Overview

• Xavier Huxtable defeated reigning world No.1 Italo Ferreira with a score of 13.66 to 9.67 in the Round of 32 at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
• The 22-year-old earned his spot in the competition as a wildcard after winning the Victorian trials.
• Huxtable’s victory came after a two-hour delay for clean wave conditions, with four-to-six-foot waves at the Bells Bowl providing the stage for his upset win.
• Ferreira had previously bested Huxtable in their opening-round heat, but the local surfer turned the tables in their second matchup.
• Huxtable now advances to face American Griffin Colapinto in the Round of 16 as the competition continues under Anzac Day conditions.