Medina is looking at another World Title at Pipeline. Image: WSL/Poullenot
If you’ve been following the World Title race, you’re probably aware that Gabriel Medina could have won the whole thing in Portugal. For a bit there, it certainly looked like he was on track—that classic fire-in-the-eyes look that Medina gets was written all over his face.
Then, in the dying minutes of the first heat of the semis, Italo Ferreira rotated his way into a win and knocked the wind out of Medina’s sails. The title will be decided at Pipeline now, which is what nearly everyone wants to see. Although Italo went on to win the Portugal event, Medina’s finish still boosted him in the ratings. He’s still got the yellow jersey, but Filipe Toledo and Julian Wilson are hot on his heels. Here’s the math for how it could all pan out, according to the WSL:
If Gabriel Medina finishes 1st or 2nd at Pipe he wins the World Title.
If Gabriel Medina finishes 3rd, Julian Wilson & Filipe Toledo will need a 1st.
If Gabriel Medina finishes 5th-25th Julian Wilson & Filipe Toledo will need a 2nd or 1st at Pipe.
The waiting period for the Billabong Pipe Masters begins on December 8 and runs through until December 20.
