Julian Wilson just came second at Sunset to Brazilian Raoni Monteiro.
Raoni beat Julian by a slim margin of 0.17 points. After a third and a second in the first two stops of the Vans Triple Crown he is very close to qualifying for the World tour next year. He's sitting in 31st and that means he could easily be bumped out by two guys who place well at Pipe. Why isn't Julian competing at Pipe?
Even after reviewing the qualifications, I'm still not sure. It was established in 1970 and attracts the top 45 surfers from the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) as well as 16 surfers who compete in walk on trials.
The wild cards this year are all from Hawaii. Oahu’s Jon-Jon Florence, Maui’s Ian Walsh, all-time Pipeline favorite Bruce Irons and Kauai’s Kamalei Alexander and Danny Fuller.
It seems there is a little wiggle room to include men who seem worthy. My vote is for Julian. After his results in the last two triple crown events he has proven himself. Allowing Julian to compete would level the playing field so he could earn enough point to qualify for the world tour and compete for a share of $400,000 prize money.
This year, the Billabong Pipe Masters celebrates its 40th year. The last ten years of winners are an impressive bunch
2009- Taj Burrow, Australia
2008- Kelly Slater, USA
2007- Bede Durbidge, Australia
2006- Andy Irons, Hawaii
2005- Andy Irons, Hawaii
2004- Jamie O’Brien, Hawaii
2003- Andy Irons, Hawaii
2002- Andy Irons, Hawaii
2001- Bruce Irons, Hawaii
2000- Rob Machado, USA
Who will join this list and become the 2010 Pipeline Master? It's anyone's game.
I look forward to watching the live web-cast http://triplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters
No comments:
Post a Comment