The Withdrawal Of The Reigning Champion Is A Blessing For Clay Marzo At The 2022 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang, Was Eliminated But Instead Became The Winner

Rip Curl Padang Padang Cup 2022. (Photo: Doc. Rip Curl)

BALI - Surfer from Hawaii, Clay Marzo, won the international surfing event, Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2022. In fact, he was eliminated in the semifinals.

Marzo initially did not qualify for the semifinals. However, he had good luck when defending champion Benji Brand had to withdraw due to injury.

Marzo is in the sequence that is entitled to be given the opportunity to replace the defending champion.

Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Marzo made an impressive appearance and gave a world-class tube ride show. He also scored a perfect score after conquering the legendary waves of Padang Padang. "It's amazing out there," said Marzo. "I'm so excited to get those barrel waves, some of the best waves ever."

In the final, Marzo who collected 18.73 points beat Indonesian surfer Mega Semadhi. He finished second with 15.23 points.

Another deputy host, Mega Artana, took third place with 12.53 points. Meanwhile, 15-year-old female surfer Erin Brooks is in fourth place with 11.57 points.

"This event is very important, especially for Indonesians. The Padang Padang waves are like the Indonesian version of the Pipe waves (in Hawaii)," said Made Artana.

"I want to say a big thank you to the local community, to all the local surfers, who allow us to do this every year and share Padang Padang beaches," said Rip Curl Indonesia President Director, James Hendy.