Carissa Moore (HAW), three-time WSL Champion, eliminated injury replacementBronte Macaulay (AUS) in Round 4 Heat 4. With the last Quarterfinal spot on the line, the two battled wave for wave to advance. Macaulay charged through the start of the heat to get an early lead with a solid 5-point ride, while Moore struggled to find the waves to earn her competitive scores. Midway through the heat, Moore fought back with a 5.67 and a 6.17 to narrowly defeat the injury replacement by only 0.93 points. Moore will advance to the Quarterfinals, where she will face six-time World ChampionStephanie Gilmore (AUS).
“I was a little nervous because the conditions were pretty tricky out there,” Moore said. “The waves were pretty short and steep, so when Bronte got her scores right off the bat, I knew I had to get moving. I am stoked it worked out. I think I needed the extra round because I have not surfed beach breaks in a while. It is good for me to get used to it more and focus on each wave and each turn.”
Johanne Defay (FRA) battled Laura Enever (AUS) in Round 4 Heat 3 for the opportunity to secure a spot in the Quarterfinals. Enever got off to a quick start to take the lead, but Defay locked in two solid scores to take control. Enever was not able to find the second ride to close the 2.17-point gap required to win the heat. Defay will compete against Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Quarterfinals.
“It was a tough heat, but I am very glad to have made it,” said Defay. “It was very tough for me, and I think for Laura, too. I am very stoked, and I am just going to try to go farther now. I am happy with my start to this year. My finish at Margaret River was difficult to swallow, but I am very happy to be competing again.”
Following the completion of women’s Round 4, conditions deteriorated and event organizers called competition off for the day.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6:30am local time for a possible 7am start.
Highlights from the Oi Rio Pro will be webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.
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