Micro is no stranger to the tube. Here he is standing tall on a frothy Tahitian nug. Photo: ASP
As we approach the final leg of the 2014 ASP World Championship Tour, several pieces of news have surfaced that may have significant implications for the World Title race. With uncertainty surrounding the consequences of Kelly Slater’s foot injury, there is one update that is undoubtedly not a rumor. Taj Burrow, for the first time in his 17 years on the World Tour, has decided to withdraw from the Billabong Pipe Masters due to a burdensome shoulder injury. In turn, the ASP has announced that Glenn Hall will be awarded a wildcard entry into the 2014 Billabong Pipe Masters – timely news for Micro, who turned 33 today (happy birthday, Micro).
Glenn Hall, who is no stranger to the tube, could have a huge impact on the title race, as he will be paired with Gabriel Medina, Mick Fanning, or Kelly Slater in Round 1. One could argue that Micro is coming off an injury and has had less than satisfying results all year. One could also argue that given the track records of all of the aforementioned surfers, Micro doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell against the top seeds.
However, Micro has had several great results on the North Shore, including a semifinal at Sunset. Furthermore, history has shown you can never underestimate a wildcard. Never. Fanning, Slater, and Medina have all had several upsets against wildcards this year, and Pipe will be no different. Regardless of your position on this topic, Pipeline will be a badass event to say the least. I feel like an adolescent on Christmas Eve all over again.
