Florence powers into semifinals in France

Hawaii’s John John Florence took two heat victories on Thursday, advancing to the semifinals at the Quiksilver Pro France at La Graviere.

Florence surfs today against wild-card entrant Dane Reynolds of California. Kelly Slater of Florida faces Australia’s Joel Parkinson in the other semifinal.

Thursday brought pulsing 6-foot waves and Florence took advantage. He won his Round 4 heat, posting a two-wave score of 16.50, outgunning Miguel Pupo of Brazil (15.26) and Kolohe Andino of California (14.50). Florence then won his quarterfinal heat, crushing Pupo 15.33-2.50.

"It is an important event for sure, the whole title race thing. … I just take it heat by heat and will see what happens at the end of the year," Florence said on the ASP World Tour website.

Hawaii’s Fredrick Patacchia lost his Round 3 heat to Owen Wright of Australia, 15-40-8.40.