Surfer Julian Wilson after scoring big during the final seconds of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, leaving his competitor Gabriel Medina stunned and . “I’m overwhelmed,” Wilson said. “I lost to Gabriel (Medina) on the
buzzer last year in France and to beat him back again on the buzzer, I
don’t even know how to describe the feeling.”
The 23-year-old Australian knew he had a great ride, but needed to wait for the official word on land. “I didn't feel that confident walking up the beach; Wilko (Matt
Wilkinson) had my back but he wasn't 100 percent sure,” said Wilson. “Then they just read the
score out and I was so happy.”
Joel Parkinson finished third and increased his overall lead heading into the ninth event of the season in Santa Cruz, California. Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning were knocked out before the quarterfinals in Portugal, but still remain in the second and third spots overall. There are two more events left on this year's tour.
ASP WCT TOP 5 (After Rip Curl Pro Portugal):
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 52,700 pts
2. Kelly Slater (USA) 47,200 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 47,000 pts
4. John John Florence (HAW) 44,350 pts
5. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 37,650 pts
—Joe Spring