Quiksilver Pro 2018: History against Owen Wright after opening round win at Snapper Rocks

SURFER Owen Wright has returned to the scene of his greatest triumph to post what could be one of his unluckiest wins at the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks.

Owen Wright won his opening heat at Snaper Rocks

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SURFER Owen Wright has returned to the scene of his greatest triumph to post what could be one of his unluckiest wins.

Wright dominated the opening heat of the Quiksilver Pro surfed in average conditions at Snapper Rocks on Sunday morning.

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Owen Wright won his opening heat at Snaper Rocks

However history is now against him defending his crown at the World Tour opener.

Not once in the history of the event has the winner of the first heat advanced past the third round of the tournament.

Wright last year completed a fairytale return to the world tour when he won the Quiksilver Pro after a year out rehabilitating from a serious head injury.

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In an encouraging sign he can end the round one hoodoo, Wright, now one of Australia’s leading hopes for a world title with Mick Fanning’s imminent retirement from the World Tour, said he feels more comfortable than ever in the water - and far more comfortable than last year when he claimed the title.

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“Last year I was really uncomfortable but this felt great, really nice,” he said.

“I feel happy and healthy and ready to go for the entire year.

“It feels really nice to get that first heat done, paddle it out, get the rash shirt on.”

Wright beat his best mate Matt Wilkinson to claim the 2017 crown.

Wilkinson was sent into the elimination round on Sunday after finishing third in his heat won by Michel Bourez. Joining him in surfing for survival is world champion John John Florence.

Julian Wilson, coming back from a shoulder injury and the recent birth of his first child, a daughter, fared better to advance directly into round three alongside Wright, Ace Buchan and Connor O’Leary.