In what was one of the most ridiculous moments in competitive surfing history, South African Jordy Smith missed out on his Round 2 heat of the Ballito Pro QS 10.000 because he preferred to go to Jeffreys Bay to train, where the sixth stage of the CT is held, rather than stay in the first prime of the year, the WSL broadcasters reported.

Smith, like all CT athletes, is required to compete in the region's premier events and if they miss them they must pay a fine of $10.000. For this reason, it is presumed that the South African was "forced" to compete in his round 2 series held yesterday against Noe Mar McGonagle, Seth Moniz and Samuel Pupo.

As the series progressed, announcers Gigs Celliers and Jarrod Smith became more and more baffled. Jordy, who is a very fiery competitor, seemed to be out of focus, “this is ridiculous,” one of them said after seeing Jordy repeatedly fall, or go for the pole instead of a move, or abort an impressive aerial that he clearly had under control (watch video).

What might have been left as speculation by one of the announcers during the series was confirmed a few minutes into the next series when a third announcer, Scott, said: “Well, I have some information on this subject.”, It was difficult for Jordy. He loves this event, he won it twice and he loves coming here, but his focus is JBay. It’s the first time we’ve had one event so close to the other and that’s his priority. He didn’t want to keep progressing here. He wants to get to JBay. I think you guys mentioned it and suggested that might be happening. It’s tough for him (…) He was out there motivating the other guys, trying to encourage them, trying to get them to catch the best waves. We saw the aerial he did, he was having a bit of fun.”

According to the book Legal Responses to Fraud in Sport by the Spanish doctor of law and professor Lorenzo Morillas Cueva, it is established: “It is understood that in the sports field it is the obligation of every athlete to try to win all the events in which they participate.”

The WSL does not have a rulebook for “cheating” but does state that fraudulent activity is punishable by a fine of $5.000 in the first instance, $10.000 in the second, and $20.000 and automatic suspension in the third.

There has been no comment on the incident yet. DUKE contacted its global press officer, Dave Prodan, but he has not responded, as usual.

Smith, for his part, did not echo what he did or what some specialized media published, on the contrary he wrote on his Instagram: “I loved the time in Durban but I can't wait to go to JBay.”

 

Loved my short trip to #durban but can't wait to set foot in #jbay ??? @lukepattersonimagery

A publication shared by Jordy Smith (@jordysmith88) the 27 Jun 2018 has 10: 10 PDT

Cover photo: WSL/Cestari