Owen Wright withdraws from Pipe Masters due to head injury

Yesterday we reported that Owen Wright was hospitalised after taking a proper thrashing out at Pipe. Today the world number five and Triple Crown Contender has officially withdrawn from the Billabong Pipe Masters after sustaining a concussion yesterday morning. It was reported he awoke from a nap after his session disoriented with trouble breathing.

“He got a nug, then a big wide set came and he got three or four on the head,” said Rip Curl teammate Matt Wilkinson, who watched it unfold from the balcony of the Rip Curl house. “Mick (Fanning) got one of them and dove off next to him, they both got smashed together for two or three more, and Owen just let himself get washed in ’cause he was flogged.”

“After being examined at the hospital Wright was confirmed to have suffered a severe concussion,” Ripcurl team manager Ryan Fletch told the WSL. “Minor bleeding in the brain and experiencing limited movement. He will remain in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.”

Mason Ho will replace Owen in the Pipe Masters, because of Owen’s withdrawal only five surfers will remain in the title race.