Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 2, had a banner day out at Cloudbreak, besting former event winner Damien Hobgood (USA), 32, and lethal rookie John John Florence (HAW), 19, en route to the Semifinals.
“It’s been a good day out here for me,” Fanning said. “You know, Damien (Hobgood) and John John (Florence) have to be two of the heaviest favorites out here and to get past both of them is a huge confidence boost going into the final rounds.”
Fanning will face Gabriel Medina(BRA), 18, in the Semifinals of the Volcom Fiji Pro.
Medina continued his impressive run in Fiji this afternoon, taking out perennial ASP World Title contender Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, in their Quarterfinal bout.
“The wind is picking up but there are still some really good waves out there,” Medina said. “It hasn’t been the best start for me this year on the WCT so I’m very happy to be in the Semifinals. I love the waves here in Fiji and I hope we get to finish in good surf.”
Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, 2011 ASP Rookie of the Year and current ASP World No. 11, took on rival compatriot Owen Wright (AUS), 22, this afternoon in Round 5 of competition. As with all their exchanges at the elite level of competition, both surfers traded blows throughout the match with Wilson getting the win in the end.
“It feels good to get one back on Owen (Wright),” Wilson said. “I knew it’d be a tough draw with Owen on his forehand out here and I’ve had some good heats with him and I’m happy to get that one. I started the heat with some turns and a little head dip. It’s pretty clean out there on the faces and I’m just trying to adapt to the conditions.”
When competition resumes, up first will be Kelly Slater (USA), 40, up against Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, in Quarterfinal 3.
