J.Smith vs. B.Durbidge vs. E.Ewing - Condensed Heat
World No. 3 Jordy Smith has been relegated to dark-horse status in the Title chase, but he took an early lead in his Round One heat and never looked back. Smith, appearing relaxed and confident, found his rhythm from the start and coasted to the win over sentimental favorite Bede Durbidge and a wide-eyed Ethan Ewing. The South African did most of his damage in the opening half of the heat on the back of two deep Backdoor runners that he was able to sniff out under the noses of his competitors. With his task accomplished, Smith will now sit back and watch to see if he'll get any help from lower-ranked surfers against his two Title rivals -- Gabriel Medina and John John Florence.
Jordy Smith Catches Fire in Round One of Billabong Pipe Masters
Brad Drew
World No. 3 Jordy Smith has been relegated to dark-horse status in the Title chase, but he took an early lead in his Round One heat and never looked back. Smith, appearing relaxed and confident, found his rhythm from the start and coasted to the win over sentimental favorite Bede Durbidge and a wide-eyed Ethan Ewing. The South African did most of his damage in the opening half of the heat on the back of two deep Backdoor runners that he was able to sniff out under the noses of his competitors. With his task accomplished, Smith will now sit back and watch to see if he'll get any help from lower-ranked surfers against his two Title rivals -- Gabriel Medina and John John Florence.
Ethan Ewing
October isn't known for good waves in South East Queensland, but this year the Gold Coast has continued to deliver, right into Spring.
Wright picked up where she left off last year, while Ewing came into the Australian Grand Slam with something to prove.
Dropping the heat scores of the day, Stephanie Gilmore and Owen Wright got right to work at the Tweed Coast Pro,
Applying his trademark smooth, powerful style, Ewing dropped the score of the day at the Tweed Coast Pro.
Watch the Australian and his insane backhand style annihilate some waves at his local break.
Billabong Pipe Masters
In 2017, Owen Wright returned to Pipeline -- the scene of a serious injury which had threatened to derail his surfing career.
The Tour comes down to the North Shore of Oahu, and the world's most challenging wave.