Jack Robinson ousted by Gabriel Medina at World Surf League El Salvador comp
Margaret River surf star Jack Robinson’s had his wings clipped by Gabriel Medina at the El Salvador Pro.
After back-to-back Championship Tour wins at home and at G-Land in Indonesia, talk was strong about Robinson’s prospects to snatch the World Surf League crown.
But a dramatic showdown against champ Medina, in which Robinson snapped a board, relegated the Margs frother to fifth place in the latest comp.
Robinson’s quarter-final heat was hindered by less-than-stellar waves, with the local champ only able to muster a 5.5 and 1-point ride against the Brazilian’s 12.5 out of 20.
Robinson bested fellow Aussie Jackson Baker in a tight contest in the final 16, scoring 17.76 against Baker’s tight 15.17.
Aussie champion Stephanie Gilmore won through in the final for the women, taking down Lakey Peterson in similar ebbing surf.
Gilmore’s triumph was widely-touted as a strong return to form.
She defeated her American challenger 13 (out of 20) against 10.67.
Gracetown’s Bronte Macaulay was not on the CT despite an injury wildcard offered in Indonesia, after the contentious midyear cut at the Margaret River Pro whittled the contenders down for the back half of the season.
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