Pictured: From L to R - Alana Blanchard, Gabriel Medina, Frederico Morais, Carissa Moore, Italo Ferreira, Miguel Blanco, and Stephanie Gilmore at the 2019 MEO Rip Curl Pro press conference. 
Creditコピーライトマーク WSL / Poullenot
 
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PENICHE, Portugal (Tuesday, October 15, 2019) - The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, the penultimate stop on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), opens tomorrow, October 16, and runs through October 28, 2019. As the second-to-last stop, this competition can make or break 2019 World Title dreams and requalification hopes, in addition to qualification for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. 

World Title Watch for Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina

Carissa Moore (HAW), three-time WSL Champion, and Gabriel Medina (BRA), two-time WSL Champion, are both ranked World No. 1 on the Jeep Leaderboard. Moore and Medina are the only surfers who can clinch the World Title early at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. 

Moore is no stranger to Supertubos as the 2010 winner of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. In the women's return to Peniche since her win, Moore is excited to compete here again but this time with her fourth World Title on the line. Moore is first on the world rankings with Lakey Peterson (USA) in second, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in third, and Caroline Marks (USA) in fourth. 

"I am so excited to be back," said Moore. "When we were in France, I actually looked up on Youtube that last event that we had here to reminisce and get excited about this event. I'm really happy to be back, and I think all the girls are. I'm trying not to overthink the Title race, and I'm just super thankful to be in this position, and I know there's still work to be done, so I'm just going to try my best."

The women's World Title scenarios heading into Portugal are as follows:

1. Carissa Moore will clinch the Title if she advances to the SF (3rd) AND
     a. Lakey Peterson loses in or before the R/16 (9th)
     b. Sally Fitzgibbons loses in or before the FINAL (2nd) AND
     c. Caroline Marks loses in or before the SF (3rd)

2. Carissa Moore will clinch the Title if she advances to the FINAL (2nd) AND
     a. Lakey Peterson loses in or before the QF (5th)
     b. Caroline Marks loses in or before the FINAL (2nd)

3. Carissa Moore will clinch the Title if she WINS (1st) the event AND
     Lakey Peterson loses in or before the SF
Medina is known to be unstoppable in the back-half of the year. He has proven his ability so far with wins in Tahiti and the Surf Ranch that vaulted him to World No. 1 ahead of Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Jordy Smith (ZAF). As the 2017 event winner, Medina is excited to take on Supertubos once competition commences. He will surf against Joan Duru (FRA) and wildcard Miguel Blanco (PRT) in Heat 6 of Seeding Round 1. 

"I know I can clinch the Title here, but I'm not focusing on that," Medina said. "I just want to think about each heat individually and focus on winning this event. It's always a pleasure to be here, and I've always been treated really well. My entire family is here, so I'm ready for an exciting event and I hope we get great waves.

"It's been a very intense year. I started a bit slow, and then things really started to pick up after J-Bay. But my perspective has always been to start each event at zero without thinking about if I won the prior event or how I'm doing on the rankings. Everyone begins each event at the same starting point. But I'm stoked to be back here with my family, and I hope for a great event."

The men’s World Title scenarios heading into Portugal are as follows: 

1. Gabriel Medina CANNOT clinch if he loses in or before the SEMIFINALS (3rd)

2. Gabriel Medina can clinch the Title if he makes it to the FINAL (2nd) AND
     a. Filipe Toledo loses in or before the R/32 (17th) AND
     b. Jordy Smith loses in or before the QF (5th) AND
     c. Italo Ferreira loses in or before the R/16 (9th) AND
     d. Kolohe Andino loses in or before the QF (5th)

3. Gabriel Medina can clinch the Title if he WINS (1st) the event AND
     a. Filipe Toledo loses in or before the R/16 (9th) AND
     b. Jordy Smith loses in or before the Final (2nd) AND
     c. Italo Ferreira loses in or before the SF (3rd) AND
     d. Kolohe Andino loses in or before the FINAL (2nd)
Women's CT Returns to Peniche for First Time Since 2010
Pictured: Scenes from WSL Rising Tides at Supertubos. Creditコピーライトマーク (Top) WSL / Masurel (Top Image); Poullenot (Bottom Images)
This year's event marks a historic return for the women to Peniche. The last women's CT event in Peniche was held in 2010, where Moore took the win. The return is part of WSL's initiative to feature the world’s best surfers competing fairly against each other on the world’s best waves, such as Supertubos. 

Reigning seven-time WSL Champion, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), is an international favorite in Portugal and will be one to watch during the event. Supertubos is regarded as one of Portugal's best beach breaks and is known for its heavy tubes. The wave will test all the surfers when the competition gets underway, including Gilmore when she matches up with Malia Manuel (HAW) and Coco Ho (HAW) in the Seeding Round. 

"We'll do our best, it's an exciting time for surfing," said Gilmore. "I've been watching all the men's highlights from the past few years with some insane tube riding, and always incredible surf here in Peniche, so I look forward to getting into good waves, and I'll try to keep up with Carissa (Moore)."

As part of the WSL's ongoing women's initiative, WSL and Rip Curl hosted the Rising Tides event at Supertubos with the next generation of young surfers in Portugal. The local girls were welcomed by professional surfers Brisa Hennessy (CRI)Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)Alana Blanchard (HAW), and Keely Andrew (AUS); Portugal's surfing stars Teresa Bonvalot (PRT)Mafalda Lopes (PRT), and Yolanda Hopkins (PRT); alongside WSL Champions Gilmore and Moore
Wildcards Alana Blanchard, Miguel Blanco, and Crosby Colapinto Ready for Opening Day
Alana Blanchard (HAW) will be the wildcard for the women's event at the 2019 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. This wildcard gives her the chance to once again compete against the world's best surfers at Supertubos. Blanchard had the opportunity to compete at the first-ever CT event at Supertubos in 2009 as the Rip Curl Pro Search and will now return in the women's first CT back since 2010. 

"I am super excited, especially to have the opportunity to surf Supertubos," said Blanchard. "It's been my goal this year to get into a CT event, and it feels good that the time has come! I am actually coming off a back injury so I haven't been able to surf that much in the last few months, but even so, I'm feeling really strong, and I can't wait to get the jersey on again."
Pictured: Crosby Colapinto winning the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Trials evnet. Creditコピーライトマーク Rip Curl / Sam Hopgood
Earlier today, 18-year-old Crosby Colapinto (USA) won the Men's Trials event at Supertubos, earning himself entry into the 2019 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. This win ushers in the start of Colapinto's second-ever CT event, a major feat for the young surfer from San Clemente, California.

"Oh, wow, I am so excited," said Colapinto. "I had the chance to surf in the wave pool as a wildcard this year, and I can't believe I just won and get to surf another World Tour event this year. Supertubos is a really tricky wave, but I really like it. I've spent almost a month here now practicing and learning how to surf it, and I feel confident. I am so excited to surf against the best in the world out here."

Alongside the Trials winner, Miguel Blanco (PRT) will have the opportunity to surf as a wildcard in the 2019 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Miguel was chosen for his impressive record as a two-time National Portuguese Surfing Champion, both in 2018 and 2019.

"I am honored to have been chosen to compete in the event this year at Supertubos," Blanco said. "It means so much to be recognized for my achievements locally and to be given the wildcard to compete against the best surfers in the world at my home break."

Tyler Wright (AUS), two-time WSL Champion, has withdrawn from the competition and will continue to be replaced by Keely Andrew (AUS)Frederico Morias (PRT) will replace CT rookie Mikey Wright (AUS)Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) will replace two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW), and Caio Ibelli (BRA) will replace 2015 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA)

"It's always special to compete at home," Morais said. "We have incredible fans here in Portugal, packed beaches, and everyone cheering for you. I've won two times on my home country this year alone, and both were really special wins. Winning is always good but winning at home is even better. It's an important event but not a decisive one for me in terms of points, so I'll be more relaxed. Having this said, I would love to make all the Portuguese fans proud, showing good surfing and surfing good waves. I'll take it heat by heat but I'll aim for the win."
The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal opens tomorrow, October 16 and runs through October 28, 2019. The first call will be tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. WEST (GMT+1) for a possible 8:00 a.m. start at Supertubos.

The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners.
Surfline Forecast for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Seeding Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Willian Cardoso (BRA), Ricardo Christie (NZL)
Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (USA), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Soli Bailey (AUS)
Heat 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Yago Dora (BRA), Frederico Morais (PRT)
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Crosby Colapinto (USA)
Heat 5: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Ezekiel Lau (HAW), Vasco Ribeiro (PRT)
Heat 6: Gabriel Medina (BRA), Joan Duru (FRA), Miguel Blanco (PRT)
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS), Jack Freestone (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Deivid Silva (BRA), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS), Conner Coffin (USA), Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Heat 10: Seth Moniz (HAW), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
Heat 11: Ryan Callinan (AUS), Wade Carmichael (AUS), Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Heat 12: Kelly Slater (USA), Michel Bourez (FRA), Michael Rodrigues (BRA)

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Seeding Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRI), Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA), Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW), Silvana Lima (BRA), Alana Blanchard (HAW)
Heat 4: Caroline Marks (USA), Johanne Defay (FRA), Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 5: Courtney Conlogue (USA), Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 6: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Malia Manuel (HAW), Coco Ho (HAW)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.