The quarterfinalists were decided at the Telstra Drug Aware Pro after 20 heats in overhead peaks at Margaret River’s Main Break. The forecasted swell didn’t get quite as big as anticipated, but there was still plenty of juice to go around.

The day was marked with major upsets, as Kelly, Mick, Owen, and Taj, all went down in pumping surf. Perhaps the most surprising quarterfinal birth was by 45-year-old Mark Occhilupo, who beat Blake Thornton and Freddy Pattachia in consecutive heats with his signature hacks, reminiscent of his historic performances from the past.

Amid the stark reminder that true power surfing is still alive and well, John John Florence posted the event’s only perfect 10 with a massive frontside air-reverse to eliminate Kolohe Andino.

UPCOMING TELSTRA DRUG AWARE PRO MEN’S QUARTERFINALS:
QF 1: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Olamana Eleogram (HAW)
QF 2: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)
QF 3: Nic Muscroft (AUS) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
QF 4: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. CJ Hobgood (USA)