Billabong Rio Pro 2012
Yesterday was the final day of the Billabong Rio Pro - the third of 10 events on the ASP World Tour. The sometimes unpredictable beach break served up pumping barrels on the last day. In the end, John John Florence (16.37) came out on top, beating Joel Parkinson (11.44).
Sadly, I was at physical therapy this morning. I missed watching the final rounds and instead had to rely on my Twitter stream to stay updated. I may have gotten some weird looks from folks as I anxiously clutched my phone and tried to will the thing to update. I may have let out an audible gasp once or twice.
Within the first 90 seconds or so of the final, John John caught about three waves and left Parko comboed with 28 minutes left, meaning that Joel needed two new high scoring waves in order to move into first place. While Joel surfed well throughout the event, he couldn't seem to find his rhythm in the final. With his second place finish, Joel is now leading the World Title race.
John John Florence is only 19 years old and this is his first ASP Tour win. He joined the tour during the mid-season rotation last year and has been surfing incredibly well over the last six months or so in all kinds of conditions. Even Kelly Slater, who sat out the event due to an ankle injury and has known John John since he was little, was stoked about the win.
Here are video highlights from the final day and you can read a recap here. The next stop on the ASP World Tour is the Volcom Fiji Pro which will be held between June 3-15, 2012.
What do you think? Will John John make a run for the title this year?
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