Jordy Smith Dominates Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay 2011

Event No. 4 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro culminated in dramatic fashion as the world’s best surfers displayed their comprehensive abilities at Jeffreys Bay.

Jordy Smith has taken out the 2011 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in a hard-fought Final over Mick Fanning in front of the raucous and hardy hometown crowd.

Smith continuously posted impressive scores throughout his Quarterfinal, Semfinal and Final heats, but it was his local knowledge that allowed him to overtake Mick Fanning. The win was met with an eruption from those in attendance braving the harsh weather, and Smith was cheered up the beach to an emotional audience.

“It’s been an incredible week for me,” said Jordy Smith. “All the support of the people at Jeffreys Bay, Garth (Tarlow), Steve (Smith), my girlfriend Lyndall (Jarvis), my mom and dad and everyone else. It’s been a really special week for me and I’m so happy right now.”

Moving from 5th to 2nd on the ASP World Title rankings, the young South African is now firmly in the hunt and will utilize the confidence attained today to propel him through the latter half of the year.

“Mick Fanning has surfed amazing all week,” said Smith. “He’s always an inspiration and he’s right there with everyone in the hunt for the title.”

Mick Fanning, who claimed the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in 2002 and 2006, eliminated both Josh Kerr and Joel Parkinson en route to his second-place finish. Fanning has moved from 8th to 4th on the ASP World Title Rankings.

Parkinson, 2008 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay winner, was in sensational form this year, consistently notching up high scores throughout the event before falling to a rampaging Fanning in the Semifinals. With his Equal 3rd finish, Parkinson ascends to the frontrunner position in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title.