After a captivating start to the year with the first three contests in Australia, we now shift our focus to CT event number four held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Oi Rio Pro has previously been held in the heart of Rio, but this year there has been a change of location. The contest is now roughy 50km east of Rio at a small town called Saquarema, which has been the location for the QS10,000 Quiksilver Pro for the past few years now. Saquarema produces two main breaks at either end of the beach. The left displays clean consistent sections while the right is a wedge that has some bite.
Oi Rio Pro Betting Tips
This event started back in 2008 with the first three contests held at Santa Caterina. Since the event moved to Rio only two Local Brazilian has won this event, with Adriano de Souza winning the first Rio Pro back in 2011 and Filipe Toledo on 2014 With fans being left without a title for the past two years will we see the likes of Medina, Toledo or Sousa take home a much needed victory.
World Champ John John Florence has been victorious twice in Rio including a victory over the young Aussie Jack Freestone. Florence is surfing better than anyone at the moment and may continue his form into Brazil. Florence tore up the Australian leg with two semi final finishes and a victory at Margaret River. He has the ability to pull something out of nothing especially late in the heat when needed the most. Expect Florence to go the distance again in Rio.
Another contender moving up in the ratings is Jordy Smith who now is ranked number two in the leaderboard after winning Bells over Caio Ibelli in a fairly close battle. Jordy has had his fair share of injuries throughout the years that has kept him out of the world title race but now is back and is in the box seat to give this year a crack. Along with Florence he has also won this event dating back to 2013 and will meet Aussie Josh Kerr and wildcard Jesse Mendez in round one.
Over the years the Australian contenders have had some bad luck and haven't won in Brazil since the contest started in 2008. Bede Durbidge was the first and last at this point to win but can things change this year? Owen Wright still leads the Aussies in the race and has surfed relatively well after claiming victory in the Gold Coast. Wright along with good friend Matt Wilkinson have been impressive on the backhand early but will be chasing the left at Saquarema.
Only two real main concerns coming into Rio, Idelo Ferrero is out again with injury that was caused by a misjudged air during a free surf, he will be replaced by Nat Young. And some news surrounding Gabriel Medina that he has a knee complaint but will definitely be out there. Make sure you tune into all the action as round one starts this week.
TIP: John John Florence to win - $5 at Sportsbet
Here is how the market for the Oi Rio Pro looks at Sportsbet.
