• Carissa Moore Overtakes Rankings Lead
• Brazilians Dominate Qualifying Round Heats
• Colapinto, Ferreira, and Simmers Survive Night Surf, Advance to Finals Day
• Jack Robinson and Tyler Wright Face Early Elimination

As the sun went down, surf fans witnessed the first-ever Night Session, as the world’s best surfers battled for the remaining spots in Finals Day. Griffin Colapinto (USA), Italo Ferreira (BRA), and Caitlin Simmers (USA), ultimately emerged victorious. The stage is now set for the remaining eight men and four women to compete for the 2023 Surf Ranch Pro title tomorrow. Tomorrow’s Finals start at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

Past event winner and five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) has reclaimed the yellow Leader jersey after an incredible Qualifying Round heat win. Moore looked solid on the rights and lefts, hammering a series of critical turns and earning a heat total of 16.26 (out of a possible 20). Her strong start puts her in a great position on her campaign to secure another event win here at the Surf Ranch.

“I feel really grateful that I have a great team,” said Moore. “My coach and my husband are here, and some of my really close friends and family are here to support so that love really helps. I think the hardest part about the pool, like Kelly (Slater) said earlier, is just being present and at peace. It’s finding that happy place when you know that train starts coming at you.”

Yago Dora Posts Highest Single Score of the Men’s Qualifying Round

Yago Dora (BRA) posted the highest single score of the men’s Qualifying Round, an excellent 9.37 (out of possible 10) on his second left of Heat 4. Dora sped down the line, throwing two big fins-free maneuvers, navigating a deep barrel, and finishing the wave with an air. His near-perfect score earned him the heat win and a ticket straight to Finals Day.

Brazilians Dominate Qualifying Round Heats

Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) showcased her forehand strength, posting an excellent 8.33 on a lefthander. Her backup of a 7.50 was enough to take the heat win over eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS).

“I guess I’m just trying to have a ton of fun and trying to bring the variety, power, and flow, but at the same time just focus on surfing because you can’t control the other surfers,” said Weston-Webb. “This wave and this event are super unique, and I actually really like it because of the pressure that we have when we are competing. You can guarantee a wave is going to come and you have your opportunity. I really like this event; I thrive under pressure.”

Defending event winner and current World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA) maintained his winning streak at the Surf Ranch today, placing first in his Qualifying Round heat and moving straight into Finals Day. Toledo got off to a quick start, earning an excellent 8.83 on his first right of the heat. Past event winner and three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) also put on a brilliant performance, earning an excellent 8.77 on his second left. No other men have made the Final at the Surf Ranch Pro except these two.

Hoping to break that record is current rankings leader Joao Chianca (BRA), who also advanced straight to Finals Day. This is Chianca’s first time competing at the Surf Ranch and he looked right at home on the long, perfect walls.

Also advancing out of the Qualification Round and into Finals Day were Caroline Marks (USA) Ethan Ewing (AUS) and Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) who won their heats with solid performances.

Heat 1 of the men’s Qualifying Round saw the first upset of the day as current World No. 3 Jack Robinson (AUS) was eliminated from competition. Robinson withdrew from Stop No. 5, the Margaret River Pro, due to a knee injury and was excited to return to competiton here at the Surf Ranch. He now has four events remaining to climb back on top of the rankings to make the WSL Final 5.

Current rankings leader Tyler Wright (AUS) also faced an early exit in the Qualification Round. Wright struggled to find her rhythm and fell behind the wave, missing the score she needed.

California’s Griffin Colapinto set the score to beat early on with an 8.77 on the right. John John Florence (HAW) briefly held the second place spot but was bumped out by Kanoa Igarashi’s (JPN) 8.30. But, Italo Ferreira (BRA) played spoiler to Igarshi and edged him out with a 8.50 on the last wave of the men’s Night Session. Colapinto and Ferreira will now go on to compete in Finals Day.

“My strategy was pretty much just get out of my own way,” said Colapinto. “I really wanted to enjoy the atmosphere here. All my friends and family are here. felt like I did that well, and then when I was walking out to go ride that wave and everyone was yelling my name, I started getting a little emotional because, I don’t know, it’s just like this really special moment under the lights.”

During the women’s Night Session, Rookie phenom Caitlin Simmers (USA) wowed the crowd with her progressive surfing. The 17-year-old posted a 7.93 to take the highest score off 8X World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and earn herself a spot in Finals Day.

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Women’s Semifinals Matchups:  
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA)
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:  
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 4: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA)

For more information, please visit SurfRanchPro.com and WorldSurfLeague.com.