With the same inconsistent swell, the third day of the Buondi Billabong Pro 6 Star WQS restarted at the beach of Sao Juliao, fifteen minute drive south from the main event site of Ribeira d’Ilhas. The 2 to 3 ft (1 meter) waves were clean, glassy and heat 7 could open another day of action in good contestable conditions.
Running on two banks to get as much heats as possible out of the way, the Buondi Billabong Pro ran until heat 6 of round 3, wrapping up the second round in good conditions before the tide had changed the consistent sets to flat uncontestable waves.
The man of the day ended to be Daniel Ross (AUS), the aussie dominating the last heat of round 2 ahead of Damian Fahrenfort (ZAF), Romain Laulhé (FRA) and Rudy Maréchal (FRA). In a high scoring heat where the three first men reached the 13 points mark, Ross found a promssing 8 out of possible 10 halfway through the heat before finishing his run with an excellent 9.33.
“I’m stoked… The waves picked up during that heat and I found the good ones. The righthanders were offering quite a few options and I just felt good in these conditions. Let’s hope tomorrow brings us a better size and some consistency to get on with this big event,” said Ross.
Surfing on the South bank, former Foster’s ASP World tour member Yuri Sodre (BRA) scored the second best performance of the day, the brazilian experienced surfer showing his mental strenght in the changing conditions.
Starting slowly to find the best place at the outside, Sodre got better and better throughout the heat, finishing with two very good rides of 7.5 and 9.33 to equal Ross’s best single wave score of the event. Running for a requalification in the top 45 and chasing a big result in this 6 Star WQS, Sodre left the water satisfied.
“I had a good time in the water. The south bank was good and I just remained relaxed and wanted to wait for the best waves. I’m lucky it came in the end and I surfed well to eventually win the battle.”
Sodre is running for the NIXON best single wave score award of the event from now on, being tight with Daniel Ross (AUS) for the victory so far. The brazilian will surf against WQS leader Jordy Smith (ZAF) and current top 45 surfer Josh Kerr (AUS) when competition resumes tomorrow.
Starting fast witn his custom made new school style, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) secured a solid first place in heat 14 thanks to an 8.67 out of possible 10.
“We’ve been having long days since we started and I was happy to get my start in the event. The waves were really fun and I wasn’t feeling any pressure so I just surfed relaxed and enjoyed my time in the water.”
Surfing on the north bank, tahitian Alain Riou (PYF) was the first outstanding performer of the day, using the righthanders to express his backside efficiency. Starting the heat with a 7.67, Riou ended with a two-wave combined tally of 15 points, easily qualifying for round 3.
“The waves were good and I just wanted to surf well, not thnking of any scores or result. And it paid off at the end, thanks to this good first wave I got,” said Riou. Looking for a comeback int the ratings’ top 50, Riou is definitely looking forward to get through ext round tomorrow.
Much awaited by the local crowd and cheered by the public, Justin Mujica (PRT) led heat 20 in front of friend and European Pro Surf Tour current #2 Hodei Collazo (EUK). Halfway through the battle, Mujica found a 6.20 before securing a solid 8.5 ride to confidently advance to round 3.
“The waves are good, it’s sunny, we are moving through the event despite the conditions so all is good so far ! I wanted to start well in the Buondi Billabong Pro; I know the place very well and the crowd is always supporting us portuguese surfers with passion so I hope I can make a good result soon.”
The first six heats of round 3 were sent out straight away before high tide. Amongst others, quarterfinalist and best scorer in the Rip Curl Pro Super Series Luke Munro (AUS) managed to find a way out of the tricky changing conditions ahead of well known californian new school leader Brett Simpson (USA).
With tomorrow supposed to be the best day of the week, the Buondi Billabong Pro will once again restart at the beachbreak of Sao Juliao, at 7 AM local time with heat 7 of round 3 where Kierren Perrow (AUS) will meet Tim Boal (FRA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and William Cardoso (BRA).
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