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Over the last week the area of Ballito in KZN was taken over by the festivities and action of the 2015 Ballito Pro surfing contest presented by Billabong. The world’s best surfers gathered to compete in this prestigious event.
The final came down to Alejo Muniz from Brazil against Davey Cathels from Australia. Held in pristine 1 to 1.5 metre waves over 40 minutes it was Muniz who claimed victory with a near perfect 9.33 score, adding to a 7.83, leaving Cathels in a position where he needed to replace both his counting scores. Muniz’s win also consolidated his lead in the World Surf League Qualifying Series rankings.
Muniz posted a pair of 8 point rides in his quarterfinal against Kanoa Igarashi, then eased past Caio Ibelli in his semifinal with a pair od 7.s to make it into the final.
Runner-up, Cathels moved up to 6th in the QS rankings after picking up 8000 points. Cathels secured narrow victories against Soli Bailey and Mitch Coleborn in the quarters and semis to reach the final.
The Monster Energy Expression Session took place between the Semifinals and the Final seeing 10 of SA’s most progressive surfer cut loose in the Ballito surf conditions. Matt McGillivray put on an impressive performance to take the win and the R20 000 winners cheque.
Michael Rodrigues recorded the only perfect 10 ride during the Ballito Pro and was awarded R25 000 for the Monster Energy Wave of the Week.
Ballito Pro Finals
1st: Alejo Muniz 17.16
2nd: Davey Cathels 10.03
Ballito Pro Semi Finals
Semi 1: Alejo Muniz 15.37 def. Caio Ibelli 13.63
Semi 2: Davey Cathels 13.33 def. Mitch Coleborn 10.60
Ballito Men’s Pro Quarter Finals
Quarter 1: Alejo Muniz 16.50 def. Kanoa Igarashi 13.33
Quarter 2: Caio Ibelli 13.17 def. Italo Ferreira 12.57
Quarter 3: Mitch Coleborn 16.33 def. Santiago Muniz 15.67
Quarter 4: Davey Cathels 14.27 def. Soli Bailey 14.16
Photos by Alan Van Gysen and Sasha Specker
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