"The direction the wave comes in just won't allow them to peak up anywhere," said Kelly Slater of the closeout conditions on Day 4 of the Quik Pro France. "It's just a flip of a coin and hoping that something happens out there for you."

Fortunately 'it' happened for Slater in his Round 4 heat against Toledo and Simpo skipping straight to the quarters. The other main contender for the world title, Mick Fanning, also made the quarters but took the longer route through Round 5 easily accounting for Taj Burrow 10.17 to 5.94.

Jordy has almost certainly ended his title chances with a Round 5 exit - another 13th place, his third for the season. While Parko keeps his improbable title defence alive by also making it into the quarters.

For a full recap click here.