Keramas was dishing six-to-eight foot conditions today, for Round 2 of the Corona Bali Protected. And although strong winds forced an early end, the first six heats were completed with a few heavy hitters struggling to stay on top.
Wildcard Mikey Wright made more headway today, overcoming Kolohe Andino in a dominate performance. Andino failed to find a rhythm in the hollow conditions, while Wright could do no wrong, scooping into some of the best waves of the morning. Wright took the heat with a 14.17 heat total, the highest of the round so far.
Mikey Wright - WSL / Kelly Cestari
"The conditions are so perfect this morning," Wright said. "I was lucky enough to get a few really good waves and take the win. Every heat win on the CT is definitely good for my confidence. I really enjoy it over here in Bali and love travelling with my brother and sister (Owen and Tyler Wright) .To do it year round on the CT would be a dream and that is definitely my aim."
Current world No. 2 Filipe Toledo had a very close call in his Round 2 matchup against wildcard Oney Anwar. The local lead the heat for the majority of the time. As a last-ditch effort Toledo opted to go for a trademark air. The maneuver landed him a 7.17 and the heat win. Anwar waited with priority, but was unable to find a reply.
Filipe Toledo - WSL / Ed Sloane
"That was really close at the end because it took me a while to get in a rhythm," said Toledo. "I knew it was going to be tough against Oney as he is a charger and so good in these types of hollow conditions. I'm just stoked to keep surfing in this event because the waves are so good -- it's absolutely pumping out there."
Since becoming a full-time member of the Dream Tour Michael February has shown flashes of brilliance, but has yet to put up a solid result. Carmichael, who was fresh off a runner-up finish at the the recent Oi Rio Pro, was pegged as a standout in the powerful walls of Keramas. As the onshore trade-winds began to show, it became a duel of who could find the longest wall. It was the South African who came out on top.
The South African eliminates Wade Carmichael in Round 2, earning a 5.23 at the Corona Bali Protected.
"I was pretty nervous in that heat coming up against Wade (Carmichael)," February said. "This wave really suits his power and he's been in really good form. As it's my first year on tour I'm not putting too much pressure on myself to get massive results, but I'm really keen to move into Round 3 and beyond. A lot of the Rookies this year are doing well so it would be good to make a few more heats and maybe this will be my opportunity."
Check back tomorrow for the call at 6:30am SGT and watch live daily on WSL.com and Facebook.
First Elimination Round Gets Underway at the Corona Bali Protected
WSL
Keramas was dishing six-to-eight foot conditions today, for Round 2 of the Corona Bali Protected. And although strong winds forced an early end, the first six heats were completed with a few heavy hitters struggling to stay on top.
Wildcard Mikey Wright made more headway today, overcoming Kolohe Andino in a dominate performance. Andino failed to find a rhythm in the hollow conditions, while Wright could do no wrong, scooping into some of the best waves of the morning. Wright took the heat with a 14.17 heat total, the highest of the round so far.
"The conditions are so perfect this morning," Wright said. "I was lucky enough to get a few really good waves and take the win. Every heat win on the CT is definitely good for my confidence. I really enjoy it over here in Bali and love travelling with my brother and sister (Owen and Tyler Wright) .To do it year round on the CT would be a dream and that is definitely my aim."
Current world No. 2 Filipe Toledo had a very close call in his Round 2 matchup against wildcard Oney Anwar. The local lead the heat for the majority of the time. As a last-ditch effort Toledo opted to go for a trademark air. The maneuver landed him a 7.17 and the heat win. Anwar waited with priority, but was unable to find a reply.
"That was really close at the end because it took me a while to get in a rhythm," said Toledo. "I knew it was going to be tough against Oney as he is a charger and so good in these types of hollow conditions. I'm just stoked to keep surfing in this event because the waves are so good -- it's absolutely pumping out there."
Since becoming a full-time member of the Dream Tour Michael February has shown flashes of brilliance, but has yet to put up a solid result. Carmichael, who was fresh off a runner-up finish at the the recent Oi Rio Pro, was pegged as a standout in the powerful walls of Keramas. As the onshore trade-winds began to show, it became a duel of who could find the longest wall. It was the South African who came out on top.
"I was pretty nervous in that heat coming up against Wade (Carmichael)," February said. "This wave really suits his power and he's been in really good form. As it's my first year on tour I'm not putting too much pressure on myself to get massive results, but I'm really keen to move into Round 3 and beyond. A lot of the Rookies this year are doing well so it would be good to make a few more heats and maybe this will be my opportunity."
Check back tomorrow for the call at 6:30am SGT and watch live daily on WSL.com and Facebook.
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