Erin Brooks & Jack Robinson shine as WSL Fiji Pro Finals loom

In a stunning turn of events, 17-year-old wildcard Erin Brooks from Canada managed to defeat number 1 seed Caitlin Simmers from the USA in the quarterfinals with an impressive score of 15.10, marking the highest score among women in the competition.

“I look up to Caity (Simmers) so much,” said Brooks.

“She’s such an inspiration to me as she’s still so young, and she’s number one in the world, so I do look up to her. Sierra (Kerr) and I came into this event looking around at all of these surfers that we have looked up to our whole lives, and seeing Caity beat them all is really cool, and to beat her myself is amazing. I’m just so grateful to be here in Fiji, one of my favourite places in the world, surfing in this event. I’m so excited.”

Olympic silver medalist Jack Robinson (AUS) defeated Connor O’Leary (JPN) in a heated event, scoring 12.34 over O’Leary’s 11.50. Securing a spot in his third straight WSL Finals, Robinson will now look to improve his rank as he is set to face Yago Dora (BRA) as a $1.70 favourite among the top surfing bookmakers.

“I knew I didn’t need a big score, so I knew that was it. That was it; that was the shot I needed, and it gave me the chance, and I made it happen. I didn’t really think about how big the moment was, but it was such a big heat because I needed to clinch my spot,” said Robinson.

“Feels good. It feels like I’m right where I’m meant to be. What a special moment. What a special year. So let’s keep pushing forward.”

WSL Fiji Pro Day 2 Highlights

Joining them in securing their positions in the WSL Final 5 at Lower Trestles are Molly Picklum (AUS) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC).

Molly Picklum expressed her excitement for her matchup with Erin.

“I’ve been struggling a bit this year and not being able to get past the quarters,” Picklum said.

“It’s good to get a roll on and make some heats, especially at an event like this one. I love surfing and love competing, so making heats just means more of those things, and that’s what I want. You live and breathe for heats like that against Johanne, when it’s all on the line and you just go back and forth.”

“Obviously, Caity has the No. 1 seed, so it’s hers for us to take, and I’m just really excited to go there. I really love that wave and San Clemente so I can’t wait to go back there and put my best foot forward and let my surfing do the talking.”

“I’m pumped to come up against Erin (Brooks). She is obviously amazing and will really push me, so I can’t wait.”

Despite facing a foot injury setback, Brisa Hennessy managed to secure her spot despite a loss in the quarterfinals to Johanne Defay .

“It’s definitely been an interesting one for sure, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. That’s my motto, I think for this event. I think it’s so sick to have an event at Cloudbreak and to have the amazing Fijian staff that just give us so much support and love. I think that’s what’s carrying me through,” said Hennessy.

“It’s been a very incredible, chaotic, wild, beautiful, amazing year. I think sometimes we’re always thinking about getting to the end, and I’ve learned a lot about trying to be in the moment and enjoying every part, but it’s led me here. Yeah, so, so grateful.”

Also on day 2, there were some key eliminations, as Gabriela Bryan and Gabriel Medina were eliminated and fell out of contention for the Final 5.

Bryan was eliminated by Brooks, and despite scoring the highest single-wave points earlier, Medina couldn’t sustain his performance against Griffin Colapinto.

With the surfers gearing up for the showdown, the stakes are at their peak, with world rankings and championship dreams at stake.

WSL Fiji Pro Women’s Elimination Round Results

WSL Fiji Pro Men’s Round of 16 Results

WSL Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results

WSL Fiji Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Results (Heat 1)

WSL Fiji Bonsoy Women’s Semifinal Matchups

Odds courtesy of BetOnline

WSL Fiji Pro Men’s Remaining Quarterfinal Matchups (Heats 2-4)

Odds courtesy of BetOnline

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