Surfing: Weston-Webb of Brazil has advanced to the finalsÂ
Using full rail turns and some keen tube riding acumen, Tatiana Weston-Webb of Brazil has posted the day’s highest single wave score (an 8.33) and total heat score (a 13.66) on her way to winning her semi-final heat. She will surf later for gold against Caroline Marks of the United States. Â
Heat #2 of the Women’s semi-finals was actually over well before the final horn sounded. Weston-Webb (BRA) had a slight lead early and was sitting with priority when Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy flagrantly interferred, dropping in on Weston-Webb (BRA)Â as the two women caught the same wave. The penalty for the accidental mishap meant that Hennessy (CRC) could only have one scoring wave count for her total heat score. As soon as Weston-Webb had a total heat score over 10.00, the heat was effectively over.Â
Despite making the fatal gaff, Hennessy (CRC)Â surfed with conviction on her backhand and turned in the heat’s second highest scoring wave (a 6.17) thanks to a series of strong turns that threw buckets of roiling whitewater over the back of the wave.Â
Speaking with surf reporter Ash Tulloch after her win, Weston-Webb (BRA) offered, "Very happy I got to showcase my surfing. I really feel like I’m getting a handle of this wave and I’m glad it’s showing. For our country this means so much and I can’t wait to represent Brazil in the final.”