As the very first rookie of the 2017 CT season to advance into Round Four, there are a lot of layers to that feat for Connor O'Leary. One, is that just last year the kid was working at a surf shop (between grinding on the Qualifying Series), probably streaming this very event on the television while selling someone a deckpad.
Qualifying Series surfers warned us about O'Leary's backhand, and they were right to. - WSL / Ed Sloane
Two, O'Leary took down event favorite and perennial World Title contender Julian Wilson in the process. Quickly emerging as a deadly threat to the Tour vets, Connor just seems thankful for the career transition from surf shop to Championship Tour (CT) competitor. Spoiler alert: Connor also beat Owen Wright and Jordy Smith in Round Four, so that makes him the first Rookie of 2017 to make the Quarters now, too.