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Brilliant Barrel-Riding (Con't)

Others to advance from round three to the quarter finals this-afternoon were Australians Mick Fanning, Taj Burrow, Lee Winkler and Daniel Wills, Brazilian Flavio Padaratz, and American Damien Hobgood.

Padaratz won both his matches today. First in a remaining round one heat, then the first third round clash against Taj Burrow (Aus), Shea Lopez (USA) and Fabio Gouveia (Brz). Needing a good result to re-qualify for the 2003 WCT, each heat is a crucial one for the Brazilian.

"I knew I needed a another solid wave," said Padaratz. "I saw Shea get his last one, so I could have been pushed out of second place. I'm just stoked I got it and a couple of barrels, as I don't have many chances to go out there and catch many. It's so intense out here, but that's what makes this event such a special one."

Hobgood also posted two convincing victories with a handful of epic tube rides. This afternoon he dominated Lee Winkler (Aus) in second place, while Michael Lowe (Aus) and Greg Emslie (SAfr) were eliminated.

"I've had some good rhythm out there today," said Hobgood. "The waves have been really fun. I've been riding a 7'0" and it really drives well in the barrel and takes you to places you really need to go. I didn't make a couple of barrels I wish I had and kind of got beat down. I elbowed the reef on one of them and hit my funny bone, but it wasn't very funny."