Phillip Island Pro surfing set for stirring Woolamai finale

THE Phillip Island Pro is set for a huge final day of action with Women’s final match-up and Men’s Semi-finalists decided on Friday, November 4 at the Penguin Parade Beach on Phillip Island.

The event returned on Friday to the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island’s western edge with a solid day of surfing to decide the final six surfers left in the event.

Surfing in his home state, Xavier Huxtable has been right at home on the sloppy right-handers, progressing to the final day of the event.

“This is my first ever semis at a QS, so I’m super excited to get through and be there on finals day,” said Huxtable.

“It’s awesome to have an event in Victoria, even though I’m from the Surf Coast it still feels like home with all my friends and family here to watch.”

“It looks like we could be at solid Woolamai tomorrow which would be awesome. It's an epic wave and would be a great way to finish.”

Huxtable will face off against Jamie Thompson (Narrabeen, NSW)in the Semi Finals. The other semi-final will see Tully Wylie (Bells Beach, VIC) go head-to-head with former number 7 in the world Nathan Hedge (Merimbula, NSW).

On the women’s side of the draw, 16-year-old Zahlia Short (Woolongong, NSW) surfed well beyond her years making the Final of the Women's draw.

“It’s my first time down at Phillip Island. It's so different compared to New South Wales, it’s a lot colder, but its’ so beautiful and the waves are so fun” said Short.

“I have only done a few QS events in the past so to get this far is amazing, I can’t wait for finals day.”

Also making the final of the Women’s is Lennox Head’s Nyxie Ryan who progressed over Ellie Harrison (Barwon Heads, VIC) in a countback situation where both surfers ended up tied. In this situation, the surfer who had the highest single wave score progresses through the heat.

A call for finals day competition will be made at 7am on Saturday for a 7.30am start at Cape Woolamai.

Upcoming Finals

• Men’s Semi Final 1: Xavier Huxtable (Jan Juc, VIC) vs Jamie Thompson (Narrabeen, NSW)
• Semi Final 2: Tully Wylie (Bells Beach, VIC vs Nathan Hedge (Merimbula, NSW)
• Women’s Final: Nyxie Ryan (Lennox Head, NSW) vs Zahlia Short (Woolongong, NSW)

Full results can be found at www.worldsurfleague.com

The Phillip Island Pro is presented by Bass Coast Shire Council and supported by the Victorian Government, Phillip Island Nature Parks, QUIT Victoria, Cancer Council Sunscreen and Surfing Victoria.