Late Heat Upsets Decide Men’s Round of 32
Rookie Marco Mignot (FRA) survived a grinding heat as the low tide really started to make things difficult. Mignot, Seth Moniz (HAW), and 2023 event winner Joao Chianca (BRA) surfed anything and everything to try and manufacture a decent score. A last-ditch effort from Moniz saw the Hawaiian get the small score required to bump Chianca out of contention.
“It’s hard to spot the good waves out there,” Mignot said. “There are these nice double-ups that give you a lot to work with, but you don’t see them, and then you let it go. I’m glad I found a couple, it was fun. I want to keep learning, keep growing, and these challenges make you stronger. I have to switch that mindset and go like I’m a warrior, I’m hungry, and I have to fight for this.”
The judges rewarded the speed and flow from Liam O’Brien (AUS) who snuck into the top spot in his Elimination Round heat with a 6.50 (out of a possible 10). The heat was dominated by the fast and powerful surfing from Edgard Groggia (BRA) who held the lead for the majority. Groggia built a score to create space between him and Ian Gouveia (BRA).
A total of twenty-nine waves were ridden in the final heat of the men’s Elimination Round. Skating over the sections for loose and fast surfing, it was Samuel Pupo (BRA) who advanced to the next round ahead of Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and George Pittar (AUS). In his last wave, Boukhiam earned the highest score of the heat to place him into second, and eliminate Pittar.
“I feel like speed is probably the main thing in my surfing so I can use that to my advantage,” said Pupo. “It’s been a tricky year so far, but it’s almost like I’m starting the year now with five events left.”
Unlike the other heats in the men’s Elimination Rounds, Deivid Silva’s (BRA) explosive backhand and quick-paced approach in the tricky conditions earned him a solid win over Jake Marshall (USA), and sent event wildcard and local favorite Frederico Morais (POR) home. Marshall also moves onto the Round of 32 as he searches for his first CT win.
“It’s difficult out there this morning, but I was more relaxed after getting those two waves at the start,” Silva said. “Every heat win is important to get more points, so I’m really happy to continue.” |