Just about the time that Joel Parkinson has been all but engraved on the World Title Trophy for this year, there's a glimmer of hope for a title race. Some big names have fallen on days 2 and 3 of the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles. The two biggest names, world number 4 Taj Burrow, and ratings leader Joel Parkinson, were outed by retired zen master Rob Machado in very close heats. Parko's early exit gives the top ten a chance to make up valuable ground on Parko's 1500 point plus ratings lead. The situation drips with irony. Rob, the retired Hurley wildcard takes out the only 2 Billabong riders in the top 35, at Hurley's event. Bob Hurley left Billabong back in the late 90's to start Hurley. Bob must be grinning today.
Bobby Martinez, Jordy Smith, and Fred Patacchia all had shockers and find themselves heading home too early. Freddy lost a closely contested affair to fellow islander, good friend, and travel partner, Roy Powers. Josh Kerr got past Ace Buchan in a low scoring heat, tying his best result this season to date. He faces Brazilian Adriano de Souza in round 4. Dane Reynolds continues to march through the draw, beating Ben Dunn in the first heat of day 3, he will face Machado in round 4. Kelly Slater also breezed through his round 3 heat against wildcard Brett Simpson, and will face Kekoa "bam bam" Bacalso in round 4.
-Janos
Watch the Highlights of Day 2 Below
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