Reigning world champion Yago Dora of Brazil produced one of the greatest aerials in World Surf League history, earning a perfect 10 in his quarter-final at the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro. The defending champion was in deep trouble against Cole Houshmand at Manu Bay on Sunday, needing a 9.50-point ride with just over three minutes remaining.
Unforgettable Aerial
Dora, known for his ability to deliver under pressure, built up speed on the wave before unleashing a stunning full-rotation aerial that gave him approximately two seconds of hang time. His landing was flawless, and he followed up with a series of sharp snaps to seal the wave. All five judges awarded a perfect 10, propelling Dora into a semi-final showdown against fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira.
Dora's Reaction
“I feel so good,” Dora said. “I was just praying for an opportunity, I just needed a wave to really go for it. The last wave when I popped up, I saw that pocket forming and I said ‘OK, this is it, I’m going to throw it’. I went all the way to the flats and I stuck it perfectly.”
Last-Gasp Win for Cibilic
Australian Morgan Cibilic also produced a dramatic finish, needing a 7.90 to win. With just three seconds left, a wave arrived, allowing him to execute five stunning snaps. He then added smaller snaps, earning an 8.0 ride to advance. Cibilic will face Griffin Colapinto in the semi-finals.
“Oh my God so good, nothing was going my way,” Cibilic said. “I was having an absolute shocker before that... Once I stood up, the eyes rolled back and just went to work and got the job done.”
Women's Semi-Finals
In the women's semi-finals, Sawyer Lindblad defeated Alyssa Spencer by 0.03 points in a thriller, while Carissa Moore beat Bettylou Sakura Johnson 19.00 to 13.70. The women's final and the remaining men's competition will take place on Monday.
