Smith climbs world surf rankings
21 April 2009
South Africa's Jordy Smith has rocketed to number three on the 2009 ASP World Tour rankings, thanks to a career best third-place finish in the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in Australia on the weekend.
The 21-year-old Smith was on fire throughout the event, posting the highest scores on day one and advancing to the semifinals before losing a close decision to eventual event winner and current ASP number one, Joel Parkinson of Australia.
"This is the best result of my career so far," Smith said afterwards. "I think it is equal with what I got at J-Bay as a wildcard (in 2007). I can't complain. I'll maybe have a little fun tonight, a little party and celebrate with the winner.
'Stoked'
"It has been pretty much good waves all week, so I have been stoked to be down here. Congratulations to Joel (Parkinson), he made the final and he surfed really well. I think this year is his year, he is certainly a world title contender."
Smith, a former ASP World Junior Champion and ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) number one, is into his second season on the ASP World Tour.
On his way to the semi-finals, the powerful natural-footer eliminated 2007 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning in the quarterfinals with scores of 9.17 and 6.33 for a narrow 15.50 to 15.17 point victory.
Semi-finals
In the semi-finals, as pristine two-metre waves continued to pulse through the Bells Beach bowl, Smith and Parkinson both recorded short rides until Parkinson racked up the first significant score – 7.83 out of 10 – 12 minutes into the 35-minute encounter.
Smith briefly held the lead twice as the heat wound down, but Parkinson sealed his place in the final with an excellent 8.50 with five minutes remaining, leaving Smith needing 8.66 for victory when the siren sounded.
Parkinson, who overcame former ASP World Champion CJ Hobgood in the quarterfinals, took the lead in the final against wildcard trials' winner and Bells Beach local Adam Robertson with 21 minutes remaining. Parkinson then posted a near-perfect 9.57 point ride to put Robertson into a combination situation requiring 17.41.
Hoisted the Bell Trophy
Parkinson's victory marked the second time he hoisted the Bell Trophy, the first being in 2004.
"Winning at home is probably the most special win you can have, but this is the most special trophy you can have," Parkinson said. "There is not another trophy in surfing that holds the prestige and honor list that this has. To be back on the trophy again and to hold it for a year is going to be amazing."
The Australian star's win makes it two for two for him thus far on the 2009 ASP World Tour ratings, cementing the stylish natural-footer's place atop the ratings in the hunt for the ASP World Title.
Equal third
Fredrick Patacchia of Hawaii secured an equal third at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach with no-nonsense power surfing on his backhand before going down to Robertson in the semifinals. Despite failing to make the final, Patacchia's stellar start to 2009 has him sitting equal third with Smith on the ASP World Tour ratings.
South Africans David Weare and Greg Emslie placed 17th and 33rd respectively in the event.
Earlier in the week, Rosanne Hodge finished ninth in the Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach.
RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH
Final result
ASP WORLD TOUR RANKINGS
(After event No. 2 – Bells Beach)
South Africans
SAinfo reporter
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