little time for a response as she looked to earn a modest score of 5.93 to seal back-to-back victories in the 'J-Bay' event following her triumph in Saquarema, Brazil, last month. But Picklum. the 22-year-old from Gosford, hesitated when looking for the ideal wave to carry her to victory, failing to grab a couple of possible chances to ride in the final minute in a bid for glory. When her time ran out to respond with what would have been her seventh effort of the final, the Australian ended up the picture of frustration as she splashed the waters in disgust at having lost the final by a mere 0.26 points, 13.60 to 13.34. Picklum's consistency means she still leads the WSL standings on 61,145 points, ahead of Hawaiian Bryan, who was lifting her third title of the season to put her on 58,595 points. The tour moves on to Tahiti next month, with the finals to be staged in Fiji between August 27 and September 4. Australian star Molly Picklum has missed out agonisingly on another World Surf League triumph in South Africa, frustrated with herself for not riding one last wave that might have sealed a last-gasp final win over her American rival Gabriela Bryan. In the closest of showdowns, Bryan took a narrow lead in their duel at Jeffreys Bay on South Africa's Eastern Cape on Friday with just 90 seconds left, scoring 6.93 when needing a 6.68. It left Australia's WSL leader Picklum little time for a response as she looked to earn a modest score of 5.93 to seal back-to-back victories in the 'J-Bay' event following her triumph in Saquarema, Brazil, last month. But Picklum. the 22-year-old from Gosford, hesitated when looking for the ideal wave to carry her to victory, failing to grab a couple of possible chances to ride in the final minute in a bid for glory. When her time ran out to respond with what would have been her seventh effort of the final, the Australian ended up the picture of frustration as she splashed the waters in disgust at having lost the final by a mere 0.26 points, 13.60 to 13.34. Picklum's consistency means she still leads the WSL standings on 61,145 points, ahead of Hawaiian Bryan, who was lifting her third title of the season to put her on 58,595 points. The tour moves on to Tahiti next month, with the finals to be staged in Fiji between August 27 and September 4.
