Jordy Smith wows in all-South African clash at Corona Cero Open J-Bay

Update

SURFING NEWS - South Africa’s Jordy Smith brought Supertubes to life on Saturday with an excellent 9.43-point ride to win his men’s Elimination Round heat at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay – much to the delight of his home crowd lining the beach.

Facing fellow South African wildcard Luke Thompson, Smith was forced to respond early after Thompson opened with a strong score.

He did so in style, powering down the line with explosive manoeuvres to post the day’s highest single-wave score. Smith’s 16.43 two-wave total was enough to outpoint Thompson’s valiant 15.96 effort in what was easily the heat of the day.

“We both started out pretty good,” said Smith.

“I just wanted to find a bomb and shut it down. Sure enough, I got that wave and rode it almost into my living room! The support down here is incredible. That’s what it’s all about – to inspire South Africa and the next generation. I told Luke I hope to see him here in 12 months.”

The result sees Smith safely through to the Round of 16, where he will meet France’s Marco Mignot in Heat 5.

Wildcard drama and sky-high entrances

Fellow South African Matthew McGillivray made headlines before even touching the water, skydiving into J-Bay in full wetsuit and rash vest ahead of his debut heat. But his bold entrance didn’t translate to competition success, as 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (Brazil) sent him packing in the Elimination Round.

Thompson, despite being knocked out by Smith, made a strong impression and may well have earned more opportunities on the Championship Tour stage.

World champions fight on

On the women’s side, three World Champions survived the Elimination Round. Reigning titleholder Caity Simmers (USA) advanced past local wildcard Sarah Baum in Heat 1 and credited her family’s support for helping her mentally reset after a disappointing result in Rio.

“I kind of have a weird relationship with this wave,” she admitted. “But my whole family is here, and that helps me switch off. My brother just won the US Championships and now he’s here pushing me to surf better.”

Caroline Marks (USA) and Tyler Wright (Australia) also progressed. Marks knocked out Brazil’s Luana Silva, while Wright edged out Canada’s Erin Brooks with a clutch 7.07 ride in the dying minutes of their heat.

Dora steals the show with aerial masterclass

Yago Dora (Brazil) laid down one of the most memorable moments of the day with a soaring frontside rotation that earned him a near-perfect 9.33 in his Opening Round heat. Currently ranked World No. 2, Dora trails Smith on the leaderboard and is looking increasingly dangerous.

“I was kind of scared to hit the ramp – the wave was solid and I had so much speed,” said Dora. “But it’s the best feeling in surfing when you’re just floating in the air and land clean.”

He’ll face fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca in Heat 1 of the Round of 16.

More big names progress

Several top-ranked surfers continued their campaigns with solid performances, including Filipe Toledo, Griffin Colapinto, Jack Robinson and Barron Mamiya. Robinson advanced with one of the day’s highest combined totals – 14.83 – while Colapinto and Mamiya rebounded in the Elimination Round to progress.

What’s next?
The Corona Cero Open J-Bay is the penultimate stop on the 2025 Championship Tour calendar and plays a crucial role in determining the WSL Final 5, who will battle for the World Title at Cloudbreak in Fiji.

The next call for competition is set for Sunday, 13 July at 07:15 (GMT+2), with a possible start at 07:33.

Men’s Round of 16 Heat Draw Highlights:

Heat 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
Heat 6: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)

Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups Include:

Heat 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
Heat 2: Caity Simmers (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)

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