Fioravanti super, Pipeline is worth a second place in the world
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The first event of the 2023 WSL Championship Tour, the Worlds of Pro Surfers, concluded on the waves of Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii with the crowning of Clarissa Moore (HAW) and Jack Robinson (AUS), who take the top step of the podium. But the Billabong Pro Pipeline also says that on the second step is Leonardo Fioravanti, the twenty-five year old from Rome who shares the place of honor with Tyler Wright (AUS) in the women. The same placements are obviously reflected in the Championship standings.
The final
For Clarissa Moore, five-time world champion, Pipe’s seemed like a curse. Always second in the last two years, she beat her best bete noire Tyler Wright, whom she had already met in the final in 2020 and to whom she had to give way. Revenge has been taken. For Jack Robinson, who beat Fioravanti, it is instead the first victory at the Billabong Pro Pipeline and the fourth CT victory of his career.
Leo’s road
Leonardo Fioravanti’s journey to the finals began with a quarter-final win against tour veteran Jordy Smith (RSA). Smith controlled most of the heat, but within 10 minutes Fioravanti landed two impressive and decisive Backdoor barrels, which took him to 6.67 points, enough to advance to the next round.
Then, it was the turn of Caio Ibelli (BRA) in the semifinal. Fioravanti pocketed an early lead by successfully surfing a Backdoor barrels and earning a 7.67. He was then able to keep the lead and also overcome this heat.
Previously, he had had quite an uphill heat against John John Florence and Gabriel Medina, but from then on he never stopped, getting the better of Carlos Munoz, Matthew McGillivray, Griffin Colapinto, Callum Robson.
“This is a dream come true,” says Leo Fioravanti. “I grew up watching every single event at Pipeline since I was 10. Getting on the podium with Lyndie (Irons) and having a trophy with Andy’s (Irons) name on it , which is one of the biggest, means so much to me. Having my family here with me and everyone who supports me on the beach was simply special.” And then, Pipeline again. “This wave landed me in the hospital for six months when I was 17, but it also gave me so much. Thanks Pipeline, thanks to the locals for letting us surf this year.”
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