Sunday, June 19, 2011

Julian Wilson wins Quik Pro Portugal

For the first time in about a month, a non-Brazilian has stepped onto the winner's podium of a major event, and it was Australia's world tour rookie Julian Wilson.

The dashing young regularfoot had been a standout all event, posting some of the biggest scores of the contest, including a 9.8 and a 9.57 in the final to seal the victory. Medina was left comboed for most of the heat. His 19.37 heat total in the final would be the highest of the entire event. Mr/ Wilson chose a great time to peak today.

The waves were lumpy but reforming into fun walls on certain sets. Julian was able to nab two big rights that walled all the way through to the sand. Gabriel Medina of Brazil never found a good rhythm in the final, despite landing a ridiculous frontside rotator (check the vid) on a funky left. Medina came pretty close to claiming his second Prime event in two months coming off his victory in Brazil. The kid's having quite a year.

Quiksilver Pro Portugal Final
1 -
Julian Wilson (AUS) 19.37
2 - Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.83

Quiksilver Pro Portugal Semifinal Results
SF 1:
Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.00 Def. John John Florence (HAW) 13.67
SF 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.04 Def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.37

Quiksilver Pro Portugal Quarterfinal Results
QF 1:
Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.37 Def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.33
QF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 18.03 Def. Pat Gudauskas (USA) 12.43
QF 3: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.84 Def. Dion Atkinson (AUS) 10.17
QF 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.26 Def. Jay Quinn (NZL) 9.40