Quik Pro Gold Coast 2011 - QUARTERFINALS

American tour rookie BRETT SIMPSON (USA) enjoyed a sensational run in his opening ASP World Title event eliminated from the quarterfinals of the Quiksilver Pro by TAJ BURROW (AUS). The twenty-six year old, from Huntington Beach, finished equal fifth to now be ranked at no.5 in the world.
The two-time US Open Champion said he was happy with the result and determined to make his mark on the international surfing arena,
Brazilian rookie ALEJO MUNIZ finished equal fifth overall after he was eliminated by South African sensation JORDY SMITH (ZAF). The tour youngest surfer impressed all throughout the opening ASP World Title event at Australia's Snapper Rocks to now be ranked at no.5 in the world.
Hawaii's, DUSTY PAYNE (Maui) was eliminated from the Quiksilver Pro quarter finals by ten-time world champion KELLY SLATER (USA). The 22 year-old failed to find his earlier event form to be left requiring a two wave scoring combination. The result has the progressive surfer commencing the 2011 season with a solid result to be now ranked at no.5 in the world.
Australia's MATT WILKINSON (AUS) narrowly eliminated in the dying seconds of his heat by Tiago Pires from Portugal (14.64 to 14.40). The goofy footer finishing equal fifth overall -- the best result of his career -- to now be ranked at no.5 in the world.
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be webcast LIVE via http://www.quiksilverpro.com.au