Owen Wright's hopes of claiming a world title have officially died in the waters off Peniche, Portugal.
Starting the event in fourth place on the leaderboard Wright needed a big performance with just this event and the Pipe Masters to come if he was to catch leader and reigning world champion John John Florence.
However, Wright was soundly beaten in round one and then was eliminated in round two by Portuguese wildcard Vasco Ribeiro.
Ribeiro put down a 9.37 on his second ride, taking the barrel before producing a huge carve.
Despite two mid-scoring rides, Wright couldn't match him and the hurt was there for all to see.
"That was definitely a tough one," Wright said.
"I felt like conditions were really in my favour and I was really happy that we ran today.
"I was in a good head space and surfing well but nothing really came in my zone towards the end there.
"I'm really bummed about the result today and be out of the title race but I'll brush it off and I feel like I'm well and truly caught up and got my health back.
"I've got mixed emotions about going back to Pipe though."
Brazilian star Filipe Toledo was also eliminated in the second round, losing to Italian Leonardo Fioravanti.
Australians Adrian Buchan, Connor O'Leary and Bede Durbridge all have sudden death round two heats to come.
Title hopefuls Julian WIlson and Matt Wilkinson are into the third round as are Jordy Smith and Florence.
Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning, Jack Freestone and Josh Kerr also scored first round wins.
REMAINING ROUND TWO HEATS
Heat 5: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 6: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs Nat Young (USA)
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Heat 8: Connor O'Leary (AUS) vs Ian Gouveia (BRA)
Heat 9: Joan Duru (FRA) vs Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Heat 10: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs Italo Ferreira (BRA)
Heat 11: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 12: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs Conner Coffin (USA)
