KRUI, SOUTH SUMATRA/INDONESIA (Thursday, June 16, 2022) – It was another fantastic day of surfing at the World Surf League (WSL) Krui Pro QS5,000 in Indonesia and today all divisions including Pro Juniors enjoyed the 4-feet plus high-quality peeling left point waves. The Men’s and Women’s Semifinalists of the Krui Pro were also decided as the event heads towards Finals Day.
Sophie McCullough (AUS) was once again a standout in the Quarterfinals posting an excellent 8.17 ride as she defeated compatriot Philippa Anderson.
“Conditions are fantastic this afternoon and it felt good to score into the excellent range on that wave,” said McCullough. “I’m excited to make it through to Finals Day and this has been such a great quality wave event throughout and the finals should be amazing.”
Rina Matsunaga (JPN), one of Japan’s Challenger Series representatives is continuing her breakout year by advancing to the Semifinals of the QS5,000 division. The year started with Matsunaga earning a spot at the Challenger events at the Asia Open in Chiba, and her performance here at Krui is proving she is one of Japan’s rising stars.
“The conditions today are absolutely amazing!” Matsunaga said. “Earlier in the week it was a bit scary, but still great. I can’t believe I am into the Semis, this is a big result for me and for my confidence for the rest of the year.”
On the Men’s draw, Jarvis Earle (AUS) was on fire, winning three of his heats today to advance to the Semifinals in both the Men’s and Pro Junior’s division.
“I’m pretty tired, but the waves are still really fun. I’m stoked to go out there and surf another round,” Earle said. “Hopefully I can get through a couple more and bring this one home!”
In one of the big upsets of the day, Rio Waida (IDN) defeated an in-form Soli Bailey (AUS) in a nail-biting heat to secure his spot in the Semifinals. Bailey scored a near-excellent 7.97 in the dying seconds, but it just wasn’t enough to beat Waida’s total of 15.23.
“In the last minute, Soli had priority and I couldn’t do anything! He surfed really well, he was one of the surfers to watch during this event so I’m happy to make that heat,” Waida said. “Soli sold me that one wave and I went for it, and that was a mistake, so now I know what to work on and correct for the next heat.”
Billy Stairmand (NZL) put on a strong performance to defeat Reef Heazlewood (AUS) and Jesse Mendes (ITA) advanced over Taj Stokes (AUS) to round off the Semifinals.
The waves continued to pump for the Pro Junior men and Australians Jarvis Earle, Jamie Thomson, Oscar Berry and Bohdie Williams all advanced and will face each other in the first Semifinal heat.
Rio Kanazawa (JPN) and Leo Casal (BRA) both delivered last-minute heroics to sneak into the Semifinals behind Marlon Harrison (AUS) and Saxon Reber (AUS).
The Krui Pro 2022 has highlighted what a fantastic wave Krui delivers to surfing with a wide range of swell size from up to 10 feet the past few days through to a far more placid but still high performance and super fun consistent 4 feet today. The break, and many more surrounding nearby reefs, just keeps pumping outstanding waves throughout the event and that’s why Krui is becoming one of the world’s great surf tourism destinations.
Event organizers are planning to run all finals tomorrow and are excited that a forecast pulse in the swell along with ideal winds will produce the best waves of the entire event, setting the scene for an epic finish.
WSL Officials will reconvene and make another call at 6:30 a.m. local time for a possible 7:00 a.m. start.
The 2022 Krui Pro will run at Ujung Bocur from June 11-17. Be sure to tune in and watch it live at www.worldsurfleague.com or on the free WSL App.