Kerr claims near perfect ride at Teahupo'o

Australia's Josh Kerr went within a whisker of claiming the first 10 point ride of the Billabong Pro after threading a long barrel at Teahupo'o in his opening heat.

Showing perfect poise and positioning Kerr dropped into a long running wall and rode through two sections, expertly navigating his way down the line.

Disappearing behind the collapsing lip, it looked like the wave was about to clamp on him before the veteran squeezed out as it shut down.

The ride earned the natural footer 10's from several judges, averaging out for a 9.67, as he finished the heat with the a total of 17.17 to beat American Kolohe Andino (12.8) and fellow Aussie Matt Wilkinson.

Kerr finished the first round and opening day of the event in Tahiti with the highest score.

Meanwhile, Florida's C.J Hobgood snared a 9.80 ride in round two with a brilliant start to finish barrel to help win his elimination heat over compatriot Nat Young.

In a high scoring heat, Hobgood finished with 18.13 to edge out Young, who scored 16.66, courtesy of an 8.23 and 8.43 two wave total.