Australia's 2012 world champion Joel Parkinson has been eliminated from the Quicksilver Pro France by the powerful Hawaiian surfer Keanu Asing.
Asing's compatriot Carissa Moore, meanwhile, dominated proceedings at the women's Roxy Pro France, to advance straight into the third round ahead of reigning six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, who's returning from a leg injury sustained in Western Australia in April.
Asing said he felt comfortable competing at the top level after knocking out Parkinson.
"Coming up against Joel I know I have to bring the best of myself, against the champ you've got to surf like a champ," Asing said.
"I had a gameplan and stuck to it, luckily it worked out and I made it through this heat.
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"The things that I've learned on this tour I can take to the next events and build confidence. I feel comfortable competing at this level."
Australian Adam Melling was also eliminated in round two by countryman Kai Ottan, who went through to the third round with fellow Aussies Josh Kerr, Matt Wilkinson and world-No.4 Owen Wright.
They join Julian Wilson, Bede Durbidge and Mick Fanning.
Three-time world champion Fanning, who's currently leading the World Surf League rankings, on Thursday had to overcome a potentially treacherous round-one matchup against Tahiti's Michel Bourez and local wildcard Maxime Huscenot.
Gilmore will have to beat Hawaiian Malia Manuel in the second round if she's to progress in France.
After beating Gilmore in their heat, world No.2-ranked Moore admitted she was "fired up".
"I'm excited for these last two events, I know anything can happen and it's really close between me and Courtney (Conlogue from the US)," Moore said.
"I just want to be in that title race, I'm excited about the journey, win or lose I'm excited to be a part of it."
