WSL Finals: Jack Robinson, Ethan Ewing Aim to End Australian Drought
Surfing Australia awaits its first world champion since 2015
With the World Surf League Championship Tour nearing its conclusion and the final event — the Billabong Pipe Masters — quickly approaching, Australians are eagerly awaiting their first men's world title in a decade. Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing look ready to challenge the best surfers globally for the coveted title when the competition begins on December 8th in Hawaii.
Since 2015, surfers from Brazil have dominated the top of the rankings, winning the last seven consecutive world titles. However, a victory by Robinson or Ewing would change this, and the Australian surfing community remains hopeful heading into the final event.
Robinson, Ewing secure top-five finishes
Robinson, 24, has secured a top-five finish in the standings for two straight years, finishing third and fourth in 2021 and 2022, respectively. He won the season-opening event at Pipeline in January and has remained in contention throughout the year.
Ewing, 23, has also had an impressive season, earning his maiden Championship Tour win at the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup in May. He currently sits sixth in the rankings, just behind his compatriot Robinson.
Both surfers will need to perform at their best to challenge reigning world champion Filipe Toledo of Brazil. Toledo has won three events this season and holds a narrow lead over Robinson in the standings.
Last Australian world title in 2015
The last Australian to win the world title was Mick Fanning in 2015. Since then, Brazil's dominance has been near-total, with the likes of Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira, and Toledo all taking turns at the top of the rankings.
A victory by Robinson or Ewing would not only end Brazil's stranglehold on the sport, but it would also be a major boost for Australian surfing. The country has a rich history in the sport, and its surfers are always among the favorites to win at the world's biggest events.
WSL Finals: A wide-open race
The WSL Finals will be a wide-open race, with several surfers in contention for the world title. However, Robinson and Ewing will be among the favorites, and they will be determined to make history for their country.
For more information, please visit the World Surf League website.
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