The New Zealand surfer Ricardo Christie has caused an upset at the latest world surfing tour event in Brazil.
Ricardo Christie in action in the semi-finals of the ASP Prime SATA Azores Pro Photo: Photosport
Christie, who is in his first season on the top flight tour, has beaten former Brazil winner Jordy Smith of South Africa in the second round of the Rio Pro.
Smith dominated through much of the heat, but Christie came back with an excellent 9.17 off a righthand tube to claim his second heat win and advance to round three.
Christie said he'd been watching all day to see where the good waves had been breaking,
"The rip is so gnarly out there and can really change things up."
He got his good wave exactly where he'd been watching, which he said was neat.
The 26-year-old said in every event he feels stronger and stronger and more comfortable at the elite level.
"I'm making some friends and learning so much from the top guys. It's a really cool experience and great to get some momentum."
Christie will take on top ranked Adriano de Souza of Brazil in the third round, who won the previous tour event at Western Australia's Margaret River.
Christie is currently 29th in the tour rankings.
