Taj Burrow, Bells Beach, Australia

Put it down to difficult conditions or bad luck, but Taj Burrow, who’s early-year momentum snowballed through the Burleigh Breaka Pro and shot him into second place at the Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast, came third in his round one heat this morning at the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach.

A 6.0 and a 4.2 wasn’t enough for Taj to beat Josh Kerr’s 5.2 and 5.8, or heat-winner Adam Melling’s 7.0 and 7.5. When the final siren buzzed, Taj was in need of an 8.00. Hard to imagine, looking at this photo – that’s as controlled a tail whip as you’ll likely see… well, ever.

But, it ain’t over yet for the West Australian. There’s always the next round.

Get at the live feed here.