Latest third place finish could prove crucial for Ricardo

GISBORNE Mahia surfer Ricardo Christie has rocketed up the World Surf League Qualifying Series ladder after a third-place finish at the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil. Christie, in his rookie year on the elite Championship Tour, is also competing in a number of QS 10,000 secondary tour events. He was in superb form throughout the Sao Paulo Open but was knocked out in the semifinals by Brazilian Miguel Pupo, who went on to win the title. Christie’s efforts saw him jump 50 places on the QS ratings to 55th with two contests to go. He is 30th on the CT ratings, with one event to go — the Pipe Masters in Hawaii.

RICARDO Christie had his best World Surf League Qualifying Series result of the year with a third-place finish at the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil on Sunday.

The Gisborne/Mahia surfer outscored numerous Brazilian surfers in the lead-up to the semifinals. They included elite Championship Tour contender and world No.3 Adriano de Souza in Round 2.

But Christie’s 13.60 two-wave total in the semis was not enough to beat Miguel Pupo, who scored 14.53 and went on to win the competition.

Christie sent his congratulations to Pupo on social media.

“Congrats to local hero @miguelpuposurf for the win here in Maresias.

“As the sun sets in Brazil, I thank you for your amazing hospitality and good vibe.”

The third-place finish bumped Christie up 50 places to 55th on the QS rankings.

It was a much-needed result for Christie, who will need to place high in the last two QS events in Hawaii — the Hawaiian Pro and the Vans World Cup — if he is to have any chance of retaining a spot on the Championship Tour by placing in the top 10 of the QS rankings.

A strong performance in the last CT competition of the year — the Pipeline Masters, which runs from December 8 to 20 — could also help Christie requalify.

He is sitting 30th in his rookie season on the CT but needs to finish in the top 22 to secure automatic requalification for 2016.

Whatever happens, Christie remains positive.

“I am stoked to get some surfing done and cannot wait to get back to the Pacific Ocean and post up in one of my favourite places in the world, Hawaii,” he said.

Raglan Surfer Billy Stairmand is ranked 44th on the QS after placing 37th at the Sao Paulo Open.

He could also qualify for the CT but will need some solid results in the last two events to put himself in contention for a top-10 finish and qualification.