Irons continues to tear
through Tahiti surf
in Quiksilver event
Reigning world champion Andy Irons of Kauai continued his devastating form to charge into the Quiksilver Pro quarterfinals at Tahiti yesterday.
Irons, who posted the only perfect ride of this year's Quiksilver Pro Saturday, proved he had plenty left in reserve for yesterday's anticipated clash against Californian powerhouse Taylor Knox.
Irons created an early lead, then added to it with a near-perfect 9.7 and then an 8.5 for the day's best single and combined heat scores.
"I'm really happy and stoked to make it," said Irons. "I think I surf a lot better when I'm against the 'CT guys just cause I'm used to being against them, whereas the wild cards rattle me (referring to yesterday's match with wild card Troy Brooks). Now I'm past the 9th (place) round into the quarters, so I feel really good. Waves are super fun and I lucked into the right ones that allowed barrels."
He'll meet Shane Powell of Australia in the quarterfinals, after Powell eliminated two-time Quiksilver Pro champion and world No. 3 Luke Egan (Gold Coast, Aus) with another impressive backhand performance.
"He is one of my favorite surfers, so it'll be really good," added Irons of the upcoming clash. "Looks like he's in really good form, and has a board that's really fast, so I've just got to hope I get the better waves."
Defending Quiksilver Pro champion Mick Lowe ended the great run of WCT replacement surfer Beau Emerton.