Well, that didn't take long. On day one, just four heats into Round Two of the Quiksilver Pro France, a pair of World Title hopefuls have already seen their chances diminished significantly. Perhaps the sharpest blow was dealt to World No. 3 Julian Wilson who, just eight weeks ago following his victory at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, was the hottest surfer on Tour. Wilson pulled an unfortunate draw in Round Two, facing local wildcard Marc Lacomare, who used local knowledge (specifically, the opposite side of the sandbar) to take the win. The loss will do significant damage to Wilson's World Title aspirations.
The local French standout puts a huge dent in Wilson's World Title aspirations.
World No. 7 Filipe Toledo, on the other hand, was hampered in his Round Two defeat to Miguel Pupo by a painful rib injury caused, innocuously enough, by picking up his toddler. WSL physio, Dr. Chris Prosser, had Toledo's back covered with structural tape, described by Ronnie Blakey as looking like a "human hashtag," but the Brazilian was clearly in significant discomfort despite putting up a good fight against Pupo, who's ranked No. 30. Toledo's early exit probably ends any chance at capturing his first World Title in 2017.
Filipe Toledo WSL / Damien Poullenot
Filipe Toledo and Julian Wilson Eliminated from Quik Pro France
Brad Drew
Well, that didn't take long. On day one, just four heats into Round Two of the Quiksilver Pro France, a pair of World Title hopefuls have already seen their chances diminished significantly. Perhaps the sharpest blow was dealt to World No. 3 Julian Wilson who, just eight weeks ago following his victory at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, was the hottest surfer on Tour. Wilson pulled an unfortunate draw in Round Two, facing local wildcard Marc Lacomare, who used local knowledge (specifically, the opposite side of the sandbar) to take the win. The loss will do significant damage to Wilson's World Title aspirations.
World No. 7 Filipe Toledo, on the other hand, was hampered in his Round Two defeat to Miguel Pupo by a painful rib injury caused, innocuously enough, by picking up his toddler. WSL physio, Dr. Chris Prosser, had Toledo's back covered with structural tape, described by Ronnie Blakey as looking like a "human hashtag," but the Brazilian was clearly in significant discomfort despite putting up a good fight against Pupo, who's ranked No. 30. Toledo's early exit probably ends any chance at capturing his first World Title in 2017.
Julian Wilson
By taking down Julian Wilson in the Round of 32 at Bells, the GOAT is feeling relief and putting the field on notice.
The world No. 2 hits his local while neighbour Jacko Baker posts the highest wave of the event and Junior Champion Kirra Pinkerton shines.
Medina stole the show at Pipe Masters, but he was not the only one to shine.
The 2018 Pipe Masters Runner-Up breaks down an epic day on the North Shore.
Filipe Toledo is eliminated by Kelly Slater in R3 of the Billabong Pipe Masters, now only Gabriel Medina and Julian Wilson can win it all.
Quiksilver Pro France
The World Title Race crashes the shores of coastal France.
Top scores and waves from 2017.