Brazilian surfer Yago Dora sent the World Surf League into a frenzy with a perfect 10-point aerial during the New Zealand Pro quarter-finals at Manu Bay on Sunday. The defending world champion was trailing Cole Houshmand with just over three minutes remaining and needed a 9.50 to advance when he unleashed a full rotation aerial with approximately two seconds of hang time, followed by sharp snaps to seal the wave.
All five judges awarded Dora a perfect 10, propelling him into the semi-finals against fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira, who also impressed with a memorable aerial in his win over Miguel Pupo. “I feel so good,” Dora said. “I was just praying for an opportunity... I went all the way to the flats and I stuck it perfectly.”
In another dramatic quarter-final, Australian Morgan Cibilic snatched victory with just three seconds remaining. Needing a 7.90, he managed to get to his feet and executed five stunning snaps, followed by additional smaller snaps on an inside corner. The wave was scored an 8.0, giving Cibilic the win and a semi-final clash with Griffin Colapinto. “Oh my God so good, nothing was going my way,” Cibilic said.
In the women's semi-finals, Sawyer Lindblad edged out fellow American Alyssa Spencer by a narrow 0.03 margin, while Carissa Moore posted a commanding 19.00 to defeat Bettylou Sakura Johnson (13.70). The women's final and remaining men's competition are scheduled for Monday.
