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From California To The Maldives - Surfs Up!

From California To The Maldives - Surfs Up!

Date: 2018-08-03

The 2018 Vans US Open of Surfing presented by Swatch got underway on Monday in two-to-three foot waves at the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier, with the women's CT Trials followed by the first two rounds of the men's QS.

The day opened with a battle for the CT wildcard entry, where Kirra Pinkerton of the USA took down Leilani McGonagle from Costa Rica, Ainara Aymat and Tia Blanc. Pinkerton will compete in Stop No. 7 of 10 of the World Surf League (WSL) Women's Championship Tour (CT) later this and face current World No. 1 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and defending US Open winner Sage Erickson (USA) in Round 1 Heat 3 when competition commences.

After Pinkerton's impressive showcase, the men's QS 10,000 competitors battled their way through the opening elimination heats in trying conditions. Some of the world's best made their debut in Round 2 alongside the QS's heavy-hitters. Today's competition also witnessed big upsets by up-and-comers, who will now prepare for even more difficult matchups in Round 3. The event received its first shockwave as first-time US Open QS competitor Kei Kobayashi took down current CT No. 7 Willian Cardoso, former CT competitor Ryan Callinan, and a top-seeded QS veteran Carlos Munoz, to start Round 2 Heat 1. Our own QS veteran Beyrick De Vries is also still in the running.

Meanwhile there are just a few weeks until the 2018 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy kicks off, and momentum is building with the announcement of the final invitees for the 'world's most luxurious surf event.'

Surfing superstar Bruce Irons of Hawaii will join Brazilian livewire Alejo Muniz, 2001 WSL Champion CJ Hobgood from the USA and local wildcard Abdulla 'Fuku' Areef from the Maldives.