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TB’s win at the Quiksilver Pro today was his third in as many starts.And now he’s hungry like the wolf. |
“Look my shirts turned red from all the blood…” Taj and his killing smile. Pic: Smithy
Taj Burrow’s newfound thirst for blood knows no bounds – the missing link between aggressive power surfing and modern aerial impressionism has found his feet. And that is killing his opponents. Taj’s first victim today was Bobby Martinez in semi final one. The popular American goofy footer Martinez changing tactics from previous heats and attempting airs in the slightly onshore conditions. Winning any world tour semi final is a feat and winning one against Taj in air friendly rights – near impossible. So a reasonable change of tact, but when aerial king Taj kept things less flighty and more concrete the transformation of a hot and cold top five surfer into a blood thirsty title contender looked complete.
The best way to recover from a cold – win fifty grand and take the world tour ratings lead. Pic: Smithy
The smarter Taj nailed home a multitude of thick-sprayed re-entry/cutty combos all powered by his delectable bottom turn. Scoring an eight. It was Bobby’s blood in the water now.
With five minutes to go Bobby needed a 9.01. He picked up a wave and attempted another aerial (his third) and fell. Taj brings it home with a second score of 7.67 and it’s done. Taj is through to the final.
Dane Reynolds is a new man. His love of competition surfing after yesterdays stirring triumph over Joel Parkinson the highest it’s ever been. “I’ve never won a contest, but this is the most fun I’ve ever had in a heat…” He said afterwards. Well, he now has a chance to capitalise on his flow and get one up against Jordy Smith – the other touted super star making good. But there’s a concern in camp Dane that the calling off of the semis yesterday afternoon may have stemmed that flow. Dane’s a ‘feeling it’ type of surfer and the going down of the sun could see the dawn of a completely different surfer. Jordy’s act throughout the event however has been of steady momentum and no bullshit. Showing little emotion or maddening ambition Jordy has stomped his way to the semis unperturbed. Wins over Kelly Slater and Bede Durbidge shinning examples of his unfeathered approach. Those two surfers don’t lose to half-baked competitors.
Dane throws the ‘Virgin’ up and over – unfortunately it wasn’t to end as planned. Pic: Smithy
As far as the heat goes it’s a fizzer. Dane’s off his game AND riding the wrong board – a tough combination to get over. The ‘Virgin’ 6’1’ that worked so swell for him in the bigger stuff, but with the waves dipping below four feet the longer lines weren’t needed. His short stumpy boards warming the bench frustrated they weren’t called up. Dane falls and Jordy falls too. In the end Jordy falls a little less and lands a couple crazy airs to win his debut spot in a world tour final. Lekker, bru!.
Physical prowess and power are two traits sure to keep Jordy in the hunt at any event. Pic: Smithy
In the swelling confines of the surfer’s tent I’m momentarily distracted by the humble politeness of Mr Tom Curren. The mystical three-time world-champ steps aside just metres from me so young Sally Fitzgibbon can move through the labyrinth. But pushy company kooks are in a stamped for prime final positions and fill the void Tom’s left for Sally without even thinking. Once she passes him he stands clear as the oafs barge pass. His grace fills me with warmth. Lesson learnt I re-focus on the final.
The hungry teeth of ‘Wolfman Taj’, still lined with blood, glimmer as he bounds out of the surfers tent to hoots and cheers from the boys. Jordy’s exit a little sullen – but his confidence is unwearied.
Mr Firewire Nev Hyman congratulates his number one surfer Taj Burrow and his trainer John Gannon. Pic: Col B
With his parents and trainer Johnny Gannon on deck, the full moon rises for Taj and he turns one last time. Jordy, who’s been surfing exceptionally well struggles to score over seven but Taj has no such problem. After four take off pull off blips, Taj strokes into a smoker and does the deed. Ripping into a 7.4. He backs it up with a 6.17 and rests. He’s catching the better waves and Jordy’s stretching. His power flow interrupted by the waves crinkles. The thirst of Taj is infectious, as the Australian fans will him into another wave, commentators roaring to life. It’s the best wave of the final and although that doesn’t guarantee a high range score it sure does help. Taj reveals his claws and rips into the waves green sinewy wall. It’s an 8.17. Wolfman has strikes again. Taj has won three events from three starts and pocketed more than $120,000 US dollars in the process.
By Col B
Tom Carroll and Martin Potter present Taj his trophy as Jordy looks on. Pic: Col B
VIdeo of the final below.
