Australian surfer Owen Wright has moved a step closer to avoiding the mid-season cut in the World Surf League, advancing to the round of 16 at Bells Beach.
The Olympic bronze medallist knocked out Griffin Colapinto in the first heat of Thursday's action in Victoria, outscoring the American 13.67 to 12.34 in a tight 30-minute eliminator.
Tour rookie Jackson Baker also moved ahead with an upset win over South African Jordy Smith while Ethan Ewing continued a sparkling morning for the Australian contingent, beating Lucca Mesinas of Peru.
Colapinto, ranked world No.7, came into the competition as one of the form surfers after banking his first title in Portugal last month.
After a slow start Wright was trailing Colapinto with four minutes to go in the heat before he scored a 7.50 with his third wave to take the lead.
The Californian couldn't respond in the time that remained, allowing Wright to advance and keep alive his hopes of climbing the rankings.
Wright came into Bells ranked a lowly equal-31st and needs good results here and at the next stop at Margaret River, Western Australia, before the field is cut to 24 for the remaining events.
The 32-year-old was emotional after reaching the last 16 for the first time this year and said he kept his focus on ringing the prized trophy's bell for the first time.
He has finished equal fifth at the famed surf break five times.
"I haven't passed that (round of 32) for a while so it was good," Wright told the WSL.
"I never count myself out to win, especially here at Bells as my whole goal is to ring the bell - it is every year.
"I was out there thinking of the bell and that you never know how you're going to get to that bell - a shaky start could be it.
"I put that last wave to bed in the last five and by the time I got back out there was a minute left so it was a crucial wave."
Baker took out the third heat but with three minutes to go was almost handed an interference penalty after world No.9 Smith, who had priority, made a late charge on a wave.
The Newcastle surfer competes on a pink board in honour of his mother, who died of breast cancer.
Other Australians set to compete in their heats on Thursday include Mikey Wright, Connor O'Leary, Morgan Cibilic and three-time world champion Mick Fanning, who is competing as a wildcard.
Fanning will be up against Japan's world No.1 Kanoa Igarashi in heat nine.
