Post Show Report: Deconstructing an Epic Round One
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Post Show Report: Deconstructing an Epic Round One

Round One of the Corona Open J-Bay got underway in flawless conditions at South Africa's legendary point, and the world's best surfers couldn't wait to get their crack at it. As expected, many of the heavy favorites dominated on Day 1, including John John Florence, Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson. The one big upset, however, came courtesy of California's Conner Coffin, who topped two-time event winner and crowd favorite Jordy Smith, and wildcard Mikey February. Coffin, a second-year pro, took a vengeful approach to J-Bay's big walls, cutting deep with his powerful edge game.

The upset places Smith in a very tight situation heading into the elimination rounds. In the very first heat of the next round, which is a sudden death match, Smith is up against Dale Staples, the local South African wildcard. This means Jordy is up against the one guy in the field with more lineup experience than him.

Ronnie Blakey, Peter Mel and 1977 World Champion Shaun Tomson run through all the day's action, and talk about the ramifications.

 

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