For most of the waiting period for the 2007 Billabong Pro Tahiti, at Teahupoo, the infamous 'Chopes' had decided to sleep, but it woke up yesterday to unleash a full day of surfing action and surprises.
French tour rookie Jeremy Flores, eliminated reigning and eight-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), who was uncharacteristically out of form.
Cory Lopez (USA) eliminated current equal Foster's ASP World Tour No. 1, Taj Burrow (AUS), by a mere 0.16 in what turned out to be the highest scoring heat of the day, 17.66.
And current world No. 3 Bede Durbidge (AUS) lost to rookie Kai Otton (AUS), in the rather inconsistent surf of the last heat of the day.
Having won through to the Quarterfinals, Mick Fanning (AUS), who came into the event sharing Burrow's World No. 1 rating, now stands to increase his ratings lead. Of the last eight competitors, current world No. 5 Joel Parkinson (AUS) is the highest ranking surfer behind Fanning.
An exciting final day is in prospect, beginning with an interesting Quarterfinal heat between travelling buddies, Joel Parkinson and Andy Irons.
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) v. Andy Irons (HAW)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) v. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) v. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 4: Cory Lopez (USA) v. Kai Otton (AUS)
Watch all the action live.Labels: 2007, Billabong Pro, Tahiti
