Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal: Finals Day
Fair to say most people gave their attention to Mick's world title run yesterday: would he claim it in Portugal? Most people that is, but not all. When Kai Otton was asked after his Round 5 heat if he'd be throwing the title-deciding Quarter Final against Mick, his reply was telling. "No way, I want to win one of these comps myself!"
And with that he gave no quarter against Mick, suffocating him in a wave-strapped affair. Mick was out and the contest narrative took a quick rejig. Otton carried his confidence into the Semis where he beat Parko, and lastly into a showdown against newly-crowned Rookie of the year, Nat Young. It's also worth noting Otton claimed the scalp of John John Florence in Round 5 meaning he challenged and vanquished the biggest names on his way to the dais.
Otton now sits at 7th on the ratings, the highest he's ever been.
For a full recap click here.