by Greg
5. October 2010 07:29
Jordy Smith (Durban) drops into a frothy wave during his quarterfinal loss to eventual winner Mick Fanning (AUS) in the Quiksilver Pro France on Saturday
Credit: © ASP / CESTARI
Mick Fanning has once again made a late charge for the world title by beating Kelly Slater in pumping 6-10 foot surf at the Quiksilver Pro France. Fanning the fire was hot with some awesome tube rides to take out Kelly Slater in the final. South African Jordy Smith lost to the on form Fanning banking a 5th place finish and holding his 2nd place position on the World Title rating. Kelly’s second place finish helped him extend his lead over Jordy, however you need to keep an eye on Mick Fanning who is now lying 3rd and as he demonstrated last year, he comes back really strong at the end of the year! Kelly is the only surfer to win 2 events this year, Bells and Trestles so I think things will stay tight and the title race will come down to pipe!
I am currently at the Oakley World Pro Junior in Bali. The surfing has been off the charts with the juniors displaying every type of air possible in the awesome waves of Changgu. Across the board, men and women, I have been really impressed with the level of surfing! South Africa’s representation at this event has been top notch with all surfers giving it a good go. Unfortunately Chantelle Rautenbach lost out in round 2 and Bianca Buitendach in round 3 but both went down fighting. In the men’s division all our South African surfers are ripping and through to round 3 and they are Shaun Joubert, Chad du Toit, Dale Staples, Brendon Gibbons and Beyrick de Fries. You guys have made me proud here at this event, now its time for one of you to go and win it for South Africa. The surf has been amazing and with a 6-10 foot swell scheduled to hit on Tuesday night, Keramas is going to be looking like backdoor and I am sure our South African juniors will revel in the conditions!
Keep watching! Till next week.
Greg Emslie