Comeback kings clash
THEY’RE the comeback stories of the World Surf League season but for at least one, there will be no fairytale finish to the Quiksilver Pro.
Mick Fanning and Owen Wright will face off in a Round 3 knockout contest at Snapper Rocks today in an epic heat that will end one man’s journey early in the event.
The pair would not usually face off so early in a contest but with both seeded in the middle of the men’s field after taking time off in 2016, one will knock the other out in what is the most anticipated heat of the Quiky Pro to date.
Their peers cannot split the pair and are devastated the journey will end for one of them today.
Joel Parkinson, who won through his Round 3 heat after a rain delay, summed up the thoughts of the competitors when he said the match-up was “sad”.
“That’s the way the tour is, you’re going to surf against a close friend and someone who’s helped you or someone who’s been there and supported you, it’s just the way it is,” he said.
“You’re mates on the road but what happens in the water just stays there.
“Who do you go for? I want to see Owen go well and I want to see Mick have a strong year.
“All I hope for is they just exchange really good waves and it’s a great heat.”
Former world champion Barton Lynch said the matchup told the tale of an improving tour where every surfer was competitive.
“But that is one of those heats that both having last year off and both being fresh to this year, that’s got everyone’s attention,” he said.
“It’ll be contested with the right spirit, but fireworks for sure.
“Which way would I lean? Depending on the tide, goofy footers have had an advantage because you can go up and down more vertical and create more of an impact for the judges.
“But if it’s barrelling, then Mick’s got the advantage – and Mick knows this place like the back of his hand.
“You could split a hair on it.”
Matt Wilkinson, a Rip Curl teammate and great mate of both Fanning and Wright, said while it would be hard, he couldn’t wait to watch it.
“Mick’s probably the best ever out here but Owen’s in form and making a comeback, so it’s going to be fun to watch,’’ he said.
Wilkinson admitted Wright’s comeback was a “tear jerker”.
“I was in his corner and that was amazing to see,’’ he said.
“Last year was so scary and for him to come back in such great form is awesome.’’
The opening seven heats of Round 3 were held yesterday afternoon, with world champion John John Florence survived a scare from Mikey Wright to advance.
Florence got the score he needed with a late wave before Wright had a final chance but could not stay on his feet.