Defending champion Jack Robinson has been sensationally eliminated at Bells Beach, with the West Australian surfer called for interference which ended his hopes of winning his heat.
With round two of the opening WSL championship tour event resuming on Wednesday, Robinson took to the water in the afternoon at nearby Winkipop against Samuel Pupo.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jack Robinson penalised for interference
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The Brazilian had the early lead, scoring 13.07 for his two best waves to Robinson’s 10.50.
But with just over nine minutes left on the clock, Robinson paddled on to a wave under Pupo’s priority.
While Robinson pulled out as Pupo opted to take the wave, the judges ruled that the Olympic silver medallist had interfered with his rival.
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It took them almost four minutes to hand down the decision, with the penalty seeing Robinson lose the score for the wave he paddled onto, and also his second highest score.
Pupo was awarded 6.77 for the wave, leaving Robinson an insurmountable target to win the heat, losing 13.77 to 5.67.
Robinson became the second big-name Australian casualty with 2023 champion Ethan Ewing also bowing out in the second round, losing to compatriot George Pittar.
Another champion, American Cole Houshmand, who won in 2024, was ousted by Brazilian Alejo Muniz at the same stage.
Pittar is the only local men’s hope through to the third round, taking on another Brazilian in Miguel Pupo, the brother of Samuel.
Brazil have seven surfers into the men’s round of 16.
The women’s second round has just got underway.
