Adriano de Souza Injured; Opts Out of Pipe Masters

Adriano de Souza announced via Facebook that he will be withdrawing from the Billabong Pipe Masters due to unyielding knee pain. De Souza said on Facebook, “I met with medical staff and my family and it was decided that I will not be able to compete in the last stage of the year. My dream isn’t over yet, it is just postponed for next year.” This is the first Pipe Masters de Souza will be missing since 2006. Although he is missing the opportunity to surf Pipeline (one of the most prestigious events of the year) with 1-2 people out, he is currently sitting number 8 on the WCT rankings, which means he’s not in any danger of falling off the World Tour. However, you can be sure that de Souza will be watching attentively as his fellow countryman, Gabriel Medina, does battle on the North Shore in order to become the first-ever Brazilian WCT Champion.