Roy Powers of Kaua’i won his second round heat in the Santa Catarina Hang Loose Pro yesterday at Brazil.

The second round was completed in 1- to 3-foot waves at Imbituba, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Powers defeated Brazil’s William Cardoso, 12.76-11.67, to advance to the third round.

Powers is currently ranked No. 24 on the World Championship Tour, and needs to stay in the top 25 to retain his place on the tour next year.

“This contest is very important for me, every heat counts,” he said. “I’m just going to try to keep going and to get the best waves, but it is all about luck out there right now. I was nervous, but I’m stoked to win this heat.”

Fred Patacchia Jr. of Hale’iwa advanced to the third round earlier in the week.

Fellow Hawai’i surfers Andy Irons, Bruce Irons and Pancho Sullivan withdrew from the contest.

The contest is the 10th of 11 stops on the 2008 tour.

(Source: Honolulu Advertiser)