Opening Day at The Gold Coast – Quicksilver Pro

The 2011 ASP World Title Race has commenced with the top 34 surfers in the world going head to head in two-to-three foot waves at Snapper Rocks for round 1 of the Quicksilver Pro 2011.

The opening day proved to be somewhat impressive. The crowded beach and online streamers were treated to some barrels and air sections despite the little swell projected for the coming week. Quoted by Slater last week, “It will depend on where the waves show up”. His statement proved to be spot on, as the world’s best made the most of the two-to-three footers on offer.

Slater (USA), who turned 39 this month, may have been affected by the loss of his mate Andy Irons, but he’s not about to let that hinder his phenomenal surfing record. Slater showed on the day that he still has what it takes to clinch an 11th World Crown, wiping out all rumours of his impending retirement. The American scrapped past wildcard Matt Banting (AUS) and Kai Otton to advance to round 3. “Today I was more focused on getting the good waves and completing them. It’s not exceptional out there so I was just trying to get the clean ones which will probably get you the highest score of the heat,” said Slater.

Second to Slater in round 1 was the Teenage Whizz Kid, Matt Banting, who emerged as one of the leaders of a new wave of surfing talent with his display. Already backed by Quicksilver, who gave him their wildcard entry to the event, the Aussie kid will now fight for survival in the second round. Banting ended the day in fine fashion though as he emerged from the battle with Slater, rating him “the king” of surfing.

Defending event champion, Taj Burrow (AUS), has had another world-class start to the 2011 World Title Race, setting the pace as the form surfer of round 1 at Snapper Rocks. Burrow’s impressive surf netted him the highest heat total of the day, a 16.67. “This is the first one of the year, so I was definitely a little nervous, but it was just the right amount I think,” he said. “It felt really good, especially opening with a high score.”

2010 ASP World Runner Up, Jordy Smith (ZAF) returned to Australia from his home town and the natural-footer continued to light up amongst the world’s best. Smooth calm and collected, Jordy blitz opponents Gadauskas (USA) and Crews (AUS), with unmatched power and aerial prowess.

Former two-time winner of the Gold Coast, Mick Fanning (AUS), emerged with the days highest single wave score, a 9.33 out of a possible 10, for a Houdini-esque barrel and some power surfing. Fanning, equipped with the first GPS devise used in a world tour tournament, was also the fastest surfer, clocking 39km/h on a wave and covering more than 3km in his 30 min heat.

ASP top 34 rookie, Julian Wilson (AUS), opened up his campaign as a member of the elite 34 in sterling fashion, surpassing the veterans Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Heitor Alves (BRA), to advance directly to Round 3. “This is my favourite event of the year, and to win round 1 takes some of the pressure off. I’d like to try and get a good result, my best result is round 4 in this event so I’d like to try and do better this year.”

Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30am to assess a possible 7:30am start for round 2. When competition resumes, up first will be Bede Durbidge (AUS) up against wildcard Matt Banting (AUS) in the opening men’s heat in Round 2.