Day 2 of the IBA World Tour's Pipeline Pro event at Hawaii’s North Shore saw the bodyboarding Men completing rounds 4 and 5 and a Brazilian claiming the Women's division title...
Brazilian bodyboarder, (and former world champion) Neymara Carvalho has won the first IBA Grand Slam title of the year in punchy 4-6 footers at the infamous Banzai Pipeline. The girls had some amazing heats throughout the morning and continued to wow the crowd with committed surfing right through to the final hooter.
But before the Women took to the the waves, the day started with round 4 of the Mens. The day’s best wave belonged to visiting Aussie rider, Tom Rigby who was awarded an amazing 9.9 out of a possible perfect 10 for a long-disappearing act in Round 4.
The score saw Rigby advance easily into Round 5 along with French rider Julien Miremont and caused the elimination of local Hawaiians Will Petrovic and Trevor Kam.
Tim Hamilton was another big-scorer, locking in a 9.0 ride to cause the shock elimination of two Pipeline Pro standouts, Andrew Lester and Chris Won. Lester, who won the event aged 20 in 2000, and Won, a regular in the local line-up, were bundled out unceremoniously in equal 65th and equal 73rd respectively.
Comeback King, Brian Wise, continued on his rampage, registering an 8.5 high ride for a nice Backdoor drain-pipe which saw him advance into Round 5 behind local Keahi Parker.
“It’s about perseverance and staying alive and getting through this contest."
Wise has not competed in three years and in that time suffered back, neck and femur injuries in a serious car accident. A renewed determination to succeed has reversed his fortunes through four rounds that have secured his place as a sentimental favourite heading into the last day.
“It’s about perseverance and staying alive and getting through this contest, I got stuck in a couple, I made one … I got a nice long ride, it opened up and it just barrelled the whole way. I’ve had a couple close ones but I’m hanging in there, keeping the dream alive and just doing what needs to be done. Every heat is a step closer,” said Wise.
The Women’s Division was completed in deteriorating conditions, but it did not dampen the determination of a tough field. Brazilian duo, six-time champion Steph Pettersen entered the final as firm favourite alongside former champ, Neymara Carvalho.
The deciding moment occurred midway through the final when Pettersen eyed-up a Backdoor right hander, decided not to go and Carvalho pounced - the score was one of the highest in the clash. Friends cheered Carvalho from the water’s edge before she was presented with her second, first-place IBA Pipeline trophy.
All the action from every stop of the IBA World Tour will be broadcast LIVE on Red Bull Web TV and hosted by Hawaii's own Manny Vargas.
Want more?
- Click here for more information on the 2011 IBA World Tour
- Go on the IBA Pipeline Pro site check with Chris Won
- Video action from day one of Pipeline Pro
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