Hopes high for action to resume at Bells

THE Rip Curl Pro was called off again yesterday but organisers are confident the competition will recommence in favourable surf conditions at Bells Beach today.

Poor conditions have allowed just two days of action since last Wednesday but the forecast of a significant improvement in the size of the waves should result in the event concluding on Saturday.

“We have a couple of swells building into Friday afternoon and significant size for Bells. We will have really great waves with a finish on Saturday in pumping surf,” World Surf League competition director Kieren Perrow said.

First call today is at 7.40am for a possible 8.10am start.

“The #RipCurlPro Bells Beach is off for the day but there is a 100% chance that we run the next 3 days!” the WSL tweeted yesterday morning.

When the action does get under way, Australian world title hopeful Julian Wilson will face US legend Kelly Slater in the opening heat of the third round, while seven-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore will face countrywoman Kobie Enright in a round of 16 heat.

Notable Men’s Round 3 match-ups: Julian Wilson v Kelly Slater (Ht 1); Mikey Wright v Seth Moniz (Ht 6); Gabriel Medina v Reef Heazlewood (Ht 9).

Notable Women’s Round of 16 matchups: Stephanie Gilmore v Kobie Enright (Heat 5); Sally Fitzgibbons v Malia Manuel (Heat 6).