Andrew McKinnon looks at the leading surfing world title contenders ahead of the Hawaii Pro

Both the men’s and women’s 2019 world titles will be decided in Hawaii.

BOTH the men’s and women’s 2019 world titles will be decided in Hawaii.

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Brazil’s Gabriel Medina had a chance to win the men’s crown at the Portugal event as did Hawaii’s Carissa Moore in the women’s.

Hawaii’s Carissa Moore aims for 4th World Women’s Title. Photo by Ed Sloane/Rip Curl.

Medina fell foul to interference call in a poor judgment of error during a highly controversial heat with his countryman Caio Ibelli.

The result has left the door wide open for a men’s world title decider at Pipeline.

Moore fell short in the semi-finals against Lakey Peterson but retains a strong lead in the women’s ratings and is eyeing a possible fourth world title at Honolua Bay, Maui.

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With convincing wins at Portugal, Brazil’s Italo Ferrier and USA’s Caroline Marks, who coincidentally won the respective tour openers at Dbah, are now back in world title hunt.

Gold Coast’s best result in the men’s division is Jack Freestone who, by reaching the quarter-finals in Portugal, is now in 19th spot and in an excellent position to requalify for 2020 world tour.

Freestone could be a contender for the Hawaiian Triple Crown which is seen as the next best thing to a world title.

The Gold Coast’s 2012 world champion Joel Parkinson is a former Triple Crown champion.

It is only fitting that Hawaii crowns both the men’s and women’s world titles.

Unquestionably Jack Freestone’s partner Alana Blanchard is his number one supporter. Jack is now on track to requalify for the 2020 WCT. Photo: Ed Sloane/Rip Curl

Hawaii is the ultimate proving ground.

When the world titles are crowned there, it makes the world championship race so much more climatic and significant in waves of consequence.

The respect level of achieving success in Hawaii is twofold.

There is no room for error and you need to be fully on your game.

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There’s no holding back.

South African Jordy Smith was asked what it would take to win a world title in Hawaii.

“You need to surf there every day, constantly test out your surfing equipment, and be healthy,” said Smith, who is ranked third in the world.

There are now five men’s world title contenders but if Ferreira wins Pipe, the Brazilian will be the new No.1.

The CT season culminates with the Hawaii Pro (women) from November 25 -December 6, and Billabong Pipe Masters (men) from December 8-20.

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The Title Race

MEN

Contenders: Italo Ferreira, Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo, Jordy Smith & Kolohe Andino

Scenarios:

› If Ferreira wins Pipe, he will clinch the world title.

› If Ferreira is second, Medina & Toledo will need a win to take the world title.

› If Ferreira is third, Medina needs a second; Toledo and Smith a first

› If Ferreira is fifth, Medina needs a third, Toledo a second, Smith a first.

› If Ferreira is ninth, Medina needs a fifth, Toledo a third, Smith a second & Andino a first.

› If Ferreira finishes 17th to 33rd, Medina & Toledo will need a ninth, Smith a fifth & Andino a second.

Other roadblocks could be the return of Hawaii’s two-times world champion John John Florence and a last hurrah for 11-times world champion and six-times Pipe Master winner Kelly Slater, who is considering retirement at the end of the year. Both Florence and Slater need a good top-10 finish to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.

WOMEN

Contenders: Carissa Moore, Lakey Peterson and Caroline Marks

Scenarios:

› If Carissa Moore wins Maui, she will clinch the world title