Australian Julian Wilson had to wait another day before he can begin his world title tilt in Hawaii despite the season-ending World Surf League event finally getting under way.
After four straight lay days, the Pipe Masters began on Thursday with an invitational event to determine the two wildcard entries for the main competition.
NSW surfer Ryan Callinan won Thursday's event, putting him into the main draw alongside local Benji Brand.
Callinan, 26, will compete against fellow Australian Wade Carmichael and American Griffin Colapinto in the opening round of the Pipe Masters.
Wilson, chasing a maiden world title, will meet Brazil's Tomas Hermes and hometown surfer Seth Moniz when the event gets underway.
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The 30-year-old heads into the event almost 5000 points behind rankings leader Gabriel Medina.
The Brazilian can claim his second world title if he finishes first or second.
Wilson must win the event if Medina finishes third to claim the title.
The Australian could also take out the championship if Medina fails to reach the semi-finals and Wilson makes the final.
Medina's compatriot Filipe Toledo is also in the title hunt, sitting on the same ranking points as Wilson.
Medina's opening round heat is against Australian Connor O'Leary and Brand while Toledo has been slated to face fellow Brazilian Caio Ibelli and another Australian in Matt Wilkinson.
The next call for the Pipe Masters is scheduled to be made at 7.30am on Thursday in Hawaii (0430 Fri AEST).
