Also known as “The Portuguese Tiger,” Tiago Pires is the first surfer to ever compete in the ASP World Championship Tour. This alone is an incredible feat that’s placed him the spotlight here at the ASP Tour. Along with his exceptional surfing ability, there’s been a great deal of coverage surrounding Pires. Unfortunately, though, the Portuguese Tiger recently suffered an injury to the knee, jeopardizing his ability to surf at the Billabong Pro Rio in Rio Dejaneiro, Brazil. So, will this take him out of the competition? Keep reading for more details on the Portuguese Tiger and his prospects for finishing the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour.
About Tiago Pires
Born march 13, 1980 in Alanctara, Portugal, Tiago Pires has always been drawn to surfing. Ever since he was a young buy, Pires has taken to the ocean in search of large waves. Although he’s participated in numerous amateur surfing events, this is the first year he’s participated in an ASP event. What’s even more amazing is the fact that Pires is the first individual from Portugal to ever surf in the ASP World Championship Tour. These two combining factors are certain to have placed a great deal of stress on Pires, as he’s going up against some long-time professional surfers on tour.
Tiago Pires is sponsored this season by Quicksilver, Red Bull, Monche Mobile and Moskova. According to the current ASP World Championship rankings, Pires has 2,250 points with a $20,900 earnings for the 2013 season. However, there’s still a lot of time left in the tour to get back on the ocean and earn more points and cash before the season is over. In the world of professional surfing, anything can happen!
Tiago Pires Injury
With Billabong Pro Rio less than a week away, many of the professional surfers competing in the event are getting in some much-needed practice now. This past Saturday, Pires was out running some barrel rolls to help prepare for the Billabong Pro Rio when he hit the ocean floor, twisting his knee and pulling a ligament. The good news is that it’s not a permanent injury, but the bad news is that doctors claim this type of injury takes up to six weeks to fully heal.
Pires remains optimistic that his knee will heal enough to allow his to surf at the Billabong Pro Rio event next week. He ways he’s doubling up on therapy and has already noticed a dramatic improvement in the feeling and movement coming back to his injured knee.