Veteran Australian surfer Joel Parkinson could retire after the Corona Open J-Bay if he comes out on top.
The 2012 world champion on Monday announced plans to retire after December's Pipe Masters, but a near perfect 9.37 and 7.50 in round three at Jeffreys Bay has the Australian feeling sentimental.
"J-Bay means a lot to me. It is where my career kickstarted," he said.
"To be back here and finishing off my last year here is special. It would mean the world to me if I won this event.
"I would probably shut the gate right there and retire right then if I won."
Parkinson's performance saw him edge out world No.6 Michel Bourez, who was one of 14 competitors knocked out on the second day.
Round two is now over and the first four heats of round three are ticked off at the South African stop.
Two-time event winner and local Jordy Smith eliminated returning legend Kelly Slater in round two, with the 11-time world champion unable to meet the 7.27 point requirement and leaving in 25th place.
Slater says he feels "rusty" and is unsure where he can push his foot, which he broke at the Jeffreys Bay event last year.
Smith went on to win his round three heat against Brazilian Tomas Hermes and will continue on to round four.
Australia's Connor Leary scored the day's highest two-wave total, 17.16, against Hawaii's Ezekiel Law and next faces 2014 world champion Gabriel Medina.
