Leandro Usuna made a successful start to the defence of his World Surfing Games title ©ISA

Defending champion Leandro Usuna of Argentina successfully made it through to round two of the men's competition at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games in Biarritz today.

The 29-year-old began the defence of the title he won last year in Costa Rica by posting a score of 12.97 to finish second in heat 31.

Brazil's Raoni Monteiro finished narrowly above Usuna in first on 13.34.

Usuna was joined in the next round by compatriot Facundo Arreyes.

He posted a sublime score of 16.34 to advance to round two from heat 42.

France's Jeremy Flores was also a stand-out performer today.

The 2009 World Surfing Games champion delighted his home crowd as he came through heat 43 in first place with a score of 12.67.

England's Luke Dillon made it through to round two ©ISA
England's Luke Dillon made it through to round two ©ISA

The French men are looking to emulate the success of their women's team after Pauline Ado took gold yesterday and Johanne Defay finished in second.

Joan Duru produced another fine display for the host nation in men's competition today, winning heat 39 with a score of 14.03.

It was also a successful day for the English team. 

Jayce Robinson won heat 21 before Luke Dillon added further delight for the English team as he proved the strongest in heat 29, after scoring 14.6.

Vicente Romero and Dylan Southworth also both delivered exceptional performances today.

Spain's Romero scored 14.67 to reach round two while Southworth of Mexico scored 16.16 to advance.

Action is due to continue tomorrow with second round heats and repechage competition as athletes attempt to find a way back into the main draw of the competition.