Stephanie Gilmore and John John Florence have no room for error at Snapper Rocks after both were humbled on the opening day of the World Surf League season on the Gold Coast.

Defending Roxy Pro champion Gilmore was upstage by young Australian Macy Callaghan, while two-time defending world champion John John Florence lost a first round heat for the first time since 2016.

Gabriel Medina will join Florence in sudden death surfing after the 2014 world champion was heavily penalised for interference on a wave that would’ve earned him in excess of eight points.

With conditions expected to be given the green light on Monday, all three should be in the water needing to produce the goods to progress to the their respective third rounds.

Joel Parkinson and Matt Wilkinson also failed to earn direct third round entry, 2012 world champion Parkinson denied by two points in his heat and Wilkinson relegated to third in his high-scoring heat.

A no-show for Sunday’s first round, 11-time world champion Kelly Slater is still able to compete in the second round.

Slater, who has not been sighted on the Gold Coast, is said to be still struggling after foot surgery but organisers remain hopeful he will make an 11th hour appearance.