Matt Wilkinson forced into sudden-death clash to continue World Surf League title push

CHAMPIONSHIP leader Matt Wilkinson will have to overcome the home-break advantage of a Tahitian reef-break specialist to continue his WSL title push.

John John Florence has advanced to Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti and is chasing WSL ratings leader Matt Wilkinson. Photo: WSL.

CHAMPIONSHIP leader Matt Wilkinson will have to overcome the home-break advantage of Tahitian reef-break specialist Hira Teriinatoofa to continue his push for a maiden World Surf League title.

Byron Bay’s Wilkinson lost his Round 1 heat to event wildcard Bruno Santos on the opening day of the Billabong Pro Tahiti yesterday, pitching him into a sudden-death heat.

Santos beat Wilkinson and Lennox Head product Stuart Kennedy in Round 1, with the Aussie pair unable to find back-up scores strong enough to overcome the Brazilian.

Wilkinson now needs to beat event wildcard Teriinatoofa, a specialist on the treacherous Teahupo’o reef break, if he is to advance in the competition and continue to hold off the challengers as he bids for a maiden WSL crown.

Santos took an early lead in the heat after posting a 5.67 for his opening wave and followed with a 6.23 for a two-wave total of 11.90, with Wilkinson managing a tally of only 8.50 in the building 1-1.5m waves.

“I love Tahiti, not just Teahupo’o,” said Santos. “I feel confident in Tahiti because all my best results have been here. When you come from the trials, it is like a warm-up and you feel better and stronger.’’

John John Florence, who started the tournament in second place on the WSL standings, notched the highest heat score of the day in an ominous warning that he is coming for Wilkinson.

The Hawaiian finished with a score of 18.40 out of a possible 20 after two outstanding rides on the notorious break to advance directly to Round 3.

“That score gives me a lot of confidence,” said Florence, who was just behind Wilkinson on the standings heading into the seventh of 11 events.

“I do not feel any pressure at all. To go surf these open, perfect barrels with only three guys out is insane. Just to be out there in the open and go on some good waves is amazing. If anything, I am more excited than pressured.”

Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater narrowly beat local favourite Michel Bourez to advance to Round 3, saying he had been inspired by the surfing of Florence.

Gold Coasters Joel Parkinson, Jack Freestone and Josh Kerr have to battle through Round 2 to continue in the contest.