Margaret River Pro Wildcards Announced
Three days out and all the slots are filled.
After coming second on the Gold Coast, hopes were high that the WSL might extend another wildcard to Julian Wilson. It's not without precedent: Both Barron Mamiya and Mikey Wright were granted one wildcard, then follow ups after finding success (they each came ninth).
However, Wilson's second-placed finish and proven record werent enough to convince the WSL.
The WSL's Men's Event Wildcard has gone to Mikey McDonagh. Meanwhile, Winter Vincent will replace Ramzi Boukhiam, and Ian Gentil once again gets Gabriel Medina's spot. In six starts, Gentil has only once got past the Round of 16.
Also, now that Medina definitely can't make the cut he'll be relying on an injury wildcard next year. Medina will surely get that wildcard, which puts a cloud over the injured Ramzi Boukhiam. Will Ramzi miss out again? Or will the WSL jury-rig the system to fit both?
Lastly, Jacob Willcox returns to the CT, albeit temporarily, after winning the trials event and getting a run.
Men's Opening Round heats with wildcards
In the Women, local Bronte Macaulay replaces Tatiana Weston-Webb, while Nadia Erostarbe continues as replacement for the pregnant Johanne Defay.
Another local, Willow Hardy, won the women's trials and will line up against Gabriela Bryan and Vahine Fierro in her Opening Round heat.
Women's Opening Round heats with wildcards
Comments
Clowns! Julian deserves a wild card! What a joke!
FFS! Drop Gentil and add Joycey. Maybe the WSL are scared of getting called out again for rigging outcomes
They really didn't like that two finger salute, did they?
go willow
No Julian or Morgs?
Travesty !
who comprises the trials lineup? is it a mix of sponsor-elected people + locals or?
Are there any pro surfing historians out there? Free ride?
In 1979, Mark Richards was way behind on the points table when he went to Oahu right? He had to hope others like rabbit, dane, Horan, crashed and burned AND at least make the finals at the pipe. He then had to hope others crashed and burned again at the Haleiwa world cup, AND win the event. He beat PT in the final, denying Horan the title.
But my question is, in todays cut format, would've MR even got a chance to win the title?
seems bizarre that julian and morgs didn't get wildcards after their recent performances
maybe jules is getting ready for the newcastle CS event ? maybe hes more focused on that as if he can win that hes almost guaranteed a spot on the ct next year
wild cards.... do they bear any relationship to the CS? they should just pick up from last year's CS standings. sponsor wild cards make zero sense when there's a year's worth of competition results.
hopefully the box fires, FT fails and we can cyber bully him into another "mental healths" to get Ramzi a spot.
Stoked to see a strong local contingent in the mix, especially with the forecast. Willcox, Hardy, Robbo and Macaulay!! Some classic past and present west oz names.