Competition resumed in vastly improved conditions at Cloudbreak yesterday; the swell perked up and the wind dropped off. It's days like this Cloudbreak becomes an auto pick for World Tour duty, as even with minimal swell it manages to focus and gather all available energy transforming it into something better than half the locations on tour.

Organisers completed Round 2 and part of Round 3. Big surprises were the elimination of Cloudbreak savant, CJ Hobgood, and supposed world title contender, Jordy Smith. Jordy has now used both throwaways and must kickstart his campaign if he's to challenge. Fortunately the next event is J'Bay.

All photos ASP/Robertson, Kirstin.

Watch videos of the Top 3 scoring waves from today:
Michel Bourez
Owen Wright
Kelly Slater