MERWETHER surfer Jackson Baker has been drawn against CT veteran Caio Ibelli as he looks to reboot his Challenger Series campaign.
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Baker is scheduled to meet Ibelli, ranked 25th in the world and looking to secure a spot on tour for an eighth-straight season, in a first-round heat in Portugal.
Another Brazilian, Luel Felipe, and South Africa's Shane Sykes round out the four-man contest, one of 24 listed to kick start proceedings at Ericeira's Ribeira d'Ilhas.
Baker, hoping to join Merewether clubmates Morgan Cibilic and Ryan Callinan on next year's World Surf League tour, was knocked out first up at the recent Challenger Series opener in the US.
He has 2350 points and drops to 65th on the official rankings, which includes some surfers already qualified for 2022. The adjusted leader has 10,500 points and the top-12 mark is 5500.
In the women's draw, Merewether's Philippa Anderson (6000) and Redhead-based Sarah Baum (6500) are placed equal 12th and 10th respectively on adjusted rankings. The top-six qualifier level is 7500.
The second leg of competition is scheduled to get underway on Saturday and the event window remains open until next weekend.
France and Hawaii are the final two stops for the inaugural Challenger Series.
Meanwhile, the Australian Junior Surfing Titles at North Stradbroke Island have been cancelled.
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