- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

During a freesurf ahead of the Men's Pipe Invitational, Owen Wright (AUS) suffered an injury and was subsequently taken to the hospital.

Pipeline is heating up with solid conditions and a pack of pros. See how they're prepping for the Billabong Pipe Masters. Owen Wright looked to be in top form during freesurfs ahead of the event. - WSL

According to Rip Curl team manager Ryan Fletcher, after being examined at the hospital Wright was confirmed to have suffered a severe concussion, minor bleeding in the brain and experiencing limited movement. He will remain in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. As the third-place finisher in the Invitational, Mason Ho will replace Wright in Round 1 of the Billabong Pipe Masters.

At No. 5 on the Jeep Leaderboard Wright was one of six Title contenders and a standout during freesurfs heading into the final event of the season. With his withdrawal only five surfers will be competing for the World Title).

World Surf League
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