Latest news with #RioPro
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Picklum in top spot after another World Surf League win
Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories. Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories. Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories. Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Picklum in top spot after another World Surf League win
Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Aussies looking to ride a wave of success in Brazil
Competition at the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold again, with conditions still not suitable for heats. After three consecutive lay days, conditions have not improved at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break, with onshore wind and waves closing out in the six-foot range on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). "We were surprised today at how strong the swell and the currents were at Praia de Itauna,'' said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "We watched a lot of the free surfs and there are definitely no opportunities to run heats. "We made a couple of calls, hoping that conditions would improve, which did not happen, so we decided to call the event off for the day. Now we're putting all our bets on a full day tomorrow." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, faces Peru's Arena Rodriguez, competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old produced the biggest shock of the event when she knocked out world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to make the quarter-finals. Two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope and fan favourite Luana Silva for a semi-finals berth. Australia's leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing will both be in action in the elimination round. Robinson takes on Indonesia's Rio Waida, while Ewing has drawn Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan is already through to the round of 16 after dominating his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz. Competition at the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold again, with conditions still not suitable for heats. After three consecutive lay days, conditions have not improved at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break, with onshore wind and waves closing out in the six-foot range on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). "We were surprised today at how strong the swell and the currents were at Praia de Itauna,'' said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "We watched a lot of the free surfs and there are definitely no opportunities to run heats. "We made a couple of calls, hoping that conditions would improve, which did not happen, so we decided to call the event off for the day. Now we're putting all our bets on a full day tomorrow." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, faces Peru's Arena Rodriguez, competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old produced the biggest shock of the event when she knocked out world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to make the quarter-finals. Two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope and fan favourite Luana Silva for a semi-finals berth. Australia's leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing will both be in action in the elimination round. Robinson takes on Indonesia's Rio Waida, while Ewing has drawn Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan is already through to the round of 16 after dominating his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz. Competition at the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold again, with conditions still not suitable for heats. After three consecutive lay days, conditions have not improved at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break, with onshore wind and waves closing out in the six-foot range on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). "We were surprised today at how strong the swell and the currents were at Praia de Itauna,'' said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "We watched a lot of the free surfs and there are definitely no opportunities to run heats. "We made a couple of calls, hoping that conditions would improve, which did not happen, so we decided to call the event off for the day. Now we're putting all our bets on a full day tomorrow." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, faces Peru's Arena Rodriguez, competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old produced the biggest shock of the event when she knocked out world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to make the quarter-finals. Two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope and fan favourite Luana Silva for a semi-finals berth. Australia's leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing will both be in action in the elimination round. Robinson takes on Indonesia's Rio Waida, while Ewing has drawn Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan is already through to the round of 16 after dominating his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz. Competition at the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold again, with conditions still not suitable for heats. After three consecutive lay days, conditions have not improved at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break, with onshore wind and waves closing out in the six-foot range on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). "We were surprised today at how strong the swell and the currents were at Praia de Itauna,'' said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "We watched a lot of the free surfs and there are definitely no opportunities to run heats. "We made a couple of calls, hoping that conditions would improve, which did not happen, so we decided to call the event off for the day. Now we're putting all our bets on a full day tomorrow." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, faces Peru's Arena Rodriguez, competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old produced the biggest shock of the event when she knocked out world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to make the quarter-finals. Two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope and fan favourite Luana Silva for a semi-finals berth. Australia's leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing will both be in action in the elimination round. Robinson takes on Indonesia's Rio Waida, while Ewing has drawn Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan is already through to the round of 16 after dominating his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Climate
- Perth Now
Aussies looking to ride a wave of success in Brazil
Competition at the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold again, with conditions still not suitable for heats. After three consecutive lay days, conditions have not improved at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break, with onshore wind and waves closing out in the six-foot range on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). "We were surprised today at how strong the swell and the currents were at Praia de Itauna,'' said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "We watched a lot of the free surfs and there are definitely no opportunities to run heats. "We made a couple of calls, hoping that conditions would improve, which did not happen, so we decided to call the event off for the day. Now we're putting all our bets on a full day tomorrow." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, faces Peru's Arena Rodriguez, competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old produced the biggest shock of the event when she knocked out world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to make the quarter-finals. Two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope and fan favourite Luana Silva for a semi-finals berth. Australia's leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing will both be in action in the elimination round. Robinson takes on Indonesia's Rio Waida, while Ewing has drawn Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan is already through to the round of 16 after dominating his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Rio Surf Pro on hold with big swell expected midweek
Competition in the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold until at least Wednesday with a big swell in the forecast. After one day of competition, surfers now have two days off with waves of up to three metres expected to arrive at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break midweek. "The surf has dropped quite considerably since yesterday, it's only two to three feet and with very slow sets," said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "Some good ones when they do come, but not consistent enough to put an important round in the water. "We know we have a big swell on the way, expecting six to 10 foot waves on Wednesday and that's when we'll have our next call." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright still flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, next faces Arena Rodriguez, who is competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old from Peru produced the biggest shock result of the event by eliminating current world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to advance to the quarter-finals. When competition resumes two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope Luana Silva for a place in the semi-finals. Australia's two leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, is already safely through to the round of 16 after convincingly winning his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz. Competition in the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold until at least Wednesday with a big swell in the forecast. After one day of competition, surfers now have two days off with waves of up to three metres expected to arrive at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break midweek. "The surf has dropped quite considerably since yesterday, it's only two to three feet and with very slow sets," said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "Some good ones when they do come, but not consistent enough to put an important round in the water. "We know we have a big swell on the way, expecting six to 10 foot waves on Wednesday and that's when we'll have our next call." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright still flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, next faces Arena Rodriguez, who is competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old from Peru produced the biggest shock result of the event by eliminating current world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to advance to the quarter-finals. When competition resumes two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope Luana Silva for a place in the semi-finals. Australia's two leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, is already safely through to the round of 16 after convincingly winning his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz. Competition in the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold until at least Wednesday with a big swell in the forecast. After one day of competition, surfers now have two days off with waves of up to three metres expected to arrive at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break midweek. "The surf has dropped quite considerably since yesterday, it's only two to three feet and with very slow sets," said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "Some good ones when they do come, but not consistent enough to put an important round in the water. "We know we have a big swell on the way, expecting six to 10 foot waves on Wednesday and that's when we'll have our next call." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright still flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, next faces Arena Rodriguez, who is competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old from Peru produced the biggest shock result of the event by eliminating current world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to advance to the quarter-finals. When competition resumes two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope Luana Silva for a place in the semi-finals. Australia's two leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, is already safely through to the round of 16 after convincingly winning his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz. Competition in the World Surf League's Rio Pro has been put on hold until at least Wednesday with a big swell in the forecast. After one day of competition, surfers now have two days off with waves of up to three metres expected to arrive at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break midweek. "The surf has dropped quite considerably since yesterday, it's only two to three feet and with very slow sets," said WSL spokesman Renato Hickel. "Some good ones when they do come, but not consistent enough to put an important round in the water. "We know we have a big swell on the way, expecting six to 10 foot waves on Wednesday and that's when we'll have our next call." The women's draw is up to the quarter-final stage, with Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright still flying the Australian flag. World No.3 Picklum, who can take over the rankings lead with another heat win, next faces Arena Rodriguez, who is competing in her first Championship Tour event. The 19-year-old from Peru produced the biggest shock result of the event by eliminating current world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. Picklum is the only surfer in the world's top five to advance to the quarter-finals. When competition resumes two-time world champion Wright will take on local hope Luana Silva for a place in the semi-finals. Australia's two leading male surfers Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, is already safely through to the round of 16 after convincingly winning his heat against Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi and Brazilan Alejo Muniz.
