Waves arrive in time for rookies to beat champs

IN A series of upsets, the World Surf League’s freshest crop of recruits have all but taken over in the men’s event at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The majority of the Championship Tour’s (CT) top seeds have been taken out, with Mick Fanning being the only world champion still in contention.
In three- to four-foot waves on Monday, three-time Bells champion Joel Parkinson was knocked out by rookie Connor Coffin, (16.27-14.56), fresh face Davey Cathels took out Gabriel Medina (15.40-12.07), Michel Bourez defeated Kelly Slater (14.83-13.70), and Mason Ho overpowered 2015 Bells runner up and CT World Champion Adriano de Souza. The drama continued with 2015 Qualifying Series champion Caio Ibelli and John John Florence scoring identical 7.67-point opening rides, with many questioning whether Florence’s effort was worth a higher score. Ibelli narrowly won the heat 15.54-15.50.