Jordy Storms to Another Win

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Smith, the rampaging 6' 2" South African, became the first South African male to win the event, overcoming local hero Brett Simpson. 

Sal Masekela, in the webcast, wondered whether the home crowd would propel Simpson to a win in a similar way to spectactors at J-Bay not four weeks ago, when they lustily cheered Jordy to his win in the Billabong Pro. Masekela, himself from deep South African roots, commented on how the country was on a high after pulling off an amazing FIFA Soccer WorldCup, and how the energy seemed to help carry Smith along. 

Unfortunately for the "sea of humans" believed to number about 50,000 that packed out the beach at Huntington Pier, it was not to be for their home boy.

However, the crowd had witnessed some epic surfing and nail-biting finishes during the event, presented by Hurley and Nike 6.0. Jordy squeaked past Mick Fanning 13.00 to 12.80 in the semi, while Simpson left it even tighter, beating Kelly Slater by a whisker, 13.37 to 13.33.

In his quarters, Jordy and Miguel Pupo traded huge scores, with Smithedging out the Brazilian youngster on his final wave, 17.66 to 16.10.

Local boy Brett Simpson, in white, just before the event said: "Look at this crowd. This is the only place you get it like this."

In a mark of respect to his opponent, Simpson said that altho he had never surfed against Smith, saying the "big boy is freakin leading the World Tour".

While Jordy was riding the energy and momentum of his own career and the positivity and energy of the Soccer World Cup, Simpson was riding the energy of southern California and 90 percent of the heaving crowds who cheered him on.

Perhaps that was the difference.