Jack Robinson has made a disappointing early exit from the World Surf League Finals in Fiji, out-gunned by busy Brazilian Italo Ferreira.
The West Australian entered the first match of the men’s top-five showdown as the fourth-ranked surfer and favoured to overcome the 2019 world champion.
But the inconsistent conditions at Cloudbreak counted against the Olympic silver medallist, who never really found his groove.
Described as an “energiser bunny” by 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, Ferreira lived up to his reputation by turning up the pressure on Robinson early in the heat.
While the famous reef break is renowned for its barrels, the 31-year-old pulled off a big frontside air and then an alley oop to set up a commanding lead.
He finished the heat with a score of 14.33 while Robinson had some uncharacteristic falls as he battled his way to a two-wave tally of only 5.83.
In the lead-up to the competition Slater predicted that Robinson would triumph if Cloudbreak turned on some pumping conditions but instead the smaller, inconsistent swell worked in Ferreira’s favour.
It was a similar outcome in the women’s opening heat with American 2023 world champion Caroline Marks eliminating Bettylou Sakura Johnson.
The young Hawaiian didn’t post her first real score until the final six minutes of the heat.
In a rematch of last year’s title decider Marks then took down reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers, outscoring her fellow American 14.60 to 11.33
If Marks makes it to the final two she will take on Australia’s top-ranked Molly Picklum.
With conditions starting to pick up, Ferreira’s flying run was cut short in the second round of the men’s competition, losing a tight battle against Griffin Colapinto, 16.33 to 13.67.
The American next meets South African veteran Jordy Smith, with both surfers bidding for their first world title.
Source: AAP
