With the win at Zippers, Matt Banting (AUS) now has two major victories to his name on this season's Qualification Series schedule. Of even greater consequence--both to him and to the competitors he's pushing down the ratings ladder--is that the Burton Toyota Pro and the Los Cabos Open of Surf were both 6-Star events. Now sitting at No. 3 on the QS rankings, Banting took a moment to reflect as he spoke with Surfer magazine while he waited for his flight to the Mr Price Pro Ballito.
Banting en route to claiming his second 6-Star title at the Los Cabos Open of Surf. - WSL
It's only June and you already have two 6-Star wins. How's it feel to be near the top of the WQS ratings?
It's amazing. After winning the Newcastle comp, I didn't expect to get another win in 2014. Wins definitely don't come too often so it's starting to feel like the hard work is paying off.
Is your main goal to qualify for the World Tour this year?
Yeah, but I'm not taking it too seriously. Before the start of the season, I made the goal of qualifying within three years. I've had a great run thus far but with seven Prime events to go, the year hasn't really started yet. Primes are where the points are so I need to get a few solid results in them.
Making the Gold Coast trials in February 2014 to take on Snappers with the world's best. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
You've proven how dangerous of a competitor you are at places like Huntington Beach, Newcastle, and now Cabo. Say you qualify, would you feel confident going against the world's best at Teahupoo or Pipe?
Yeah, I have really good friends at those spots that have offered to have me stay with them and learn the ropes. But it takes time at any spot to know what's going on so it'll be a challenge.
Check out Surfer mag's full interview with Banting.
Matt Banting in Transit: Takeaways from Zippers
WSL
With the win at Zippers, Matt Banting (AUS) now has two major victories to his name on this season's Qualification Series schedule. Of even greater consequence--both to him and to the competitors he's pushing down the ratings ladder--is that the Burton Toyota Pro and the Los Cabos Open of Surf were both 6-Star events. Now sitting at No. 3 on the QS rankings, Banting took a moment to reflect as he spoke with Surfer magazine while he waited for his flight to the Mr Price Pro Ballito.
It's only June and you already have two 6-Star wins. How's it feel to be near the top of the WQS ratings?
It's amazing. After winning the Newcastle comp, I didn't expect to get another win in 2014. Wins definitely don't come too often so it's starting to feel like the hard work is paying off.
Is your main goal to qualify for the World Tour this year?
Yeah, but I'm not taking it too seriously. Before the start of the season, I made the goal of qualifying within three years. I've had a great run thus far but with seven Prime events to go, the year hasn't really started yet. Primes are where the points are so I need to get a few solid results in them.
You've proven how dangerous of a competitor you are at places like Huntington Beach, Newcastle, and now Cabo. Say you qualify, would you feel confident going against the world's best at Teahupoo or Pipe?
Yeah, I have really good friends at those spots that have offered to have me stay with them and learn the ropes. But it takes time at any spot to know what's going on so it'll be a challenge.
Check out Surfer mag's full interview with Banting.
Matt Banting
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Banting has been hot in Aussie waters lately, but now he needs to survive a tough Elimination Round matchup to keep his CT dreams alive.
Chapter 1, Episode 12
After Kolohe Andino pulled out of the Australian leg due to injury, Qualifying Series leader Matt Banting was given his spot at Newcastle.
After two weeks in hotel quarantine, CT athletes have made their way to Newcastle and are getting ready to put on a show.
The WSL caught up with the current QS rankings leader as he enjoys Autumn at home on Australia's East Coast.
Los Cabos Open of Surf
Relive the best rounds at Zippers with these heat-by-heat pics of pros from Josh Kerr and Chris Ward to the Finals with Dion Atkinson and
Matt Banting and Coco Ho top podium at the Los Cabos Open of Surf
Catch the best moments from the last day of the Los Cabos Open of Surf at the rippable Zippers.
Zippers pumps for a full day of men's competition as final eight are decided
Los Cabos Open of Surf narrowed the field down to just eight surfers remaining in a high-scoring day at Zippers.