Surfing in Round 4 at the 2015 Quiksilver Pro France, Gabriel Medina threw this crowd-pleaser (and judge-pleaser) for a perfect 10. Will Florence take him down in the Quarters?
The Quiksilver Pro France will see one of its biggest matchups Thursday when Gabriel Medina (BRA) and John John Florence (HAW) face off in the Quarterfinals. Two of surfing's most electrifying athletes, they're both known for innovative maneuvers, huge airs and taking down titans on the Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour (CT). Before the battle, here's a rundown of salient stats:
Medina vs. Florence: Head-to-Head Record
Tahiti brought out the best in both competitors this year when they went head-to-head in Round 3, with each of them earning scores that were 9.00 points or higher (out of 10). Medina took the win by a mere 0.16 of a point, but Florence said he was proud of his surfing nonetheless.
So far in their careers on the elite men's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour, the two have faced off five times, with Medina having a 3-2 win record over Florence. Who will take the win this time around?
2015 Billabong Pro Tahiti R3, H5: Medina wins 19 to Florence's 18.84
2014 Fiji Pro QF 3: Medina wins 14.20 to Florence's 6.34.
2014 Margaret River R3, H5: Medina wins 16.44 to Florence's 13.00.
2013 Billabong Pipe Masters R3, H5: Florence wins 16.23 to Medina's 14.00.
2012 Billabong Pro Teahupo'o QF4: Florence wins 16.17 to Medina's 4.17.
Medina vs. Florence: 9-Point Performances
In Round 1 at the 2015 Quik Pro France, Florence capped off a solid tube-ride with a signature layback to max-out the score and win his heat.
So far this year Medina also has the advantage over Florence in high-scoring rides. Since the start of the 2015 season, Florence has earned 11 scores that were 9 points or better, as compared to Medina's 18 (which includes his incredible Round 4 performance at the 2015 Quik Pro France). But don't forget that Florence was injured mid-season and missed both the Fiji Pro and J-Bay Open -- both of which could have supplied the additional boost and barrel opportunities that suit Florence well.
Medina vs. Florence: French Connection
Just four years ago, both Medina and Florence were rookies on the elite Tour. But in France, it was Medina's time to shine.
Both Medina and Florence have won in France: Florence won the 2014 Quiksilver Pro there, while Medina won in 2011.
So who has the edge for their Quarterfinal battle? Tune in Thursday at 8 a.m. local time to watch live on the WSL website and WSL App.
Superheat Sneak Peek: John John Florence vs. Gabriel Medina
WSL Editors
The Quiksilver Pro France will see one of its biggest matchups Thursday when Gabriel Medina (BRA) and John John Florence (HAW) face off in the Quarterfinals. Two of surfing's most electrifying athletes, they're both known for innovative maneuvers, huge airs and taking down titans on the Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour (CT). Before the battle, here's a rundown of salient stats:
Medina vs. Florence: Head-to-Head Record
So far in their careers on the elite men's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour, the two have faced off five times, with Medina having a 3-2 win record over Florence. Who will take the win this time around?
2015 Billabong Pro Tahiti R3, H5: Medina wins 19 to Florence's 18.84
2014 Fiji Pro QF 3: Medina wins 14.20 to Florence's 6.34.
2014 Margaret River R3, H5: Medina wins 16.44 to Florence's 13.00.
2013 Billabong Pipe Masters R3, H5: Florence wins 16.23 to Medina's 14.00.
2012 Billabong Pro Teahupo'o QF4: Florence wins 16.17 to Medina's 4.17.
Medina vs. Florence: 9-Point Performances
So far this year Medina also has the advantage over Florence in high-scoring rides. Since the start of the 2015 season, Florence has earned 11 scores that were 9 points or better, as compared to Medina's 18 (which includes his incredible Round 4 performance at the 2015 Quik Pro France). But don't forget that Florence was injured mid-season and missed both the Fiji Pro and J-Bay Open -- both of which could have supplied the additional boost and barrel opportunities that suit Florence well.
Medina vs. Florence: French Connection
Both Medina and Florence have won in France: Florence won the 2014 Quiksilver Pro there, while Medina won in 2011.
So who has the edge for their Quarterfinal battle? Tune in Thursday at 8 a.m. local time to watch live on the WSL website and WSL App.
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