WA’s Jack Robinson is back in the jersey this week, eyeing a strong finish at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No.10 on the WSL Championship Tour. With just two events remaining before the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji, the stakes are high for the Margaret River local, who will face off against Brazilians Miguel Pupo and Joao Chianca in the opening round at Jeffreys Bay.
While J-Bay was off the schedule last year, Robinson made a strong impression at the iconic South African pointbreak in 2023, finishing 5th after a powerful run through the draw.
Coming off a solid 9th place finish at the Vivo Rio Pro, and currently sitting in 7th on the CT rankings, Robinson is well positioned to push for a Top 5 finish and a shot at the World Title. Known for his technical precision and calm under pressure, the long, open walls of Supertubes offer the perfect canvas for his high-speed rail game as he builds momentum toward Finals Day.
Read the full WSL media statement below, including key matchups, wildcard entries and what’s at stake as the race for the Final 5 intensifies.
JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Monday, July 7, 2025) – The World Surf League (WSL) returns to South African shores for the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No. 10 of the Championship Tour (CT) and holds a competition window from July 11 – 20, 2025. As the penultimate CT stop of the regular-season, it’s a crucial event for the world’s best who want to clinch a spot in the Final 5 for the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji this September.
Jordy Smith Eyes Third CT Win at Home
After an incredible 18 years on the Championship Tour, South Africa’s surfing hero Jordy Smith is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. After two CT wins and currently ranked No.1 in the world, Smith’s goal is to put himself in the best position possible for the Lexus WSL Finals. As a two-time winner in Jeffreys Bay, he will be one of the favorites at Supertubes for his third CT win in front of family and friends.
“We all know J-Bay is one of the world’s best waves,” said Smith. “More importantly for me, it’s a place to reconnect with old friends that I’ve grown up with my whole life. There’s a lot less pressure I put on myself. I spend my entire off season there, I have a house on the beach, so it’s a very comfortable place for me, and I can surf with ease. To come in wearing the Yellow Jersey is epic. It’s testament to the hard work and sacrifices over the years, and we keep swinging and see how the rest of the year plays out.”
Race For WSL Final 5 Intensifies
As the penultimate stop of the regular season, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has the potential to break hearts or ignite World Title dreams, as the race for the WSL Final 5 intensifies. After taking out the win at the Rio Pro, Griffin Colapinto (USA) moved up three spots up the rankings to challenge for the Final 5 cutoff, while former J-Bay winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) is holding onto fifth place.
Molly Picklum (AUS) will wear the Yellow Jersey in J-Bay after her win at the Rio Pro. Picklum finished runner-up in J-Bay in 2023 to Lakey Peterson (USA) and has proven herself as a formidable threat at Supertubes. 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) has enjoyed three Finals Day appearances in J-Bay, and she’s on the cusp of the Final 5 cut-off.
Local Wildcards Look Forward To Disrupting Rankings
Three more South Africans will be in the Corona Cero Open J-Bay lineup alongside Jordy Smith. Former CTer and J-Bay local Matthew McGillivray received the call up from Tours & Competition, while top ranked Challenger Series contenders Sarah Baum and Luke Thompson received the regional wildcard spots. Baum previously earned a Quarterfinals appearance as a wildcard in 2023, and won the J-Bay Classic Specialty in 2024.
“It means the world to me to get the wildcard,” said Baum. “I surf these Challenger Series events to get to that world stage and showcase my surfing. Getting a 5th in 2023, surfing against Carissa Moore and Lakey Petersen was incredible. I hope I can ruffle a few feathers again this year.”
Corona Cero Marks 100 Years of Beach Heritage and Surf Culture at J-Bay
Since being announced as the official global 0.0% alcohol beer partner of the WSL in March 2025, Corona Cero has brought a fresh energy to the Championship Tour. In the year that marks 100 years of Corona’s connection to the beach, the brand’s evolution at J-Bay reflects a continued commitment to more mindful ways to unwind and celebrate—without compromising on experience. The Corona Cero Open J-Bay is not only a continuation of this legacy, but also a celebration of how beach culture, surfing, and conscious living are coming together in South Africa’s most iconic coastal town.
“This year marks 100 years of Corona’s connection to the beach, and there’s no better place to celebrate that legacy than Jeffreys Bay,” says Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand, Corona South Africa. “As we evolve into a new era of mindful celebration, we’re proud to bring Corona Cero to one of the most iconic stops on the tour. This occasion, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, reflects our long-standing support of the surf community and South Africa’s beloved beach culture.”
Watch LIVE
The Corona Cero Open J-Bay holds a competition window from July 11 through July 20, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA)
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR)
HEAT 4: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 4: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA)
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 6: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 8: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
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