Opening Day of WSL Vivo Rio Pro: Action Packed with High Scores & Surprises

The World Surf League’s (WSL) opening day of the VIVO Rio Pro, held in Saquarema, Brazil, was nothing short of electrifying, featuring high scores, stellar performances, and unexpected surprises.

The day began on a high note, taking advantage of the ideal conditions and getting a swift start to the event. The competitors put on a display of fantastic surfing on the first day of the waiting period, securing some excellent scores across the board, including some impressive nine-point rides.

One of the major surprises of the day came in the last heat, where Betty Lou Sakura Johnson, in her second year on the Championship Tour, squared off against eight-time world champion, Steph Gilmore. Despite Gilmore’s strong start, it was Johnson’s elite backhand surfing that caught the attention of the judges and spectators alike, securing her spot in the quarterfinals.

.@vivobr #RioPro Women's Elimination Round, Heat 2 Results:

🇺🇸 #BettylouSakuraJohnson – 11.54 ✅
🇦🇺 @steph_gilmore – 11.17 pic.twitter.com/f7UY8d46xZ

— World Surf League (@wsl) June 23, 2023

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Filipe Toledo, a three-time consecutive champion of the event, was a dominant force on the day. Despite a shaky start to his heat, Toledo rebounded brilliantly, impressing judges with both his exceptional backhand and forehand performances. His successful recovery highlights the incredible depth of his talent, once again marking him as a strong contender in this year’s event.

Vivo #RioPro Men's Opening Round, Heat 3 Results:

🇧🇷 @filipetoledo77 – 14.53 ✅
🇧🇷 @samuelpupo_surf – 14.50
🇦🇺 #CallumRobson – 13.83@corona pic.twitter.com/BpmzewUG4q

— World Surf League (@wsl) June 23, 2023

Moreover, the action-packed day saw an excellent performance by two-time world champion, John John Florence, who scored an impressive nine points for a single wave, the best single wave score of the day. Florence’s exciting display was characterised by his excellent aerial manoeuvres, which left both the audience and judges in awe.

.@vivobr #RioPro Men's Opening Round, Heat 7 Results:

🇺🇸 @johnjohnflorenc – 15.67
🇦🇺 #ConnorOLeary – 10.83
🇿🇦 @jordysmith88 – 9.63@corona pic.twitter.com/G35ISyB73l

— World Surf League (@wsl) June 23, 2023

The day ended on a high note, with anticipation building for the next day of competition. While the Surfline forecast shows a decrease in swell size over the next few days, competitors remain optimistic about the potential for good conditions. Based on today’s performances, the excitement and momentum built on the first day of competition are sure to carry forward into the next rounds of the Vivo Rio Pro.

In between the intense action, viewers were treated to the latest episode of “Corona Ladies,” featuring Tatiana Weston-Webb. The beautifully filmed segment, featuring the spectacular landscapes and waves of Portugal, provided a charming interlude to the thrilling action of the opening day.

Day one of the Vivo Rio Pro presented by Corona set the bar high for the competition. With standout performances, unexpected surprises, and intense action, surfing enthusiasts worldwide have much to look forward to as the competition progresses.

There are currently not outright betting markets available however head across to the top surfing betting sites to see all the latest head to head odds available for Day 2 of the WSL Rio Pro.

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