JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Wednesday, July 12, 2022) - The window for the Corona Open J-Bay, Stop No. 9 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT), will open tomorrow, Thursday, July 13, and holds through Saturday, July 22, 2023. The world-renowned point break of Jeffreys Bay is a blank canvas for the world's best surfers to draw creative lines. Over the years this event has witnessed multiple perfect 10-point rides, iconic matchups, and historic wins.
This year's event not only has World Title implications but Olympic qualification on the line. Depending on their performances, it is possible for several competitors to provisionally qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at J-Bay.
Filipe Toledo and Carissa Moore Eager to Lock in Top Spot for Finals
Current World No. 1s Carissa Moore (HAW) and Filipe Toledo (BRA) are hoping to maintain their positions at the top of the rankings by finding success here at J-Bay. Both have won this event in the past, Moore in 2019, and Toledo in 2017 and 2018. The two entered the Rip Curl WSL Finals as the top seed last year and are close to doing so again this year with only two events left.
"I say this every year, but I'm really happy to be back in J-Bay," Toledo said. "J-Bay is a special place and I'm definitely in a great place right now, mentally and professionally. I'm looking forward to another good result here and clinch that spot in the Final 5."
Moore has already clinched her spot in the WSL Final 5 which means she is guaranteed a shot at her sixth World Title. She will first surf in the women's Opening Round, Heat 2, against Lakey Peterson (USA) and wildcard Sarah Baum (RSA).
"It definitely takes a little bit of pressure off, but I think there's still work to do," Moore said. "I'm so happy to be back in J-Bay, it's definitely one of my favourite stops on tour. I want to perform my best and put on a good show here, so that's the focus."
Pictured: Jordy Smith (RSA) is looking forward to competing at the Corona Open J-Bay. - WSL / Ryder
Jordy Smith and Matthew McGillivray Ready to Compete in Front of Home Crowd
South Africa's Jordy Smith and Matthew McGillivray are ready to enjoy competing at home after traveling all around the world. Tour veteran Smith has earned two event wins here, both over a decade ago. From experience and local knowledge, he knows what it takes to win at J-Bay and is guaranteed to be a threat.
"Every year, every day requires different tactics to be able to win," Smith said. "I'm not in the best position to go for the Final 5 so there's no pressure. I feel really relaxed and good. Hopefully, we get a couple of waves and then I think I have a high chance."
Smith and McGillivray are seeking their first event wins of the year and hope it will be in front of their home crowd. Smith is currently ranked No. 16 and McGillivray sits right below him at No. 18 on the rankings. McGillivray will make his first appearance in Heat 7 of the men's Opening Round and Smith in Heat 8.
"This is my favorite time of year," McGillivray said. "It's definitely an advantage to compete at your home break. You don't have to stress about testing different boards or trying to find the lineup. It's so good to sleep in my own bed and spend time with the family. I want to make the most of this opportunity, it's really special."
Wildcards Prepare for Championship Tour Debut
Event wildcards Sarah Baum (RSA) and Adin Masencamp (RSA) enter J-Bay as the top-ranked athletes from Africa on the Challenger Series. This will be the first time either of them has competed in a CT event and it happens to be right at home. Baum and Masencamp will have the difficult task of going up against current world No. 1s Moore and Toledo in their respective Opening Round matchups.
"In a way, there's no pressure as I'm not trying to gain any rankings points from this event," Baum said. "I still have a lot of personal goals in this event and I want to showcase some of my best surfing in the best waves in the world. To have this opportunity and be around family and friends is very special and I'm really excited."
The official opening ceremony of the Corona Open J-Bay featured a traditional Xhosa welcoming celebration. - WSL / Ryder
Corona Open J-Bay Women's Opening Round Matchups:
Heat 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA)
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 4: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
Corona Open J-Bay Men's Opening Round Matchups:
Heat 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
Heat 2: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
Heat 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Liam O'Brien (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA)
Heat 5: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Connor O'Leary (AUS) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
Heat 6: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Callum Robson (AUS)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
Heat 8: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)
Watch LIVE: Corona Open J-Bay
The Corona Open J-Bay holds a competition window from July 13, through July 22, 2023. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL's broadcast partners. For fans watching in Brazil, coverage of the competition's Quarterfinals and beyond will continue exclusively on WorldSurfLeague.com and SporTV.
The Corona Open J-Bay is proudly supported by Corona, Shiseido, YETI, Surfline, True Surf, Kouga Municipality, and Sealand Gear.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.