The World Surf League says its controversial new mid-season cut, which prompted high drama during an emotionally charged week at the Margaret River Pro, made for compelling viewing and remains an integral part of the WSL’s efforts to increase engagement and viewership of the sport.
The brutal new Champions Tour rule, which sees the men’s field cut from 36 to 24 and the women’s from 24 to 12 at the halfway point of the season, resulted in the high-profile relegations of Sally Fitzgibbons and Owen Wright to the second tier Challenger Series.
