Christie and Slater advance in Sydney Surf Pro

STAR POWER: Kelly Slater drew crowds to watch him progress through Heat 9 of Round 2 at the Sydney Surf Pro at Manly Beach yesterday. Picture by Ethan Smith, Sydney Surf Pro

GISBORNE-Mahia surfer Ricardo Christie is building solidly towards his 2019 World Surf League Championship Tour campaign.

Christie yesterday advanced to Round 3 of the Sydney Surf Pro at Manly Beach.

He was second in his Round 2 heat of the Qualifying Series 6000-point contest.

In relatively small surf, Christie posted 10.30 out of 20 for his two best waves — 5.77 and 4.53.

The heat was won by Brazilian Ian Gouveia with 12.90.

Australian Quinn Bruce was third with 9.70 and Peru’s Tomas Tudela was fourth on 6.03.

Large crowds gathered for the contest, many of the spectators there to see 11-time world champion Kelly Slater.

Fresh from surfing and playing golf in New Zealand’s Northland region, 47-year-old Slater won his Round 2 heat.

“Arriving at the beach today was pretty crazy with all of the people,” said Slater.

“I could really feel the energy being focused on me, especially because I haven’t surfed here in so long.”

The last time he competed in Sydney was in 2004 when he won the Australian Open at Maroubra.

The first event of the Championship Tour is the Gold Coast Pro starting on April 3.