On a day when Winkipop was the place chosen to welcome the best in the world.
After a first day with excellent conditions, the race direction decided to change the location and move the championship to Winkipop, a wave a few meters from Bells Beach. This second day of competition was marked by big surprises in both categories. There were two heats of the women’s elimination round, women’s round 16 and 5 heats of men’s round 32.
On the women’s side, Tyler Wright, current title holder, lost to the young wild-card, Ellie Harrison, just 18 years old. In a crazy battery with a wave for each athlete being entered when the heat was over, Harrison won with a total of 13.73 pts against Tyler’s 12.74 pts.
Ellie Harrison/WSL-Ed Sloane
Still in the women’s category, perhaps the biggest surprise of the day arrived, with the current leader of the ranking, Molly Picklum, being eliminated by the rookie, Sawyer Lindblad. Lindblad made his sharp backside surfing count and ended the heat with 15.67 pts against Picklum’s 11.74 pts.
Molly Picklum/WSL-Aaron Hughes
The day for the ladies ended with another favorite losing. This time it was Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson who was defeated by compatriot Gabriela Bryan. Bettylou had a combined score of 12.04 pts, while Gabriela had 13.83 pts.
Gabriela Bryan/WSL-Ed Sloane
The men’s race started right away with a surprising elimination. This is because Jack Robinson was eliminated by wild-card Morgan Cibilic, a former member of the world circuit. Morgan had a combined score of 13.64 pts to Jack’s 12.93 pts.
Morgan Cibilic/WSL-Ed Sloane
The one who escaped elimination by second was the current title holder, Ethan Ewing, who with 10 seconds left needed a score of 6.24 pts and caught a wave that earned him 6.43 pts. Ethan thus eliminated wild-card George Pittar in what was the last contest of the day. Ewing scored a total of 12.93 pts to George’s 12.73 pts.
Ethan Ewing/WSL-Aaron Hughes
Frederico Morais did not take action on this second day of the race. Kikas will face Jake Marshall in heat 12 of round 32.
Find out everything about the event here.
HIGHLIGHTS Day 2 // Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy 2024 World Surf League
