Those haunting predictions came true with the World #1 and #2 now out of the contest. 

Competition ran through the opening 8 Heats of Round 3 in fun three-to-five foot surf at Teahupo’o before being called off as conditions became inconsistent with the hide tide.

There was no lack of swell for Rounds 1 and 2, and with raw, unpredictable 6-8ft waves detonating and clamping across the reef, there were both plenty of scoring opportunities, and none at all.

The world’s best surfers battled at Teahupo’o to avoid early elimination and progress on in the competition.

This is the best result of Hickel’s career and will see the 17-year-old join elite group of QS1,000 winners.