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
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Billabong Pipe Masters
The Tour comes down to the North Shore of Oahu, and the world's most challenging wave.