Sebastian Zietz Wins Drug Aware Margaret River Pro Over Julian Wilson

Sebastian Zietz (HAW), former elite tour competitor and injury replacement surfer on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, has claimed victory at the third stop of the season, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.

With a solid swell in the six-to-eight foot (2 – 2.5 metre) range and offshore winds, Margaret River’s Main Break delivered for the final day of the men’s competition in Western Australia as well as the last day of the Australian leg, setting up a dramatic Final between Zietz and Julian Wilson (AUS).

Wilson opened the Final quickly with a score on the board, and continued to lock in more points under Zietz’s priority. Zietz responded by posting a 9.10, showcasing his trademark Hawaiian power and style. With only five minutes left on the clock, a set out the back gave Zietz the opportunity to make up lost ground. Wilson took off on the first wave of the set to separate his score, but Zietz answered back to take the lead. Zietz secured a 17.40 two-wave combined score to defeat Wilson’s 16.67.

“I am stoked,” Zietz said. “The pressure was on and I pulled that last maneuver in the white-water and made it. To win was definitely the goal I’d set for a long time. It is epic to win a CT event being against all the top guys and come out on top. I just want to dedicate this win to my family and everyone at home. Thank you everyone who has pushed me and helped me along the way.”

After narrowly failing to requalify for this season’s elite tour, Zietz has served as an injury replacement across the three Australian leg events. Today’s win now vaults the Hawaiian to No. 2 in the world heading into the remainder of the year.

“Falling off tour was really hard and made me feel like a kook, so I just went home and got a lot of waves to get back into rhythm,” continued Zietz. “I was psyched to hit the Qualifying Series and get the call up for the CT. It was an amazing contest. We had killer waves and good wind. Western Australia in general is epic.”

“I love the wave here and the crowd that comes down,” said Wilson. “That was a good final. Massive congrats to Seabass [Sebastian Zietz] for his first win. We were able to go blow for blow and have two great heat totals out there. I am happy to get a good result here and Bells was a better result than last year. I look forward to the rest of the year and to carry that momentum and fire into Brazil.”

Semifinal 1 saw Joel Parkinson (AUS) battle Wilson for a spot in the Finals. Parkinson fought hard to get the first score on the board, but after posting up the score, Wilson fired back to take the lead. Wilson and Parkinson went wave for wave, but Wilson’s 16.60 held strong to keep the lead. Parkinson was not able to find the score to close the 1.10 point gap.

“It was one wave I missed, I think Julian got a 6.90 point ride on it,” Parkinson said. “It did not matter in the end, but I think it really mattered for the rhythm of what waves were in priority. I am pretty angry at myself and I cannot believe I missed the wave. In a positive way, I am really happy that I am angry. It means I care a lot and that I let another opportunity slip by. I am fired up for the next one.”

Italo Ferreira (BRA), the 2015 Rookie of the Year, faced Zietz in Semifinal 2. Zietz locked in a 7.17 to set the rhythm early. The two battled with each wave and the heat saw multiple lead changes throughout. Ferreira struggled to finish off crucial rides, allowing Zietz to take the lead. Zietz threw up a massive 9.10 to strengthen his score even further. Ferreira was not able to find the 9.50 required to take down the injury replacement.

“It was a good result again,” Ferreira said “I got the same result at Bells, and I am so happy that I have been surfing so well in these first three events. Now it is on to Brazil. I have amazing support there. My focus is to get another great result in Brazil.”

Matt Wilkinson (AUS), winner of back-to-back opening events in 2016 on the Gold Coast and at Bells Beach, retains the WSL Jeep Leader jersey with a commanding 24,000 points to Zietz’s 15,750 points as the world’s best surfers leave the Australian leg.

Highlights from the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro will be webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

]]>

Gold Coast Magazine

Gold Coast Magazine

Our in-house team and affiliates bringing you the latest in Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment from around the globe and the great stories of the Gold Coast

Indulge in a decadent rosé-inspired haven at W Brisbane's WET Deck this summer. Sip on 'Rosé Five Ways' and enjoy exquisite light bites in enchanting

Indulge in a decadent rosé-inspired haven at W Brisbane’s WET Deck this summer. Sip on ‘Rosé Five Ways’ and enjoy exquisite light bites in enchanting pink hues.

The Gold Coast played host to a sensational Spilt Milk event, captivating music lovers with an array of unforgettable moments. The event's gallery showcases

The Gold Coast played host to a sensational Spilt Milk event, captivating music lovers with an array of unforgettable moments. The event’s gallery showcases

The iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, a cherished local landmark since 1956 has reopened with a fresh new look, ready for a summer full of great

The iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, a cherished local landmark since 1956 has reopened with a fresh new look, ready for a summer full of great people & good times.

Experience beachfront luxury with a chance to win a $12.6 million Gold Coast apartment complex just in time for Christma with RSL Art Union's monumental Draw 411!

Experience beachfront luxury with a chance to win a $12.6 million Gold Coast apartment complex just in time for Christma with RSL Art Union’s monumental Draw 411!

Elevate your Melbourne trip with Pullman's Elevate Club Lounge. Find out how you can enjoy Champagne breakfast and more, even if you're not staying at

Elevate your Melbourne trip with Pullman’s Elevate Club Lounge. Find out how you can enjoy Champagne breakfast and more, even if you’re not staying at the hotel

We have compiled our list of 10 of the best burgers on the Gold Coast; these ten are the best burger joints in Queensland in

We have compiled our list of 10 of the best burgers on the Gold Coast; these ten are the best burger joints in Queensland in my opinion and sure to cure your biggest craving for delicious burgers

In a stellar achievement for the Queensland hospitality scene, The Calile Hotel has secured its place as the No.12 hotel in the world and earned

In a stellar achievement for the Queensland hospitality scene, The Calile Hotel has secured its place as the No.12 hotel in the world and earned the prestigious title of “The Best Hotel in Oceania

Discover the revamped Palm Beach Aquatic Centre reopening in 2024. Enjoy upgraded pools, fitness facilities, and a vibrant community hub on the Gold Coast

Discover the revamped Palm Beach Aquatic Centre reopening in 2024. Enjoy upgraded pools, fitness facilities, and a vibrant community hub on the Gold Coast

gcmag

Gold Coast Magazine

Sharing the People, Places & Stories that define our great city and showcasing the best places to eat, play and stay since 2007.