Burleigh surfer Liam O’Brien’s bid for the Australian Open surfing crown

Burleigh’s Liam O’Brien will be part of a 72-man field in this weekend’s Australian Open, to be held on the Gold Coast. Surf Scene’s Andrew McKinnon breaks down the event in the lead up.

BURLEIGH’S Liam O’Brien starts as number one seed in this weekend’s Australian Open, to be held at either the Southport Spit or Duranbah Beach.

O’Brien, who narrowly missed qualifying for the World Tour in 2019, showed moments of brilliance as runner-up at the Boost Mobile Pro held at South Stradbroke Island earlier this month and will be among a competitive field of 72 surfers.

In the final, O’Brien succumbed to a rampaging Mikey Wright, who busted out of the gates with two high scoring rides, including an opening near perfect 9.83 out of 10 in the first 5 minutes to be the runaway winner.

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“So happy to compete at home at such a high-level event,” O’Brien said.

“To make it all the way to the final was really special at South Stradbroke. There were a few beatings that day, but it was a lot of fun – the waves definitely packed a punch.”

“I can’t wait to surf at the Gold Coast Pro this weekend, it will be good to surf at a break I’m familiar with – and it’s a great opportunity to compete.”

Liam O’Brien ranked 24th on the WQS in 2019 will spearhead Burleigh Boardriders attack in this weekend’s Australian Boardriders battle. Picture: Keoki/WSL

Other high-profile local surfers entered include no. 2 seed Sheldon Simkus, Kai Tandler, 10, Thomas Carvalho, 15, Jaggar Bartholomew, 17, Micah Margieson, 18, Josh Boyle, 19, and Dextar Muskens, 20.

It’s been a limited surf contest season due to COVID-19 but on the domestic scene the likes of events like the Australian Open have provided an avenue for emerging young talents to test the waters.

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The Australian Open is a combined circuit hosted by Surfing Qld and Surfing NSW. Previously, the first round was held on the Sunshine Coast and dominated by surfers from that region.

The open men’s and women’s event has filled all 72 and 32 respective entries, although there is an alternate list for dropouts.

Burleigh’s Liam O’Brien reaches quarterfinals at Sydney Pro at Manly Beach defeated by eventual winner Italian Leonardi Fioravanti Sunday, March 15. Photo: Dunbar/WSL.

There’s $5000 in total prizemoney split between the men’s and women’s categories.

The Gold Coast event looks more than likely to be held at the Southport Spit with north winds forecast and a 2–3ft north easterly wind swell.

In the women’s world qualifying series contender Piper Harrison, the number five seed, will be looking to redeem her fortunes after snapping three boards, including one of her brother’s, at TOS in heavy breaking beachbreaks during the Boost Mobile Pro.

The official heat draw and schedule will be published on Thursday on both the Surfing Queensland website and live heats.

The hotline number is 07 3030 6388 and you can also check the Surfing Queensland Instagram story any time after 6am on event day for event location.