Kelly Slater, Taj Burrow and Mick Fanning all survived their loser's round forays after being defeated on Saturday in Round One. Slater (below) looked solid vs. Brazilian wild card Messias Felix.
But three-time world champion Andy Irons wasn't so lucky. His world tour comeback has been lackluster so far. Now three events in Irons' competitive career is officially on life support. Andy has two more events to get his act together. A very solid result in South Africa or Tahiti to keep his career afloat.
Luckily, Andy has two months to get into fighting shape, because frankly, he's still looking a bit soft in the middle, and his surfing isn't nearly as threatening as a result. A dead giveaway of this is his heavy reliance on the layback snap of late. The layback snap -- while at times flashy -- is a lazy maneuver. It takes far less effort than a full-body wrap around. It's the move you push out when you're out of energy. Andy's batteries still need charging.
Much of the story in Round Two was the horrific rookie slaughtering. Dusty Payne, Brett Simpson and Nate Yeomans were among the victims. But Owen Wright and both Tanner and Patrick Gudauskas advance straight into Round Three after their strong performances in Round One on Saturday.
As is usually the case heading into Round Three, there are some solid fight cards on the schedule. Here are a few I think could get interesting...
Parko vs. Matt Wilko -
Parko's lit his first heat up, surfing smoothly and with a hunger we haven't seen yet this year. But Wilko is looking to get some traction here. He's dangerous in these conditions. This is no walk in the Park for Parko.
Damien vs. Jadson Andre -
Two very dynamic goofygooters. Damien's been having a rough go of late, and Andre -- who has a healthy bag of tricks -- is also on his home turf. This one will get interesting.
Adriano vs. Pat Gudang -
The more I think about it, the more I realize these guys have very similar approaches. Adriano is the defending champion, but Pat has proven that he's not easily intimidated...and he'll be looking for launch pads.
Dane vs. Kekoa -
On paper you wouldn't think this would be close -- especially in Brazil. But Kekoa never looks like a major threat on paper even though he almost always is. The guy throws some serious power into his turns. Dane will have to take to the air to get past him.
Bede vs. Owen Wright -
This is a battle of the machines. Mr. Wright is in desperate need of his first good result and some momentum. But Bede is a notorious giant killer. Nobody's going to roll over in this one.
Freddy vs. Jeremy -
Two of the guys who're always lurking just below the headlines even while putting in some very solid performances. They're well matched in the bag-of-tricks department.
Kelly vs. Tanner Gudang -
Another one that isn't close on paper...But keep this in mind: Historically, Slater has more problems with rookies and wild cards than he does title contenders. Gudauskas will have plenty of motivation -- the problem is it could just be too much. Surfers tend to abandon their game plans against Slater, when they should be thinking more like Rocky Balboa in the original. In other words, just go the distance and make it respectable.
Jordy vs. Ben Dunn -
Jordy seems to be playing the game well right now. Speed is the key for him against Dunn in Brazil conditions though, so board selection will be key. Smith gets confused by equipment choices. That's why this one could surprise.
Taylor vs Tiago -
Tiago can never be taken lightly. And Taylor will never take anything off of his heavy turns -- even here. This will be a tough match for Knox. Though he's from Portugal, Tiago has some serious fans in Brazil.
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