Seis surfistas na briga - ONDA DECISIVA by Renato de Alexandrino - O Globo -Newspaper -Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -Sunday, December 6th, 2015 -Esportes page 44.
Six surfers in the fight
DECISIVE WAVE
Last stage of world circuit starts on this Tuesday, in Hawaii, with the Brazilians Adriano de Souza, Filipe Toledo and Gabriel dreaming about the cup.
Renato de Alexandrino
renato.alexandrino@oglobo.com.br
Now is the moment of truth. After ten stages disputed along ten months, the world circuit of surfing reaches to the decision time in the most emblematic and traditional stage sport. The strong and tubular waves of Pipeline, in Hawaii, break a few meters from the sand and let no space to doubts. Only the best can dominate them. In a perfect setting from Tuesday, three surfers compete inch by inch the title of the season, with three others running out. They are three Brazilians and three Australians in the fight. Pipeline will decide.
The 2015 WCT was one of the most equilibrated of recent times, with Adriano de Souza, Mick Fanning and Filipe Toledo taking turns in the ranking lead. Only 450 points separated the three main candidates for the title. Gabriel Medina, Owen Wright and Julian Wilson show up with fewer chances -especially the two Australians.
Six different surfers won stages in 2015, but only one of them won three events. Filipe Toledo was the best in Gold Coast, Brazil and Portugal, and impressed fans, competitors and judges with his modern and fast surfing, based on aerial maneuvers. In the last year, Filipinho was in the water when Gabriel Medina was crowned world champion in Pipeline. It was from him the first embrace in the newly crowned world's best surfer. Now, Filipe hopes to repeat the scene changing roles.
-That moment was very special. Be there at the peak sharing with Gabriel that emotion.It is something I want to feel too, for sure.
Current world champion, Medina had a very bad beginning of the year and arrived to occupy the 21st position in the ranking before starting a sensational recovery, what let him to arrive to Hawaii in fourth position. The bichampionship dream is more alive than ever, but Medina will need to reach at least the semifinals in Pipeline, as well to cheer against the competitors.
-My flame was on since the beginning of the year, but there are some things that we do no explain, just happen. If they fail I will do my best to win - promises.
MOTIVATION BY TV TUBE
Third in the ranking, Adriano de Souza, had a fantastic beginning of the year, with three podiums and a victory in Australia, assuming the tip. After some oscillations declined to third position, but with live chances to conquer the so dreamed cup. At 28, the oldest member of "brazilian storm" also uses the title of Medina last year as motivation.
-I watched all by television because I had undergone surgery and did not compete at that stage, but cheered a lot for Gabi. For sure, see that motivate myself a lot this year to clinch this desired title. Now need a little.
The biggest name of Brazilian surfing in big waves and wide experience in Hawaii, the surfer of Pernambuco(PE) Carlos Burle bet on bichampionship of Medina but confesses that cheer for Adriano.
-Medina is the most dangerous of them, because has very talent and is the guy more complete. I would bet on him by surprise effect and by his unquestionable capacity and talent, but I would like
that Adriano win. He deserves a lot.
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photo by Guito Moreto/20-5-2015
FELIPE TOLEDO
20 YEARS OLD, 2ND IN THE RANKING
HOW REACHES TO THE FINAL
I have so many desire as anyone it makes difference. I am not so experienced, but an opportunity like this does not happen every day, than I will go with all my strength to pursuit of a good result in Pipeline.
STRATEGY IN PIPELINE
I wil train in Pipeline whenever possible. I want to be quite comfortable in time to compete in that wave.
IF NOT CHAMPION, CHEER FOR WHO?
I cheer for Mineiro(Adriano de Souza). He is our "captain", and I know all effort of him to pursuit of this title. He deserves.
TO CLINCH THE CUP
VICTORY. Filipe guarantees the world title
IF 2ND. It is enough Mick Fanning or Adriano do not win
IF 3RD. Fanning have to finish, at most, in 3rd; and Adriano do not win
IF 5TH. Fanning finished at most in 5th;and Adriano, in 3rd
IF 9TH. Fanning finished at most in 9th: Adriano in 5th;and Medina, in 2nd
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photo by Marcelo Carnaval/19-5-2013
ADRIANO DE SOUZA
28 YEARS OLD, THIRD IN THE RANKING
HOW REACHES TO TO FINAL
I started the year with an excellent campaign in Australia. After came the defeat in Rio, my biggest disappointment. Since the beginning I want to arrive in Pipe with chance of title. I got it, now who surf the best waves will be the champion. I got it, and now who surf the best waves will be the champion.
STRATEGY IN PIPELINE
Pipeline is the Maracanã of surfing. The climate is different. I love surfing it and every years I stay a good period here. I will be ready for whatever comes. It is a fast and with many corals wave. Every care is few.
IF NOT CHAMPION, CHEER FOR WHO?
For sure, I will be cheering for a Brazilian. But I do not even want to think about this now.
TO CLINCH THE CUP
VICTORY IN PIPELINE. Adriano guarantees the world title.
IF IN 2ND POSITION. If Mick Fanning do not win: Toledo, finished, at most, 5th position.
IF IN 3RD POSITION. Fanning finished at most, in 5th position; and Toledo, in 9th position.
IF IN 5TH: Fanning has to finish in 9th position, at most; Toledo, em 13th; and Medina, in 2nd.
IF in 9TH: Fanning and Toledo finished, at most, in 13th; Medina and Owen Wright in 2nd.
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photo by Marcos Tristão/26-1-2015
GABRIEL MEDINA
21 YEARS OLD, 4TH IN THE RANKING
HOW REACHES THE FINAL
I am so cool. The obligation and pressure are on the three first. If they failed, I will do my best to win
After the stage in Teahuppo(in Tahiti), see a tip of hope. Thanks God this things got better.
STRATEGY IN PIPELINE
Total focus, heat to heat, as in the last year. When the things go right, we usually repeat and improve.
I love the wave of Pipeline and hope the sea is classic.
IF NOT CHAMPION, CHEER FOR WHO?
I do not think about, I want this title very much. But if happens, I will cheer for Brazilians, till because Mick Fanning has already three titles, hasn't he? (smiles)
TO CLINCH THE CUP
VICTORY - Mick Fanning and Adriano finished at most in 5th position;
Filipe Toledo, in 9th place.
IF IN 2ND POSITION - Fanning, Toledo and Adriano finished, at most in 13th position.
IF IN 3RD POSITION -Fanning and Adriano finished, at most in 13th position;Toledo in 25th position; and Julian Wilson or Owen Wright do not win.
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Version by Paulo Piqueres -Postgraduate in Advanced English at PUC -Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
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