Indonesia, June 3: The Krui Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 5000 is poised for an exciting Finals Day after a dramatic Day 7 of competition.
The day featured the completion of the men’s Quarterfinals and two heats of the women’s Quarterfinals before a rapidly increasing swell forced the event to be put on standby.
The competition will resume at the sheltered Krui Left location, where surfers are expected to showcase their skills in more manageable conditions.
Western Australian surfer Willow Hardy (AUS) put on a stellar performance in her Quarterfinal matchup against Holly Williams (AUS), winning with a two-wave total of 13.83 (out of a possible 20).
Hardy’s standout moment came with an excellent 8.50 single wave score, earned by a huge carve to snap with a massive air-drop to ride out of it, displaying her commitment and courage on a daunting closeout section.
Hardy will face Jahly Stokes (AUS) in the Semifinals, who also demonstrated bravery to secure her spot in the next round.
“I really kind of underestimated how hard it was out here,“ Hardy said. “I knew I just had to commit to the section, and I was like, if I got a big score, maybe I could get through with just one wave. But I went so far down the point it took like 20 minutes to paddle back out. I asked the Jetski driver, ‘Am I going to make it back out?’ I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get back out. There was so much water moving; that’s what I didn’t expect out there, so it’s not so much about the size of the waves. It’s about the amount of water pouring off the reef. It was insane. The sweep was next level.”
In the men’s division, 2022 World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS) continued his strong form, posting the highest two-wave total of the day with a 15.87.
Earle’s precise frontside maneuvers were challenged by Dylan Moffat’s (AUS) impressive backside surfing, which included an excellent 8.00-point ride.
However, Moffat was unable to secure a strong backup score, allowing Earle to progress to the Semifinals, where he will face New Zealand’s Billy Stairmand (NZL).
Aussie surfers Taj Stokes (AUS) and Marlon Harrison (AUS) will meet in the Semifinals after both secured victories in their Quarterfinal heats. Stokes delivered a memorable performance, scoring an 8.50 for a massive turn on a huge section before committing to a dramatic closeout hit. Although he didn’t complete the maneuver, the score would have likely approached perfection had he done so.
The 2024 Krui Pro QS 5000 and Pro Junior events are set to continue at Ujung Bocur, South Sumatra, from May 28 to June 4. F
ans can follow the action live at WorldSurfLeague.com or via the free WSL App.
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