Pulsing two-to-three foot (1 metre) righthanders raced down the point at Snapper Rocks today, bearing witness to the concluding eight Round 2 heats of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover.

The opening event of the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast has assembled to greatest gathering of surfing talent in the sport’s history, and today’s afternoon action including mixed results with thoroughbreds and new bloods lacerating the rippable conditions.

Andy Irons (HAW), 31, former three-time ASP World Champion, posted his first ASP World Tour heat win since returning from a sabbatical from full-time competition in 2009. Although showing shades of old in his Round 2 victory over fellow Kauai surfer Roy Powers (HAW), 29, Irons maintains he needs to make improvements if he’s to challenge for the Top 5 again.