The 2011 IBA GSS world title only one heat away; IBA NMD-Pride-Stealth Fronton Pro final 8 decided
posted by Sacha Specker on 13th December 2011
The completion of Round 4 in solid 6-8 foot heavy waves at El Fonton revealed the highs and lows of getting one step closer to winning and losing a world title. Heat 1 of the day saw wildcard, Jason Finlay (AUS) defeat GSS world tour leader, Jeff Hubbard (HAW) in the dying seconds of their Round 4 dual.
"What an incredible feeling", Finlay elated. "I am stoked that Hardy and Pierre have a chance now."
Hubbard managed to gain the lead with only 30 seconds remaining, leaving Finlay with priority, requiring a 6.11 and fighting against the clock. With less than 10 seconds remaining, Finlay turned what looked like a wave with a below average scoring potential into a 6.3 out of 10, with a cully rotated reverse-air, ending Hubbard's race for the 2011 title.
"I felt like I was surfing good and I really wanted to finish the year off strong, so it really hurt. It really stung", commented Hubbard.
Although Hubbard was out of the competition, he is still leading the title race. Now he could only nervously watch as Ryan Hardy' s (Margaret River / AUS) match-up against fellow country-man Mitch Rawlins (AUS) and Pierre-Louis Costes's heat against local wildcard Elliot Morales (CNY) unfold. Only 300 points ahead of his nears rival, Costes, Hubbard needed both title contenders, Hardy and Costes to be eliminated in Round 4 in order to clinch his 3rd world title today.
Hardy seemed unstoppable in the early rounds, but was unable to find his rhythm against Rawlins in Round 4 after he lost a fin on a high-flying invert early in the heat. Hardy needed to win the event to clinch his first IBA world title.
The young Frenchman was now the only other remaining title contender in the event and faced Elliot Morales in front a patriotic and vocal local crowd. Although the young Canarian surfed a sound heat, Costes took the win with a solid backflip and back ditto up with a reverse-air as his two scoring rides. Costes now needs to continue his campaign into the final day of competition and progress through his Quarter-final match-up against South African powerhouse Jared Houston (Cape Town / ZAF) to earn the coveted 2011 IBA GSS world title. Houston posted the highest singe wave score (9.0) and combined heat score (14.5) of the day and is looking forward to his Quarter-final against Costes.
"I don't want to give him an inch. I am going to give it everything I got", said Houston.
If number two seed, Costes is unable to top the inform South African in the Quarter-final, Hubbard will win the 2011 IBA GSS world title.
The 2011 IBA GSS world champion will be crowned after the Costes VS Houston dual, which could arguably be the most anticipated heat in IBA history.
Below are the results of todays Round 4 and the Quarter-final draw.
Check in will be at 9 am local time with a possible 12 noon start. (South Africa: 14:00)
Watch it live:
www.ibaworldtour.com/live 21773 views
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