Christie falls to Igarashi again

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Japanese hotshot Kanoa Igarashi brought down Ricardo Christie for the second consecutive contest of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour.

Gisborne-Mahia surfer Christie was once again eliminated in the round of 32 — this time at the Oi Rio Pro in Rio de Janeiro at the weekend.

The 30-year-old, who has fallen in the round of 32 in all five contests this year, scored 10.37 (5.17, 5.20) for his two best waves at Saquarema while Igarashi advanced with 13.67 (7.17, 6.50).

Brazilian Felipe Toledo crushed South African Jordy Smith 18.04 (9.37, 8.67) to 8.43 (6.50, 1.93) in the final.

Christie’s efforts moved him up one place on rankings to 28th. Hawaiian John John Florence is the overall leader.

The next contest is the Corona Open J-Bay in South Africa next month.