WSL heavily criticized for half-year CT cut

This year 2022 the World Surf League decided to create a new competition format where there will be a cut in the middle of the year and only the best ranked surfers will continue to compete. In other words, after 5 tournaments (out of a total of 11) only the 22 highest-ranked men (out of a total of 34) will remain in the competition. and only the best The top 9 women (out of a total of 20) will advance. And if that weren't enough, for the grand final in Lower Trestles, California, there will be an additional cut, leaving only 5 competitors in both the women's and men's categories.

After 4 CT events (the Billabong Pro Pipeline, Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, MEO Pro Portugal and Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach) the WSL has published a list of possible qualifiers after the cut that will be made after the 5th CT event: the Margaret River Pro.

The WSL's announcement sparked widespread criticism from fans around the world, who claim it is a move against the sport and the athletes.

Erik Logan, CEO of the WSL, justified these cuts by stating, “The inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals was an incredible success. Seeing the top 5 surfers compete head-to-head (or female-to-female) in amazing waves and witnessing the men's and women's world titles on the same day was something special. This new format captivated audiences and viewership like never before and was the most-watched day of professional surfing in WSL history in terms of digital audience. We can't wait to return to Lowers this season.”

The WSL has also been heavily criticized as many fans They believe the cut in the women's category is even more brutal, as less than half of the athletes will continue competing in the second half of the season; that is, only 45% of the athletes will remain in competition. In the men's category, 64% of the athletes will continue in the second half of the tour.

On the other hand, the national Carlos Muñoz is ranked in position number 34 (that is, in the last position) because of his injury at CT #1 (the Billabong Pro Pipeline) Carlos hasn't been able to compete in stops 2, 3, and 4, and therefore wouldn't qualify and wouldn't be able to compete in the second half of the dream tour. However, there are rumors that Cali might have recovered from his injury and be ready to compete in the Margaret River Pro, but he needs a very good result (like winning the event or reaching the semifinals) to make it into the top 22.

In the women's category, Brisa Hennessey has had an excellent performance this year (with 1 first place, 1 3rd place, 1 5th place and a 9th place) which keeps her tied for 2nd position in the ranking alongside Tyler Wright and has secured her place in the second half of the CT 2022 and her reclassification for the CT 2023.

Note submitted by Surf City

Written by Marco Monteroso / Surfing Republic