SA hopes crushed on day four of Ballito Pro
The last of the South African surfers was eliminated in yesterday's heats, much to the disappointment of local fans.
Overcast skies and a cold wind did not deter the surfers or spectators at the Ballito Pro pres. by Billabong yesterday (Thursday), a day that saw the last South African hope drop out of the contest.
Matt McGillivray from Jeffrey’s Bay bowed out in round three. The only South Africa to reach the last 48 started well but was eventually overtaken by his international rivals, Brazilian Krystian Kymerson and Jeremy Flores of France.
“I came into the event as a wildcard and I’m grateful for the opportunity to earn some points so I can build up my seeding for the second half of the year,’ said McGillivray.
“Getting to Round Three has helped my points total and it’s been such a cool experience to compete with the best in the world and try to learn from them.”
Brazilian Yago Dora was the name of the day after riding to a near perfect 19.17 points out of a possible 20.
The 22-year-old rookie stayed really busy throughout his four-man heat, catching 13 waves.
Taking off on another left, Dora generated speed as he raced across the wave and then launched himself and his surfboard at more than a metre into the air, completed a 360 degree rotation and then landed perfectly on his feet to roars of amazement from the crowd to earn a near perfect 9.77.
He followed this up by pushing for more aerial moves, going on to earn a 9.07.
Also read: The unstoppable Mulanovich clinches Ballito Women’s Pro title
A stiff South-West crosswind and consistent one to 1.3 metre waves provided ideal ramps for the competitors still in contention to launch their progressive aerial manoeuvres. By the end of the day only 20 surfers remained in the draw.
Willard Beach produces predominantly right-breaking waves and Dora and the other goofy-footers, who ride with their right foot in front and face the wave when riding left-breaking waves, took full advantage of the unusual conditions to unleash their aerial repertoires.
“That was a good heat for me, everything worked out,” was Dora’s understated comment on the performance that had everyone on the beach buzzing.
“That was my strategy going into it, I knew everyone else would be going for big turns on the right, so I watched the left all morning and just wanted to take to the air.”
The was also a late twist in result of that heat when Seth Moniz from Hawaii snatched the advancing runner-up spot from Leonardo Fioravanti of Italy who had looked he had second place behind Dora sewn up.
But Moniz turned the tables in then dying minutes when, needing a 7.40 to stay in the event, he too took to the air and earned a 7.60 that dropped the Italian to third place and out of the Ballito Pro.
Full results from the opening day, along with news, images, video clips and more will be available at www.worldsurfleague.com
Also read: Ballito Pro responds to gender discrimination accusations in viral photo
Alongside the surfing, visitors will be spoiled for choice with non-stop activities providing even more entertainment throughout the Ballito festival site.
Make sure to catch the second free concert on Salt Rock Beach tonight from 4pm.
WATCH: all the highlights of day four down on Willard Beach
https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/videos/1902231643172549/
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