Joel Parkinson's world surfing championship campaign fizzled in on Thursday when the 2012 champion was eliminated in the second round of the Rio Pro.
The Queenslander started the fourth event of the year a lowly 14th in the rankings, where he finished last year's campaign, and will plummet further after copping his worst result since 2011.
Hawaiian rookie Keanu Asing pipped Parkinson 9.60 (out of 20) points to 9.50 in shifting two-metre waves.
"When you see everyone else struggling you know it's going to be difficult," said Asing.
"You have to overcome and adapt to get through these heats."
New Zealand's Ricardo Christie was another rookie to find the right waves, eliminating South African former event winner Jordy Smith.
"I actually got my good wave exactly where I'd been watching, which was neat," Christie said.
"I'm making some friends and learning so much from the top guys."
Three-time world champion Mick Fanning won through to the third round with the highest two-wave heat total of the day, snaring a 16.63, to gain revenge over the local wildcard who beat him in the event last year, David do Carmo.
"I was watching the water before my heat and talking to a few people to work out where to get the best waves," the Australian said.
"Once you're out there it's really a lucky dip."
Other Aussies to progress from the second round were Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, Owen Wright, Adam Melling, Kai Otton and Adrian Buchan while Julian Wilson was eliminated.
Round two of the women's event was called off for the day and is expected to resume on Friday (Saturday AEST), when Australia's Tyler Wright will contest an elimination heat against Brazilian Luana Coutinho.
Compatriots Nikki Van Dijk, Laura Enever and Dimity Stoyle will also be looking to save their skins in sudden-death match-ups.
Defending two-time event winner Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore's injury wildcard replacement Keely Andrew have already sealed direct passage into the third round.
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