The Surf City El Salvador Pro concluded with South African surfer Jordy Smith claiming his first Championship Tour victory in nearly eight years. Competing at Punta Roca, Smith showcased his skills against a field of elite surfers, culminating in an emotional win that resonated with fans and fellow competitors alike.
Key Takeaways
- Jordy Smith’s Comeback: After a long hiatus from winning, Smith triumphed in the men’s final against Matthew McGillivray.
- Gabriela Bryan’s Victory: The Hawaiian surfer secured her second Championship Tour win, defeating Isabella Nichols in the women’s final.
- Emotional Moments: Smith dedicated his win to his family and paid tribute to his father, who shaped the board he rode during the event.
- Upcoming Events: The next stop on the Championship Tour is the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Australia, starting April 18.
Jordy Smith’s Journey to Victory
Jordy Smith, a veteran of the Championship Tour, had not won an event since the 2017 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. His path to victory at the Surf City El Salvador Pro was marked by determination and skill. In the quarterfinals, he faced off against 2019 champion Italo Ferreira, defeating him decisively. Smith then advanced to the semifinals, where he overcame Cole Houshmand.
In the final, Smith faced fellow South African Matthew McGillivray. Despite challenging conditions, Smith maintained a strong lead with scores of 7.33 and 6.93, ultimately winning with a total of 14.26 points to McGillivray’s 9.33.
After the win, an emotional Smith expressed his gratitude, stating, "I can’t believe it, to be honest. If I could dedicate this to two people: my wife and my father. I wanted to ride my father’s board in this final and win on it, and to do it is incredible."
Gabriela Bryan’s Impressive Performance
In the women’s competition, Gabriela Bryan demonstrated her prowess by defeating Isabella Nichols in a thrilling final. Bryan’s journey included victories over Alyssa Spencer and Caity Simmers in the earlier rounds. The final was not without drama; midway through, Bryan’s board buckled, forcing her to switch equipment. However, she quickly regained her composure and caught the highest-scoring wave of the heat, securing her victory with a total of 14.33 points.
Bryan reflected on her win, saying, "That was such an insane rollercoaster Final. I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, ‘Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.’"
Rankings and Future Events
Following the Surf City El Salvador Pro, the Championship Tour rankings saw significant changes. Smith’s victory propelled him up seven spots to fifth place, while Bryan climbed to second in the women’s standings. The current top five rankings are as follows:
| Men’s Rankings | Women’s Rankings |
|---|---|
| 1. Italo Ferreira | 1. Caity Simmers |
| 2. Ethan Ewing | 2. Gabriela Bryan |
| 3. Yago Dora | 3. Molly Picklum |
| 4. Barron Mamiya | 4. Caroline Marks |
| 5. Jordy Smith | 5. Tyler Wright |
The next event on the Championship Tour is the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, set to take place from April 18 to April 28, where surfers will compete for crucial points as the season progresses.
Sources
- Jordy Smith, Gabriela Bryan Win Surf City El Salvador Pro, The Inertia.
- Jordy Smith and Gabriela Bryan Clinch Finals at Surf City El Salvador Pro, Sports Illustrated.
- Jordy Smith Wins First Event in 8 Years at Surf City El Salvador Pro, SURFER Magazine.
- Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan wins Surf City El Salvador Pro, Spectrum News.
- Jordy Smith weeps after winning gruelling El Salvador grand slam on Daddy’s surfboard, BeachGrit.
