The performance level stepped into top gear at the Quiksilver Pro Portugal an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) sanctioned Men’s Star Series event with quarter-finalists decided in clean conditions at the main contest site of Ribeira D’Ilhas.

Long, lines in the 3ft (1m) range pushed down the point during the incoming tide to allow for an incredible display of modern progressive surfing during an intense morning session of competition. Favourites Tiago Pires (Ericeira, PRT) 30, Josh Kerr (Gold Coast, AUS) 26, and Jeremy Flores (Capbreton/New Caledonia, FRA) 22, along with standouts Gony Zubizarreta (Vigo, ESP) 25, Jonathan Gonzalez (Tenerife, CNY) 30, led the charge through to the quarter-finals of this $US145,000 event.