I did think your comment about my rail surfing was a little harsh yesterday haha
But yes, Medina's wave was not a 9.17 and I believe my last wave and another were underscored.
Brazil has such a large following for their top surfers, they're now up their with the football/soccer stars (Adriano De Souza's main sponsor is a football based sports club) that the views and revenue generated is huge for WSL and surfing...so it pays for the Brazilians to win, be in the draw towards the semi/finals of events, be in contention for world titles and in the spot light. Not that they don't deserve it.
Jordy Smith will certainly be in contention for a WT again this year, like last year, and so will European Leonardo F from Italy (population 60m, love their sports stars like Brazil) I believe so as to create more views and interest in the countries of Europe.
