Local Sports

Gentil places 9th in MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal

FIRST PHOTO: Maui's Ian Gentil competes in the round of 16 of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal on Tuesday at Peniche, Leiria. In a close heat early on finals day at the World Surf League Championship Tour event, Gentil was eliminated by Brazil's Samuel Pupo 8.53-8.40. It was the second equal-ninth finish for CT rookie Gentil; his other finish was 17th at Sunset Beach. There are two more CT events left before the mid-season cut -- the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, April 4-14, and the Western Australian Margaret River Pro, April 20-30. SECOND PHOTO: Gentil exits the water after his round-of-16 heat Tuesday. In the men's final, Brazil's Joao Chianca defeated Australia's Jack Robinson 17.57-15.14, and the women's final saw Caitlin Simmers beat fellow Californian Courtney Conlogue 13.50-12.83.