Top QS athletes power through tricky conditions in Round 4.
The men's Quarterfinalists for the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event have been set for the final day of the Vans US Open of Surfing.
Nate Yeomans (USA) put the pressure on Michael Rodrigues (BRA) early in Round 4. He delivered crisp power turns on his first wave, following up with a big frontside air reverse. Yeomans looked focused and showed variety to defeat Rodrigues, securing his place in the Quarterfinals against Kanoa Igarashi (USA) as well as crucial points on the QS.
Nate Yeomans in Round 4. - WSL / Kenneth Morris
"That was huge, these rounds now the points jump tremendously," Yeomans said. "The goal now is CT qualification so each heat is so crucial, especially as the year goes on and everyone is surfing so well. On the QS, that's the goal -- college is fun but I want to graduate already and get back on the CT and surf with the world's best. I want to really push myself at that level. To surf at Teahupo'o and those spots would be amazing."
Local favorite Tim Reyes (USA) fell to Australian Ryan Callinan in a close Round 4 match up. The surfers went wave for wave until the final minutes of the heat, but Reyes couldn't find a score to top Callinan's last two waves.
Ryan Callinan goes fins-free in Round 4. - WSL / Kenneth Morris
"I've had a couple of okay results this year but I haven't had that one break through," said Callinan. "This one is feeling good so hopefully I can keep it going and get a win."
Defending event winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) oozed confidence in his Round 4 matchup against Beyrick De Vries (ZAF). Dominating the heat from early on, Toledo had De Vries in a combination situation with a 14.50 heat total. The South African came back with two turns and an air reverse of his own with 11 minutes remaining to break the combination. Despite the solid effort, he couldn't find the score he needed for a win. Toledo sails through to the Quarterfinals while De Vries takes home a ninth-place finish and 3,700 points.
"The leash is just about confidence," Toledo said. "I'm feeling confident and my board is feeling great. Last year was pretty fun. All my friends and family are here again and it feels good to be back here in California, back at home riding my best boards. I'm just enjoying it and having a good time."
Tanner Hendrickson (HAW) held a big lead over Billy Stairmand (NZL) thanks to an 8.43, the highest score of the Round, for a series of quick snaps. Hendrickson backed it up with a 6.37 while Stairmand built his scoreline to a 13.33 heat total to put himself back in the heat. An attempt in the final minute wasn't enough, though, and Stairmand is eliminated with his best result of the season, while Hendrickson moves through to the Quarterfinals to battle Kolohe Andino (USA).
"You definitely have to try and pick waves wisely, but on the other hand you have to get out there and get busy and ride waves and there's not too many of them out there," said Hendrickson. "It's tough making choices out there and you've just got to stick with the choices you make."
Competition will continue tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. local time for the final day of the Vans US Open of Surfing, starting with Men's QS 10,000 followed by Women's Championship Tour event. Watch LIVE here and on the WSL App.
US Open QS: Eight Surfers Left, Massive Matchups Up Next
WSL
The men's Quarterfinalists for the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event have been set for the final day of the Vans US Open of Surfing.
Nate Yeomans (USA) put the pressure on Michael Rodrigues (BRA) early in Round 4. He delivered crisp power turns on his first wave, following up with a big frontside air reverse. Yeomans looked focused and showed variety to defeat Rodrigues, securing his place in the Quarterfinals against Kanoa Igarashi (USA) as well as crucial points on the QS.
"That was huge, these rounds now the points jump tremendously," Yeomans said. "The goal now is CT qualification so each heat is so crucial, especially as the year goes on and everyone is surfing so well. On the QS, that's the goal -- college is fun but I want to graduate already and get back on the CT and surf with the world's best. I want to really push myself at that level. To surf at Teahupo'o and those spots would be amazing."
Local favorite Tim Reyes (USA) fell to Australian Ryan Callinan in a close Round 4 match up. The surfers went wave for wave until the final minutes of the heat, but Reyes couldn't find a score to top Callinan's last two waves.
"I've had a couple of okay results this year but I haven't had that one break through," said Callinan. "This one is feeling good so hopefully I can keep it going and get a win."
Defending event winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) oozed confidence in his Round 4 matchup against Beyrick De Vries (ZAF). Dominating the heat from early on, Toledo had De Vries in a combination situation with a 14.50 heat total. The South African came back with two turns and an air reverse of his own with 11 minutes remaining to break the combination. Despite the solid effort, he couldn't find the score he needed for a win. Toledo sails through to the Quarterfinals while De Vries takes home a ninth-place finish and 3,700 points.
"The leash is just about confidence," Toledo said. "I'm feeling confident and my board is feeling great. Last year was pretty fun. All my friends and family are here again and it feels good to be back here in California, back at home riding my best boards. I'm just enjoying it and having a good time."
Tanner Hendrickson (HAW) held a big lead over Billy Stairmand (NZL) thanks to an 8.43, the highest score of the Round, for a series of quick snaps. Hendrickson backed it up with a 6.37 while Stairmand built his scoreline to a 13.33 heat total to put himself back in the heat. An attempt in the final minute wasn't enough, though, and Stairmand is eliminated with his best result of the season, while Hendrickson moves through to the Quarterfinals to battle Kolohe Andino (USA).
"You definitely have to try and pick waves wisely, but on the other hand you have to get out there and get busy and ride waves and there's not too many of them out there," said Hendrickson. "It's tough making choices out there and you've just got to stick with the choices you make."
Competition will continue tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. local time for the final day of the Vans US Open of Surfing, starting with Men's QS 10,000 followed by Women's Championship Tour event. Watch LIVE here and on the WSL App.
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Top QS athletes power through tricky conditions in Round 4.
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