The world-tour qualification bid of Merewether surfer Jackson Baker has taken a hit after being eliminated from the opening Challenger Series event.
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Baker was knocked out of the US Open at Huntington Beach on Tuesday, finishing fourth in his first heat.
The 24-year-old posted a total of 10.50, combining his best two rides of 5.83 and 4.67, with Griffin Colapinto (15.23) and Billy Stairmand (13.37) advancing to the second round.
Fellow Aussie hopefuls Jack Robinson, Dylan Moffat, Callum Robson, Sheldon Simkus and Liam O'Brien all progressed from their respective heats.
Most of the 96-man field hit the water on day one of competition.
In the women's draw, Merewether's Philippa Anderson has been pitted against Sophie McCulloch, Summer Macedo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson in her opening heat.
Redhead-based South African Sarah Baum is due to meet Pauline Ado, Ellie Brooks and Holly Wawn.
The four-part Challenger Series continues in Portugal, France and Hawaii between now and December.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
