Since his world champion title in 2019, Italo Ferreira has shone intermittently. This season, the Brazilian is back in business. After narrowly making the mid-season cut, the native of Baia Formosa has just won two rounds in a month, in Teahupoo (Tahiti) at the end of May then the Rio Pro this Friday, for the first time in front of his home crowd in Saquarema.
In the final, Ferreira this time dominated his compatriot and defending champion Yago Dora after dismissing Connor O’Leary in the quarters (10.03 – 5.90) then Griffin Colapinto in the semis (16.60 – 14.27). Faced with a crowd that was as ecstatic as ever, the 2021 Olympic champion in Tokyo scored a 7 then a 6.67, putting his opponent at the start, who was never able to catch up.
“I dreamed of this moment. It’s very special. »
“I’m emotional because more than anything I wanted to win this competition for my father, he is one of my biggest inspirations in life,” Ferreira said. We started from the bottom and right now we are at the top, so I just want to say thank you to God for everything, but also to my family and friends. I dreamed of this moment. It’s very special. »
In the rankings, John John Florence – eliminated in the quarters – remains the big leader (with 10,000 points ahead of G. Colapinto), the Hawaiian having in the process secured his place for the September play-offs in Trestles. Thanks to his victory, Ferreira enters the top 5, in 4th place.
Simmers s’impose, Defay sort du top 5
In the women’s draw, victory went to Caitlin Simmers. The young Californian, who won the 2023 edition of the Rio Pro, had no trouble beating her compatriot Sawyer Lindblad, unable to score on the three waves taken (0.43, 0.20 and 2.83). Meanwhile, Simmers ran with a 7.83 and a 7.67.
With this 3rd success this season, Simmers consolidates her place as world number one. Like Florence, she has secured her place in the play-offs. Fifth before this round, Johanne Defay has dropped one place after her elimination during the repechage round. She is now 6th in the world one round before the end of the regular season, which will take place on the legendary spot of Cloudbreak (Fiji) in August.
2024-06-29 07:05:42
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