RYAN Callinan celebrated his confirmation on the 2019 championship tour with a comfortable opening heat win at the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach on Sunday.
Callinan went to Hawaii all but assured of a return to the CT after 10,000 and 6000-point event victories, and the World Surf League confirmed his spot after he improved his tally with a heat win at the Hawaiian Pro. The Merewether goofy-footer sits third on the qualifying series, where a top 10 finish guarantees a CT position.
“I don't think it really sunk in until I made it through a heat in Haleiwa and I saw the final standings after that event,” Callinan said after winning in round three at Sunset Beach.
“I'm so over the moon. I can't really explain it in words and I'm sure it will keep sinking in until I put on the jersey at Snapper. I will get to verse all the best guys in the world and I'm really excited to put on a show and compete with them.”
He led on Sunday halfway through his heat when he backed up a 5.3 with a 7.17 from two big backside turns. He improved with a 5.67 in the second-last minute for a 12.84 total ahead of Carlos Munoz (11.50), Lucas Silveira (10.74) and Willian Cardoso (5.34). He faces Jack Freestone, Joan Duru and Filipe Toledo in round four.
