Joel Parkinson keeping his title hopes alive by advancing into round four. Photo: ASP/ Kirstin
A barrage of upsets at the O’Neill Coldwater Classic Santa Cruz have relegated the 2012 ASP World Title Race to the final event of the year, the Billabong Pipeline Masters on the North Shore of Oahu.
Among the notable results, Matt Wilkinson ended John John Florence’s World Title run by claiming one of the highest wave scores of the day.
“I know I can get big scores out here and I kind of know which waves are good,” Wilkinson said. “It’s a really tricky wave and there are so many elements that can make a good wave bad. It was a relief when I got that 9.”
World number three Mick Fanning also fell to Jadson Andre, which will hinder Fanning’s World Title Campaign.
“Mick was looking for the World Title and I’m trying to keep myself on the World Tour,” said Andre. “It was an important heat for both Mick (Fanning) and myself.”
Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson both won their heats, respectively.
Slater narrowly defeated local wildcard Jason “Ratboy” Collins and Dusty Payne to keep his World Title campaign alive.
“There’s a very good chance that I’m out of the race if I don’t win a couple of heats here,” Slater said after his Round 2 victory. “With that being said, it’s easier for me to make up points if I start getting results. If I make Quarters or better, I’ll add some good points.”
Joel Parkinson defeated local Nat Young in his heat, which took him one heat closer to a first World Championship.
“Making this round is good if you need a result, but I need a win here,” Parkinson said. “I really want a win here. It’s what I’m striving for and I can’t really control what everyone else does, so I’m just worrying about myself.”
