The Chairman’s Report – Oi Rio Pro
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There were only two World Champions that event wild card Yoga Dora didn’t defeat at the Oi Rio Pro, and one of them went on to win the whole damn thing. And as if you needed more drama to the back story that unfolded on finals day, Dora’s father once coached Adriano De Souza, the 2017 Oi Rio Pro Champion. I think it’s safe to say that a Brazilian was destined to win this one. The man known as ADS didn’t drop a heat the entire event, including a focused, strategic and resourceful win over Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan in the final. The 17.63 vs 17.23 final score line told a gripping story of De Souza’s deep set grab rail bottom turns into flaring hooks, starkly contrasted by Buchan’s beautiful weight distribution and inside rail timing. Both packed high 9’s in their top scores, but it was the fervour and undeniable spirit of the 10 000 plus local crowd that kept pushing De Souza further. Him gesturing with fist pumps, theatrically asking questions of their support after every ride, them in turn asking the judges to reward their man, chanting and insisting on it. De Souza’s jet ski beach passes were […]