Top 5 CT player and US Olympic qualifier Caroline Marks did not travel on the WSL charter flight to participate in the Australian leg because she tested positive for Covid-19, she reported on her Instagram.

He said he is following all protocols to be able to return when he is no longer suffering from the disease.

This means that two Americans will not be at the Newcastle event: Kelly Slater, who is nursing several injuries, and Marks herself.

Several of the world's top surfers and WSL staff members left yesterday on a charter flight from Los Angeles to Sydney.

After arriving, athletes will have to spend two weeks in quarantine in an assigned hotel.

They will compete in the second stage of the CT in Newcastle from 1 April, followed by stages in Narrabeen, Margaret River and Rottnest Island.

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