Julian Wilson Wins Ripcurl Pro Peniche, Portugal 2012
By Carlos Rock
Julian Wilson Ripcurl Pro Portugal Champ. Photo: ASP.
Julian Wilson from Australia wins the Ripcurl Pro at Peniche Portugal. Joel Parkinson leads World Title race with a 3rd place result.
Sloppy 4-6 foot beachbreak conditions graced the final day of competition as the pros put on a display of amazing surfing once again.
Joel Parkinson leads the world title race with two events left in the year, the Ripcurl Search Event* and the Pipeline Masters.
The biggest upset of the event was World #2 Kelly Slater bowing out in Round 3 to Brazilian Raoni Monteiro for 13th place. Slater was unable to put together two good scores in the sloppy conditions at Supertubos.
Other world title contenders John John Florence of Hawaii and Mick Fanning of Australia bowed out before the Quarterfinals, which meant that Joel Parkinson was about to take a commanding lead in the rankings. Parkinson placed third in the event.
With another keeper result at Peniche, Parkinson finds himself closer to that World Title that has eluded him his entire career.
What was interesting about this contest was the location and the conditions. Spectators on the beach and the webcast around the world were able to witness a full repertoire of surfing.
For example, Semifinal 1 and 2 were dominated by the two finalists Gabriel Medina and Julian Wilson with a combination of big airs and barrels to really demonstrate how much surfing has progressed since Duke.
Julian Wilson pretty much sealed the deal in Semi 2 with two massive full rotation front side airs within the first five minutes for a 9.7 and a 7.9, and backed that up with a left barrel for another 9.
Julian, massive frontside air in the semis. Photo: ASP.
It seems like to beat the best, it really takes the whole package. Tubes, turns, and airs.
Julian and Gabriel met in the final in France a couple years ago with Gabriel taking the win, leaving Julian dissatisfied and making this final here in Portugal a chance to take a win and even the playing field.
These are two surfers that will undoubtedly be carrying the torch after Kelly Slater departs from the tour.
Prepare for a very exciting finish to the Tour with three surfers in the running for the title, and with the Triple Crown of Surfing coming up soon, make sure you catch the webcasts or make a trip over to Oahu for a firsthand experience.
Supertubos, Portugal. Photo: ASP.
As for Hawaii’s hope for another World Title, John John Florence could very well take the title with another good result in the next contest, and possibly a win at Pipeline.
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