Christie off to solid start in Manly contest

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THE second leg of his Australian contest double is off to a solid start for Gisborne-Mahia surfer Ricardo Christie.

The 29-year-old advanced to Round 3 of the Sydney Surf Pro Qualifying Series contest at Manly Beach.

Christie finished second in his four-man heat — the top two progressing.

He scored 11.86 (6.33/5.53) out of a possible 20 for his two best waves.

It was enough to pip Frenchman Charly Martin, who totalled 11.14 (5.17/5.97).

Brazilian Bino Lopes won the heat with 12.44 (5.77/6.67) while Portugal’s Tomas Hernandes was fourth on 9.64 (4.37/5.27).

Christie next faces a four-man Round 3 heat featuring Tahitian Mihimana Braye, Frenchman Jorgann Couzinet and Brazilian Ian Gouveia.

The Sydney Pro is the second consecutive World Surf League 6000-point Qualifying Series contest.

Christie was eliminated in Round 4 of the Burton Automotive Pro in Newcastle last week and earned 1050 ranking points to be sitting 77th-equal.

Australian Mikey Wright, who won the Newcastle contest, is leading the QS on 6555 points.