The two-time champion earned the first perfect 10-point ride of the event at Côte des Basques to continue his pursuit of a third title.

"I am doing this contest to win, but I want to do well for the French team," he said. 

"I couldn’t say no to representing my country in this event. 

"I live, work, and surf here in Biarritz. 

"I’m having fun and will give it my all until the end."

Delpero was joined in progressing to the semi-finals by his brother Edouard Delpero, who scored a total of 18.5 points.

Defending champion Kai Sallas of the United States also made it through his main event heats as he aims to retain the crown he clinched in China last year.

Alice Lemoigne briefly maintained the French dominance as she claimed the the highest women’s heat total with 12.96 points.

But Justine Dupont, who finished top of the standings in yesterday's heats, was consigned to the repechage round after she failed to find good waves.

Brazil’s Chloe Calmon, silver medallist in Nanning in 2018, advanced with a total of 12.50 points in the repechage.

French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) President Denis Masseglia was among those in attendance today.

Masseglia arrived from Paris, where the CNOSF held its General Assembly yesterday.

The CNOSF launched its dedicated "Sport in France" television channel at the meeting and one of the first events showcased was the World Longboard Surfing Championship.

"It was important for me to be here and recognise the great work done by the French Surfing Federation," said Masseglia.

"The French athletes have been the best. 

"Based on what I’ve seen today, they are in a great position to go for the team gold medal.

"It is important for Surfing to be included on the sports programme for Paris 2024. 

"For Paris, the image of youthful, natural sports are certainly some of the reasons why they chose surfing.

"Inclusion in Paris is also another step towards inclusion in Los Angeles 2028. 

"It’s a great path for surfing."