Billabong Rio Pro 2011 - Round 1

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio De Janeiro/Brazil (Tuesday, May 17, 2011) -- American surfing legend, Kelly Slater (Fl, USA), has secured the highest individual wave-score in Round 1 of the Billabong Rio Pro, which began today in stormy two-metre waves at Aproador, near famous Ipanema Beach in Brazil.
The reigning 10-time world champion kept his fans literally waiting on the water's edge when he arrived late for his heat against local wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA) and Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), but it didn't take long for the 39 year-old to find his feet.
Wilson nabbed an early lead, but Slater struck back -- securing an excellent nine-point ride midway through the 30-minute encounter. Slater's other opponent, 19 year-old Crisanto, boasted as many local fans, but with the weight of the world on his shoulders in his first-ever WT Tournament, Crisanto could not match the sporting great.
Slater's win sees him advance directly into Round 3, while Wilson and Crisanto live to fight another day in Round 2.
Defending Brazilian Billabong Pro champion, Jadson Andre was another Round 1 standout. Andre defeated Slater in last year's final to claim his debut win at elite level, and today he found Apraodor's long lefthanders to his liking, relegating former world-number two, Bede Durbidge (Gold Coast, AUS) and Gabe Kling (USA) to do-or-die Round 2.
Former two-time World Champion Mick Fanning (Gold Coast, AUS), number two seed, Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Taj Burrow (WA, AUS) were other Round 1 winners.

Organisers expect to continue with Round 2 tomorrow at Aproador, the location professional surfing was first introduced to Brazil in 1976.
The Billabong Rio Pro has a waiting period running until May 22 and every heat can be viewed LIVE via the official website; www.billabongpro.com