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Smith fifth in Rio de Janeiro

Barra De Tijuca - South African World Tour surfer Jordy Smith placed fifth in the Billabong Pro Rio, after being defeated by Michel Bourez from Tahiti.

Smith was the defending champion having won the event last year after a dream performance. It was the first contest that Smith had won outside of South Africa. Prior to that, Smith's only victories had come in two installments of the Billabong Pro JBay.

Smith had been on form throughout the event, showing flashes of brilliance in among the beach-break waves of Barra Do Tijuca. The judges were enjoying his form, the spectators were idolising him, but he struggled to get the right waves that would allow him to open up and show the judges his full repertoire and new school surfing moves for what he is world-renowned.  

It was a difficult quarter-final for Smith, finding it an impossible task to find the good waves in a scrappy heat, despite showing good form.

Bourez found himself at the right place at the right time to get one of the highest heat totals of the day.

Despite his form of late, Smith has been unable to covert his great performances into contest results.

“It’s obviously a bit disappointing,” said Jordy of his quarter-final loss. “I just didn’t get the good ones, and Michel got the two best waves of the heat. I’m not going to dwell on it, and I’m going to look ahead to the next event in Fiji.”

The event was eventually won b Bourez, with Kolohe Andino from USA in second place.

Smith moved to No 10 in the WSP ratings while Kelly Slater took over the top spot.

For more facts and stats check out the ASP World Tour website atwww.aspworldtour.com

The next event on the world tour is the Fiji Pro at Nomotu, Tavarua, Fiji from June 1-13 where Kelly Slater is the defending champion.


Jordy Smith in action (ASP/Morigo)
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