Rip Curl Pro titles to be decided at Bells Beach
World No.1 Griffin Colapinto has powered into the men's final of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach with a commanding semi-final victory over Indonesian Rio Waida.
The American's best three waves were all scored higher by the judges than any effort from Waida, who was competing in his first World Surf League semi-final.
Colapinto won a high-scoring semi 16.83-14.53 to set up an all-Californian title decider with his friend and Championship Tour rookie Cole Houshmand, who saw off the challenge of South African Matthew McGillivray 13.14-7.77.
None of the men's semi-finalists have ever rung the famous bell before.
A first-time Bells champion will also be crowned in the women's competition on Wednesday.
French world rankings leader Johanne Defay was first to book her spot in the decider, ousting Costa Rican Brisa Hennessy 13.53-12.10.
Her opponent in the final will be teen sensation Caitlin Simmers who trounced defending world champ Caroline Marks in an all-American semi 13.93-9.24.
After two successive lay days, a marked improvement in conditions prompted organisers to resume competition in clean four-to-six feet waves.
