Miguel Pupo and Julian Wilson qualify for Quiksilver Pro Portugal 2011 semifinals
The final day of Quiksilver Pro Portugal 2011 continued with the third and fourth quarter-finals on Saturday Morning, June 18th, at the beach-break of Ribeira D’Ilhas in Ericeira, Portugal.
Brazil’s Miguel Pupo continued to assert his excellent form by defeating Australia’s Dion Atkinson in the third quarter-final, and advanced one step closer to the event title.
Australia’s Julian Wilson emerged triumphant from his battle against New Zealand’s Jay Quinn in the fourth quarter-final. The victory confirmed his place in the semi-final, while marking the end of the road for Quinn.
Pupo, who already carries boasting rights for an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime event victory this season, had consistently proved to be one of the strongest contenders for the event title over the last four days. His form had been excellent
and consistent, which had allowed him to amass victories and confidently make his way into the quarter-finals
Atkinson, on the other hand, lacked the confidence that was enjoyed by his rival, as his performance in the event had not remained that unfailing. However, he had been able to make a comeback on numerous occasions and now stood in the quarter-final stage,
which was not something to be taken lightly.
As the third quarter-final started, the difference in the confidence and forms of the two surfers became quite apparent. While Pupo read the conditions well and collected a 7.67 and 6.17 off his two best waves to reach a heat-total of 13.84 points, Atkinson
struggled to catch waves. He only managed a 5.00 and 5.17 from his two best waves, finishing with a two-wave total of 10.17 points.
Consequently, the Brazilian acquired a comfortable and convincing victory to earn his place in the semi-finals, while the Australian was eliminated from the event.
The fourth heat pitted the two most in-form surfers at Ribeira D’Ilhas against each other in a battle for the coveted semi-final slot.
In their previous meeting in Round 4, Quinn had prevailed over Wilson with quite a margin. However, anyone who thought that their latest face-off would deliver the same outcome could not have been more wrong.
As the battle commented, the New Zealander instantly moved into the lead by clinching a 4.17-point wave. The Australian responded effectively with a 6.83-point wave to move ahead. He further increased the pressure on his rival by adding an additional 7.43
points to his account, reaching a heat-total of 14.26 points and leaving Quinn in need of a 9.03 off his second wave.
Quinn was unable to rise up to the challenge and only managed to earn 5.23 off his second wave to finish with a 4.86-point deficit.
By clinching victory, Wilson was not only able to redeem himself after losing to Quinn in Round 4, he found himself getting even closer to the ultimate showdown for the title.
For updates on the Quiksilver Pro Portugal 2011 semi-finals, stay tuned to bettor.com.
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