#Tournotes: Go Michel

Michel Bourez is into the semis of the Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast – have you heard? He’s gonna face Joel Parkinson today, and it’s looking like it’ll go down at Kirra in, hopefully, some barrels. And, don’t think for a second that just because the other three semifinalists are Joel, Kelly and Mick, that Michel doesn’t have a chance. His opponents certainly aren’t underestimating him: “Spartan’s been the top surfer of the whole event for me,” said Joel yesterday. “He looks like an animal at the moment. A new surfer, a new competitor, really focused. I love that passion he has on a wave, he’s aggressive and it’s gonna be a tough battle.” “Michel’s (only) a dark horse because he hasn’t won events,” agreed Kelly. “But you put him on a right with an open face and power to the wave, and he’s gonna match it better than anyone. There’s not many guys on tour who are as strong as him. When he sets his shoulders and pushes with his legs, it’s pretty much a thing of beauty.” Watch it all unfold live, here.