How the Margaret River Cancellation Affects Athlete Points and Rankings

After considerable discussion, on Wednesday AWST the World Surf League has cancelled the 2018 men's and women's Margaret River Pro, due to the increased shark activity in the area. The decision invokes the Force Majeure clause in the WSL rulebook.

Commissioner Renato Hickel Breaks Down Rankings

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The Deputy Commissioner breaks down rankings and seeding for the 2018 Championship Tour -- with the Margaret River Pro cancellation.

According to the clause, if a Championship Tour contest has already begun, the following will apply:
(a) Prize Money will be paid to surfers in the position they would receive if eliminated in next possible opportunity in the event. The balance of prize money will be split evenly.
(b) If a round is not completed, each surfer will receive the points earned from previous round, or last placed points if cancelled during Round 1.
(c) If round is completed, they get the points they earned from that round.

In the case of the 2018 Margaret River Pro and the heats completed so far, the following is how the rule would apply to points and prizes:

Women: Round 3 was completed

1. The eight surfers left in the competition will all share equal-5th-place points and share the collective prize money from 5th through 1st place.
2. The surfers who already lost in the previous rounds will receive the applicable points and prize money.

Men: Round 2 was completed

1. The 24 surfers left in competition will all share equal-13th-place points and share the collective prize money from 13th through 1st place.
2. The surfers who already lost in Round 2 will receive 25th-place points and prize money.

The WSL has not ruled out potentially finishing the Margaret River Pro at another location later in the season and will keep athletes and fans updated as plans unfold.