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
Every 8 and up aka all the excellent waves. Watch the CT put their rails to work at unruly and immaculate Main Break.
The power stylist put on a showcase to post the event's highest heat total of 17.93 in commanding form.
Every 8 and up from the Men's Quarterfinals.
We loaded up every excellent wave from a wild day 5 of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
Every 8 and up from a day full of Mid-season Cutline consequences featuring surfing from John John Florence, Joao Chianca, Owen Wright,
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.