There’s no numerical value available of just how much Kelly Slater influences surfing both from a webcast viewership perspective and economically to the surf industry.  It’s safe to say however that after a shocking upset in the third round of the Billabong Pro Teahupo’o to Brazilian wildcard Ricardo dos Santos, with Kelly Slater eliminated interest will significantly wane in the contest.  The upset was the highlight of the day after nearly a week of lay days resulted in a decent swell hitting Tahiti and the contest setting up for a final day starting with round five and culminating in the Finals of the event.

For dos Santos, this was without question the biggest victory of his competitive surfing career after riding the winning wave with under ten seconds remaining in the heat.  “That wave came to me at the very end and I was just hoping for a chance to show what I can do,” said dos Santos. “That wave was so good and it just allowed me to pull in early and keep running through it. That was my last chance, it was either make it or go home. I knew I had to get the best waves and get as deep as I can. I knew Kelly was going to post high scores so I just had to do my best. I’m really happy right now, but there’s a long way to go so I need to focus.”

While Slater obviously wasn’t happy with losing so early in the contest, it was the prospect of not surfing the final day, when surf forecasters are expecting the best conditions of the contest, that disappointed Slater the most.  Still the defending champion of the Billabong Pro Teahupo’o was gracious in defeat as he congratulated dos Santos for his upset victory.

“I honestly don’t know a whole lot about Ricardo,” said Slater. “I know that he won the Trials last year in huge surf and won the Trials this year in small surf so he’s obviously very competent out here in any kind of conditions. I’m disappointed to lose early, but more so because tomorrow could be really good. I think that tomorrow could be really classic conditions at Teahupo’o and hopefully I’m able to get waves somewhere.”

Former ASP World Champion Mick Fanning looked to capitalize on Slater’s early exit by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Freddy Patacchia in round three then winning a tough heat against Taj Burrow and Julian Wilson.

“The conditions are night and day between the two heats today,” said Fanning. “This morning wasn’t classic Chopes and it was more turns than barrels, and then this afternoon, the wind came good and the swell was pulsing. It was so much fun. I’m into the Quarterfinals now so that’s a pretty good result for me historically at this event. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”

Another solid surfer in the event was Gabriel Medina, who was making his debut competing in the Billabong Pro Teahupo’o.  Medina scored a perfect 10 to advance to the quarterfinals with a great chance at winning the contest.

“I’ve gotten a few 10s before but nothing like that wave,” said Medina. “It’s an honor to be here competing at Teahupo’o and I have a lot of respect for John John (Florence) and Kieren (Perrow). They are both great tube-riders so I knew I had to do my best. Very thankful to get through and looking forward to tomorrow’s finish.”

The Billabong Pro Teahupo’o will conclude today.   All photos courtesy of Kirstin and Robertson with the ASP.  Visit BillabongPro.com for the live webcast, results and more information.