Brazilians continue dominance in Round 4

Pouring rain kicked off round 4 of the J-Bay open. After three lay days, Gabriel Medina took the cake in the highly anticipated super heat. Beating out an inform Kelly Slater. “I knew that was going to be a tough one,” Medina told the WSL. “We haven’t had a lot of heats together before. I thought the waves were going to be better, but it’s pretty tricky out there. It’s hard to find the good ones, but luckily I got through. I’m stoked to surf against those guys. I’ve been watching them since I was a little grom and to be competing against them is a dream come true. Last year was amazing to be fighting for the Title against them but it’s always good to surf against them.” Photo: WSL/ Kirstin 3 of the 4 Quarterfinalist decided during Round 4 are components of the Brazilian Storm. Injury replacement Alejo Muniz, put up the highest single wave score of the day, 8.17. Upsetting Keanu Asing and Michel Bourez in the no losers heat. “There is less pressure on me as a wildcard for sure, said Muniz. “All my focus this year is on the Qualifying Series and I already have the points I need to qualify. I’ve been enjoying myself here in J-Bay and I’m just trying to do my best and get the best waves.” Ace Buchan narrowly beat out Kai Otton in Round 1, while Julian Wilson put up a meager 7.77. Ace will secure a spot in the Quarters, further proving the cats point-break prowess in tricky conditions. “It feels like there are a lot of waves coming through but you kind of have to sift through all the garbage to find the little gems,” said Buchan. “I sat for a long time after that first big score I posted. I was confident I was going to get the score and just left it right to the end. It felt good to get the score.” In Round 2, current world number one, Adriano de Souza looked sharp. Carving his way over fellow Brazzo, Wiggolly Dantes, and Nat Young to join the storm in the Quarters. There seems to be no myth that when the wave quality is down, the Brazilians excel. Round 4 Results: Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.70, Kai Otton (AUS) 13.50, Julian Wilson (AUS) 7.77 Heat 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.00, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 12.57, Nat Young (USA) 8.77 Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.90, Kelly Slater (USA) 12.27, Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.94 Heat 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.34, Keanu Asing (HAW) 14.04, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.27 Round 5 Match-Ups Heat 1: Kai Otton (AUS), Nat Young (USA) Heat 2: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS) Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA), Michel Bourez (PYF) Heat 4: Keanu Asing (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS) For more of today’s action, dive in right here.