Stephanie Gilmore produced the goods to remain alive in her defence of the World Surf League’s opening event at Snapper Rocks, while 11-time men’s world champion Kelly Slater confirmed his withdrawal from the event.

Gilmore (15.17 points) looked at ease against South African Bianca Buitendag (10.40) in an elimination second round match-up that was a repeat of the 2014 final.

Her heat win came at the same time Slater pulled the pin, the American having already skipped Sunday’s first round as he continued to suffer pain after foot surgery.

He will be replaced in the draw by Michael February, while defending world champion John John Florence is among a host of big names set to surf elimination rounds on Monday.

Gabriel Medina is among them after the 2014 world champion was heavily penalised for interference on a wave that would’ve earned him in excess of eight points.

Joel Parkinson and Matt Wilkinson also failed to earn direct third round entry.

The 2012 world champion Parkinson denied by two points in his heat and Wilkinson relegated to third in his high-scoring heat.

Rain continues to linger on the Gold Coast but conditions on the water are slightly cleaner than on the opening day.