Jeremy Flores Hangs On, Channels Mick Fanning

Jeremy Flores channeled his inner Mick Fanning with an impressive display on Day 2 of the Corona Open J-Bay.

Flores posted the second highest heat total of the day registering a two-wave total of 15.84. Afterwards he pointed to very different individuals that aided his electric surfing.

"I look to Mick Fanning for inspiration," said the French veteran and World No. 15. "I think he is the best out here and his lines are incredible." However in a left-of-center admission he also said that former professional surfer, coach, writer, fins-free proponent and long-time J-Bay resident Derek Hynd was also a source of motivation.

Jeremy Flores - WSL / Ed Sloane

"I used to surf a lot with Derek when I was young and seeing him surf out here is mind blowing," said Flores. "He's a unique human and his surfing out at J-Bay is the real deal. Many people try and copy his approach out here, but no one comes close. He's the master."

Flores own approach was hampered by a recurring back injury, but he surfed through the pain in a high scoring heat that saw Frederico Morais advance in second place and Jesse Mendes eliminated from the event.

"I'm stoked to get a win because I have lost my last five heats and it's not a good feeling," Flores continued. "So hopefully this is where I turn it around. You know I just want to make heats; that's all that matters. I want to catch as many good waves and as I can and have some fun."

Frederico Morais - WSL / Ed Sloane

Earlier in the day Lakey Peterson had too referenced past J-Bay champions as she posted an 8.33 wave to win in her opening Seeding Round against Malia Manuel and Keely Andrew.

"I feel comfortable at this wave and I love to go fast," said Peterson. "I also watch a lot of Mick Fanning and Filipe Toledo out here, so hopefully that will rub off." The Californian had traveled straight from Brazil to South Africa and after a road trip from Cape Town with her husband has had the last week surfing J-Bay. Yet it wasn't so much her recent experience at the wave, but her upbringing that she attributed her dominant display performance to.

"I'm a point break surfer having grown up on them so I think that helps me read this wave," said the World No. 5. "It can be tricky, but I feel it suits my style of surfing. I'm where I want to be to right now." Peterson will now face Bronte Macaulay in Round 3, which is set to continue after tomorrow's lay day.

Lakey Peterson - WSL / Ed Sloane

Notable and Quotable From Day 2 Of The Corona Open J-Bay

• Jack Freestone was one of the few surfers who took to the air to win his Elimination Round heat and post the day's highest heat total of 15.93. "I came to J-Bay before the Ballito event (where he made the Final) and then came back for the last swell," said Freestone. "So I feel like we've been doing our homework and making the right plans. However to do it when the waves are slow and when the pressure is on, well, that's even more satisfying." Freestone defeated Ryan Callinan and eliminated local Wildcard Beyrek De Vries from the event.

• Silvana Lima continued her impressive comeback from injury to score an 8.33 and win her Elimination Round heat, the last of the day. The Brazilian missed the first two events of the year, but today's display of power and speed showed her ascent up the rankings should continue.

Freestone Goes Big, Dodges Early Elimination

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The Australian earns a 15.93 (7.43 + 8.50), the highest heat total of the day at the Corona Open J-Bay.

• Seth Moniz defeated Adrian Buchan and wildcard Jorgann Couzinet in one of the day's highest scoring and most dramatic Elimination Round heats. The rookie's heat total 14.27 had him in the lead as the Frenchman Couzinet and the veteran Buchan traded blows to avoid the dreaded 33rd place. Couzinet performed a radical frontside air in the dying seconds of the heat, but just missed out on the low score he required. That meant Buchan avoided recording a third Elimination Round loss in a row which could be pivotal in turning his poor year around.