De Souza thanks the heavens for sending a miracle. Photo: WSL / Laurent Masurel
Did that really just happen? Just before Mick Fanning all but wrapped his grasping hands around the world title, Adriano de Souza miraculously found a barrel at Backdoor in the dying seconds of his Quarter Final heat, earning a score to defeat Josh Kerr to keep his world title hopes alive. Could this be Adriano’s year? Could the world title come down to the finals? Only time will tell.
In his post-heat interview, the elated de Souza said, “I think my dedication four years ago to make this event my priority [helped my results here]. From there, just hard work every single year. And JOB opened his house to me, and the locals out here as well allow me to surf every day out here; I’ve never had a problem, so I appreciate that. One time I stayed here for four months, and I think the results paid off. But it’s not enough. I want more.”
Unbelievable. Photo: WSL / Kelly Cestari
Rip Curl teammates Fanning and Medina just took to the water in the first Semifinal to decide the winner of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. More to come on this soon.
