Fastest guns in a three-way showdown at Pipeline
THE Billabong Pipe Masters will cap off the season to determine the 2018 men’s world champion and it looks certain to be an amazing finish, with a series of bumper swells heading straight for the Pipeline.
Three athletes who remain in contention to claim the world title are 2014 WSL champion Gabriel Medina (Brazil), who has a 4740-point lead over his only two challengers — 2014 Billabong Pipe Master Julian Wilson (Aus), and 2017 Hawaiian Pro winner Filipe Toledo (Brazil).
The men’s world title scenarios are: IF Medina finishes first or second at the Pipe Masters, he wins the world title; IF Medina finishes third Wil- son and Toledo will need to finish first; IF Medina finishes between fifth and 25th, Wilson and Toledo will need a second or first at Pipe.
Medina is favourite to take the title as he has the lead. But his lead is not that great and Wilson has to be regarded as a serious chance.
Wilson has the best record at Pipeline and what might be in his favour is the wildcards that will eventually come into this event.
Two spots are to be filled and they will be Pipeline specialists selected from a field of trailists.
Generally, these surfers are so good at the break they regularly cause upsets to the top seeds.
With the large swells lining up, whoever takes the title will be a well deserved winner.
Many are discounting Toledo because he’s never really proved himself in the big swell events, but he’s been doing a lot of preparation in Hawaii for this showdown and nothing would surprise.
Today will see the event begin with predictions of waves in the 10-15 feet range and it’s a must-watch for every surf fan. Things are shaping up well for the coming few days, with lights winds and a series of moderate swells that should deliver fun waves right along the coast. Conditions will suit beach breaks and small to moderate reefs as well.