The prestigious Billabong
Pro Rio 2013 saw South African Jordy Smith take the title after a close fought
contest with Brazilian Adriano de Souza. With thousands of fans watching – and
oohing and ahhing – the final day at Barra da Tijuca was an exciting match.
Adriano and Jordy had
reasons for showcasing the very best of their talents. While the Brazilian was
keen for another home win, Jordy was surfing for the first victory of his ASP
World Tour career – and in foreign waters.
Smith showed an amazing
variety of technical airs and turns in the final launching a huge, straight
frontside air for a 9.33 and a stailfish air-reverse for an 8.50 to top De
Souza for the win. Jordy ended up scoring a total of 17.80 points to Adriano’s
16.34.
Afterwards, Jordy said:
"This win feels unbelievable. It's another dream come true. I knew I could
win a World Tour event but I had to prove to myself that I could do it away
from South Africa. Thanks to crowd and Adriano. He’s been ripping the whole
event.
The Billabong Pro Rio is
number three of 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT). The event
witnessed a high-performance showdown from the ASP Top 34 amid a bevy of
barrels and ramps of Barra Da Tijuca.
Smith’s run to the final was
nothing short of brilliant as the South African powerhouse defeated Filipe
Toledo (BRA) and two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) en route to the
final.
Jordy reckoned his success
came down to his ability to adapt to both his competitors and the ever-changing
conditions of Barra Da Tijuca.
He is reported as saying; “I
knew it was going to be tough. I was really nervous in the first heat against
Filipe. Luckily I got through that one and when I came up against Mick I waited
for better waves. When the swell dropped against Adriano and he took to the
sky, I knew I was going to have to do the same, but luckily I got a couple of
scores.”
