OWEN Wright has made a tentative competition return to the site of a horrific wipeout two years ago with a loss in his opening heat at the Billabong Pipe Masters.
Wright must now surf his way out of the elimination second round of the famous Hawaiian event to keep alive his hopes of a second World Tour win this season.
In December, 2015, Wright was preparing for the Pipe Masters when he was smashed and held under in massive conditions, sustaining a concussion and serious head injuries.
INJURY RETURN: Wright back to scene of scare
For the next year Wright was sidelined as he recovered from the injury.
He returned to the competitive arena in March to win the opening event of the World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro.
But this hot form was absent on Tuesday as he finished third (3.37) in his opening heat as fellow Australian Josh Kerr (12.17) barrelled his way to victory.
The Pipe Masters is Kerr’s final World Tour event.
Also joining Wright in the sudden-death second round is best mate Matt Wilkinson and world championship tour hopeful Julian Wilson, along with Jack Freestone, Bede Durbidge and Stuart Kennedy.