Connor O’Leary and Liam O’Brien faced off in a round of 32 heat at Margaret River, with the Australian-Japanese surfer emerging victorious by a single point. The competition was fierce, with both surfers vying for a spot on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour.
Heat Highlights
- O’Leary scored the wave of the heat, giving him an early advantage.
- O’Brien delivered one of the best turns of the day with a stabbing hook.
- The final score was incredibly close, with O’Leary winning by just one point.
The loss marked the end of two years on tour for O’Brien. The pair shared an emotional moment at the top of Main Break stairs after their intense battle, hugging each other tightly and reflecting on their complicated relationship as friends and rivals.
"It sucked coming up against my mate in such high-pressure circumstances," said Connor O’Leary about facing his friend in competition. "But I had to put myself first."
Local Surfer Spotlight: Jacob Willcox
Local surfer Jacob Willcox knows firsthand how difficult it is to lose out due to cuts from tour appearances that are too few or too far between. He lost his spot last year after making just five appearances before being dropped off tour.
Willcox has been having an impressive run this week at Margaret River:
- He beat world No. 1 Italo Ferreira in Round Two.
- He took down Brazilian Joao Chianca yesterday morning at The Box break.
He will now face either Frenchman Leo Fioravanti or American Griffin Colapinto today for a quarter-final berth in what promises to be another thrilling match-up for Willcox as he continues his bid for success on tour this season.
Other News from Margaret River Pro
- Brazilian Gabriel Medina took down South African Jordy Smith yesterday morning at Main Break.
- Medina will now face either Australian Owen Wright or American Kanoa Igarashi today.
- Wright beat Brazilian Caio Vitor Henrique Ibelli yesterday afternoon, while Igarashi defeated Frenchman Jeremy Flores.
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