Reigning ASP World Champion Mick Fanning is safely through to the fourth round after a shortened day of competition at the Billabong Pro Tahiti.
After two days of perfect conditions in the Pacific, things took a turn for the worse yesterday morning as heavy south wind and rain forced the competition to be called off after the completion of the third round. That was enough action though to complete the list of 32 surfers who will stay on the ASP World Tour after this event.
'I just need to stay focused on each heat and surf my best' – Fanning
One man who was already assured of his place for the remainder of the tour is current world No 6 Fanning. The Australian defeated Tamaroa McComb in the day’s first heat, and he is staying calm as he bids to defend his title.
“It’s still early days,” Fanning said. “I’m holding a couple throwaways already this season so I need to start looking at putting in results. It’s not all that different to last season really. Anyone can get on a roll at any time and put a few events away. I just need to stay focused on each heat and surf my best.”
Another man to survive the dreaded cut was American Patrick Gudauskas whose win over Chris Davidson catapulted him up the rankings from 32 to 24. The 24-year-old rookie executed a Rodeo Flip in the dying minutes to take the heat.
“It was really tough out there,” Gudauskas said. “There weren’t a lot of waves coming through and I didn’t know if I should wait for the good ones or if there were even any good ones left. I knew I needed to go big at the end there so I thought, ‘whatever, I’ll just try this’. It had a really nice section and when I came out of the rotation, I knew I had it so I just kind of rode out and gave the judges a little thumbs up.”
Competition should resume tomorrow with the fourth round – for more news from Tahiti check out our dedicated event page.
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