Olympic surfing competition called off in Tahiti as weather brings chaos

TEAHUPO'O, Tahiti - Competition was cancelled at the Olympic surfing venue of Teahupo'o in Tahiti on Wednesday after an initial call to run, with conditions still super challenging after a storm swept though the region, forcing organizers to put the event on hold.

Tahiti's Teahupo'o delivered some of the best conditions ever seen for a competition for the men's round three on Monday before strong winds ripped through the lineup and continued into Tuesday.

Running for half a day on Wednesday would have allowed organizers to complete competition and crown medallists on Thursday, which look to be the best conditions left in the waiting period that ends on Monday.

One-and-a-half days of competition remain now, meaning a finish is now more likely at the weekend.

When surfing resumes, women's round three action will see Australian world champion Tyler Wright up against Israel's Anat Lelior before local favourite Vahine Fierro takes on countrywoman Johanne Defay in heat two.

Friendly fire is a theme for the men's quarterfinals too, with France's Kauli Vaast and Joan Duru meeting, along with Brazil's Joao Chianca and Gabriel Medina, while Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson of Australia will fighting for a semi-final berth.

—Reuters