Champ Ferreira’s happy Bells homecoming
REIGNING Bells Beach champion Italo Ferreira feels on top of the world, bringing with him impeccable form to defend his title.
The Brazilian enjoyed a breakthrough win at Bells Beach last year, defeating Mick Fanning in the final in the Aussie great’s last World Surf League event, before claiming the Corona Bali Pro and the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal to finish the year ranked fourth.
The 24-year-old said he had fond memories returning to Bells Beach.
“Last year was amazing for me here, especially in the final with one of my favourite surfers on the tour, Mick (Fanning),” Ferreira told the Geelong Advertiser.
“That was one of the special finals for me.
“That was hard because all the beach put all the energy into Mick and my first three waves I fell. But after that I got three more waves and took the win — that was the best moment for sure.
“It was my first win and it was really special.
“To ring the bell and all the energy to run on the steps, I have a lot of memories.”
Ferreira claimed his fourth WSL event at the Quiksilver Pro in Queensland last week to bring the yellow jersey to Bells Beach.
But Australia is like a second home to the 2015 Rookie of the Year.
“I love Australia, I love to surf here,” he said.
“I have a lot of moments here. Australia is a second house for me maybe, because we stay here for months and I have great moments here.
“That is a big challenge for me, to defend the championship here, but I’m ready.
“I’ve trained a lot the last couple of months and I’m so excited and have a lot of energy to put in my surf in every single heat.”
Ferreira said he expected John John Florence, Filipe Toledo and Jordy Smith to be among his biggest threats.
“I think the big guys are John, Filipe, Jordy, these guys are always hungry but I’m hungry too, so let’s do it, let’s fight,” he said.
“Kelly (Slater) is always favourite, but I think the new generation goes in more hungry and more fiery and that’s the difference.”