Stephanie Gilmore wins the Cascais Women’s Pro

Stephanie Gilmore celebrates her victory. Picture courtesy of ASP/Masurel

Stephanie Gilmore claims victory at the Cascais Women’s Pro after defeating Sally Fitzgibbons during the finals. The pair battled it out at the backup site of Bafureira in two-to-four foot conditions – with Gilmore posting the days only nine point ride.

Todays final saw Fitzgibbons and Gilmore go head-to-head for the third time this season, having previously matched up in Fiji and Lower Trestles. It also marks Gilmore’s third victory of 2014, after taking the win at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast and the Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles – placing her at No. 1 in the world rankings.

Gilmore projected confidence throughout the event, despite her round one stumble at the hands of Laura Enever, she dispatched Lakey Peterson and Tyler Wright en route to the final.
“I can’t believe I won this event,” Said Gilmore. “I was struggling in these waves but I managed to find two pretty decent scoring rides. Sally was super tough to beat and that was a really hard one, it’s so crazy, I’m so happy I won! I’ve had such an incredible time here in Portugal, Cascais, it’s such a beautiful town and I think when you feel happy in the place that you are you always seem to get good results.”

Fitzgibbons performed well throughout the competition, winning each of her heats before the final matchup against Gilmore. She had some strong competitors, facing Courtney Conlogue in the quarterfinals and Malia Manuel in the semifinals, but she fought hard and consistently posted high scores to make it to the finals. However, todays result see’s her move to No. 2 in the rankings.
“It was an amazing battle and a great final,” said Fitzgibbons. “Unfortunately I fell one short, but I’ll pick myself up and keep moving forward. I’ve been coming to Portugal now for a number of years and every time I’ve been greeted with such warmth and I couldn’t have asked for much more. To come in and be the runner up and still have amazing fans cheering for me on the beach, that’s really special and very memorable.”

Tyler Wright leaves competition in and equal third, after her defeat at the hands of Gilmore in the semifinals. Her win against Johanne Defay in the quarterfinals kept her world title hopes alive, and ended Gilmore’s chances of becoming the World Champion in Portugal.
“It’s really cool to send the Title Race to Maui,” said Wright. “All I really strive to do is my own thing, anything else is a bonus on top of that so I’m pretty happy. It was definitely a tough heat but the girls are all ripping and I’m just having fun doing what I’m doing.”

The biggest upset of the day was caused by Malia Manuel during the quarterfinals; she eliminated the reigning two-time World Champ, Carissa Moore, ending her hopes of claiming the world title for a third consecutive year.
“If I could do the heat differently I would try to be in a better rhythm with thew ocean. I feel like I didn’t gave that many opportunities to really my thing,” said Moore. “I just have to go back and look at the heat analyser and learn from my mistakes whatever they are. I’m going to focus on the next event and I’m so excited o go home and compete in front of my home crowd.”

Malia Manuel went on to face Fitzgibbons in the semifinals, but despite scoring an excellent 8.30, she couldn’t find the backup she needed and left competition in an equal fifth place.
“This season has been huge, it’s been phenomenal with the added events,” said Manuel.” The level of surfing is always progressing and this year has been the best so far. I’m just having so much fun. It’s nice to know that you can get a 13th place and then make semifinals in the next event and progress, learn and evolve. I’m looking forward to finish up in Hawaii, it’s going to be awesome and it’s good to go home and see friends and family.”

For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Cascais Women’s Pro Final Results:

1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.36
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.44

Cascais Women’s Pro Semifinal Results (1st Advances to Final, 2nd Finished Equal 3rd):
Semifinal 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 17.04 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.47
Semifinal 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.60 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.50

Cascais Women’s Pro Quarterfinal Results (1st Advances to Semifinals, 2nd Finished Equal 5th):
Heat 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.66 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.10
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.87 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.30
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.23 def. Johanne Defay (FRA) 7.83
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.67 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.50

ASP Women’s WCT Top 5 (after Cascais Women’s Pro):
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 64,200 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 60,700 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 59,400 pts
4. Carissa Moore (HAW) 56,600 pts
5. Malia Manuel (HAW) 43,600 pts

Quarterfinals decided at the Cascais Women’s Pro

Tyler Wright storms into the quarterfinals. Picture courtesy of ASP/Masurel

The Cascais Women’s Pro continued today, running through the remaining two heats of round four, in three foot conditions at the back-up site of Bafureira.

Tyler Wright and Pauline Ado went head-to-head in the opening heat of the day. Ado logged a couple of average scores early, putting pressure on Wright. The two then had a series of exchanges on the long peeling righthanders, but it was Wright who managed to capitalise  with an excellent 8.90 to take the lead. Wrights radical on-the-rail power-turns gave her the edge and allowed her to take the win. She will face Johanne Defay in the quarterfinals.

“It was pretty slow out there, but there are still scoreable waves and excellent rights coming through,” said Wright. “This is a brand new waves for me as I didn’t have time to free surf here yet. It’s a very deceiving out there, it looks like the waves are going to close out, then it hits the gutter and holds right up. I let a few of the early ones go, but then I got that 8.90 ride so I was pretty stoked with that.” 

In the second and final heat of the day wave selection was crucial. On the rising tide was Lakey Peterson, who got the best of a first exchange on an inside set with a few cutbacks and a closeout snap. Her opponent, Nikki Van Dijk, answered Peterson’s call on a rare left on the opposite side of the reef, scoring a 5.60 — briefly taking the lead. Peterson answered back with a 6.17, gaining back the lead and taking the win.
She will progress to the quarterfinals where she will face Stephanie Gilmore.

“I’m stoked the gave us 35 minutes instead of 30, we definitely needed it,” said Peterson. “The waves are actually pretty fun, but it is slow out there and the swell is dying pretty quickly. I was just trying to stay patient and hope for a set.” 

For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Cascais Women’s Pro Round 4 Results (1st Advances to Quarterfinals, 2nd Finished Equal 9th):
Heat 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.20 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 7.70
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.83 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 6.83
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.40 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.10
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.17 def. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 10.60

Cascais Women’s Pro Quarterfinal Match-Ups (1st Advances to Semifinals, 2nd Finished Equal 5th):
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 3: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)

Moore dominates on day 2 of the Cascais Women’s Pro

Defending event winner Carissa Moore flies through to the quarterfinals. Picture courtesy of ASP/Masurel

The Cascais Women’s Pro got underway today for rounds two, three, and the first two heats of round four, in clean three-to-five foot conditions at Carcavelos.

Carissa Moore, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Stephanie Gilmore sailed through round three, securing spots in the quarterfinals and staying in contention for the World Title. Tyler Wright, however, was not on usual form and will have to surf again in her round three match-up against Pauline Ado.

The reigning two-time world champ, Carissa Moore, was on fire today in round three, when she put opponents Malia Manuel and Paige Hareb in a combination situation on her first two waves. Manuel fought back hard — posting the first nine-point ride of the day with less than five minutes on the clock, but it wasn’t enough. In the final moments an exciting exchange took place, when Moore coming out on top delivered a grab rail reverse to secure her place in the quarterfinals and put the pressure on Gilmore’s world title charge. Moore, the defending event winner, posted a total of 16.70 — the highest score of the competition so far. Manuel went on to defeat Laura Enever in round four and will join Moore in the quarterfinals.

“I was having a lot of fun out there. The conditions seemed to get more consistent, and some of the sections just allowed me to really play with the wave and be progressive,” said Moore. “I’m just going to keep building momentum, having a really good time and I’m stoked to be in the quarterfinals.”

Gilmore was back on form today, wasting no time in opening her round two campaign, she posted a 7.17 in the early moments of the heat, for a smooth rail-to-rail approach on a clean righthander. Despite Teresa Bonvalot’s efforts to comeback into battle, Gilmore controlled the lineup and picked the best waves to post two more solid scores and take the win.

The five-time world champ then kept up her momentum, dominating her heat in round three against Lakey Peterson and Pauline Ado. The potential for a World Title crown in Portugal pushed Gilmore’s performance level to new heights.

“Round two is not exactly the place you want to be at, especially at this point in time,” Gilmore said. “But maybe it’s what I needed, something to make me aggressive and more assertive in the lineup. I’m happy to skip round four and advance to the quarterfinals.” 

Current World No. 1, Sally Fitzgibbons, secured a place in the quarterfinals — keeping her in stead on the world title race. Fitzgibbons capitalised on medium-sized waves, working through a tricky lineup to post two big scores and keep her opponents, Courtney Conlogue and Laura Enever, at a distance.  Conlogue went on to defeat Paige Hareb in round four, and will face Fitzgibbons again in the quarterfinals.

“As we’ve changed site to Carcavelos today, I wanted to get down to the beach early in the morning to get in tune with the power of the waves, figure out what the banks were doing and try to piece together the best formula,” said Fitzgibbons. “The fans on the beach here in Portugal are so passionate about the sport and that makes it such a pleasure to compete and do battle in front of them.”

Tyler Wright began strong in round three, with a nice righthander and two big turns for a good 6.50 and an early lead. But it was all down hill from there, Johanne Defay chose a different approach, and sat wider to start on the lefthanders. Defay eventually caught a decent set, to perform three radical backside hacks for a 7.93 and one of the biggest upsets of the day. Defay reaches the quarterfinals for the fifth time in a row.

“I’m feeling great and I’m really that I made it through round three,” said Defay. “It was more consistent now than this morning, but it was still a bit tricky as the peak is moving and that makes it hard to find the right spot. I was lucky that I managed to catch two good lefts in the end.” 

Highlights: Title Race Ramps up in Cascais:For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Cascais Women’s Pro Round 2 Results (1st Advances to Round 3, 2nd Finishes in Equal 13th):
Heat 1: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 11.00 def. Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.87
Heat 2: Johanne Defay (FRA) 10.50 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 6.00
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.17 def. Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) 10.56
Heat 4: Malia Manuel (HAW) 16.33 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.33
Heat 5: Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.50 def. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 3.73
Heat 6: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.77 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 9.16

Cascais Women’s Pro Round 3 Results (1st Advances to Quarterfinals, 2nd & 3rd to Round 4):
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.70, Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.97, Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.60
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.37, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.47, Laura Enever (AUS) 5.07
Heat 3: Johanne Defay (FRA) 15.10, Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.30, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 5.97
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.50, Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.50, Pauline Ado (FRA) 6.50

Cascais Women’s Pro Round 4 Results (1st Advances to Quarterfinals, 2nd Finishes Equal 9th):
Heat 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.20 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 7.70
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.83 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 6.83

Upcoming Cascais Women’s Pro Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)

Cascais Women’s Pro Quarterfinal Match-Ups (1st Advances to Semifinals, 2nd Finishes Equal 5th):
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 3: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. TBD
Heat 4:  Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. TBD

Tyler Wright dominates the opening day of the Cascais Women’s Pro

Tyler Wright gave a strong performance. Picture courtesy of ASP/Masurel

The Cascais Women’s Pro got underway in clean three foot conditions. The event ran through round one at the back-up site of Guincho.

World Title contenders Sally Fitzgibbons, Tyler Wright, and Carissa Moore all secured round one wins — allowing them to progress directly to round three. But Stephanie Gilmore will have to fight for a place tomorrow after losing to Laura Enever in Heat five.

Tyler Wright, the current world No. 2, fresh from her victory in France, kept her momentum going — posting the highest single-wave score and two-wave heat total of the day. Wright found one of the cleanest waves of the morning to despatch Alana Blanchard and Courtney Conlogue, showcasing her powerful forehand attack in the critical sections of the wave, she took the win and secured a spot in round three.

“Everyone has just arrived from France and it’s hard having back-to-back events, but I think the girls are doing really well. We have fun, funky conditions here today, and I think the girls are making the most out of that,” said Tyler Wright.

Reigning two-time world champ and defending event winner Carissa Moore got off to an explosive start, logging three solid scores in the opening minutes of heat two, and surpassing her opponents Dimity Stoyle and Alessa Quizon. From an early lead, Moore kept up her momentum — surfing twice as much as her adversaries and securing herself a spot in round three.

“Guincho is a tricky beach break, so I just wanted to give myself a lot of opportunities and try to surf as much as I could,” said Carissa Moore. “Every event and every heat is a clean slate, I’m just stoked to be back in Portugal as it holds a very special place in my heart. I really do feel great vibes here and I think we will get a nice few couple of days.”

Sally Fitzgibbons is currently ranked No.1, and for good reason. She took command early during her heat, building on a couple of average scores to quickly move on to near-excellent — logging a solid 15.57 on the board. This left Coco Ho and wildcard Teresa Bonvalot in a combination situation, which allowed her to pass directly to round three.

“It’s a really nice feeling to start the day with some good scores. There’s a few things to work on, but I’m really happy to move through to round three,” said Sally Fitzgibbons. “I feel comfortable competing here in Portugal. I’ve been to probably nine or 10 events here and my surfing really suits the beach-break and conditions.”

Stephanie Gilmore went head-to-head with Laura Enever in heat five. The exciting, 30-minute, ordeal saw Gilmore and Enever fight it out, with Paige Hareb left trailing behind. It was Enever’s backhand that gave her the advantage and eventually the heat, when the five-time world champ fell on her final effort. Enever progresses directly to round three, while Gilmore will face wildcard Teresa Bonvalot in round two.

“The heat with Steph was hard because we are staying together here in Portugal and I’m on Team Steph for the World Title,” said Laura Enever. “But the end of the day I’m here to come as far as I can. I would love to win the event so I’m just trying to do my best. I’m so stoked to skip round two and to be performing and getting some scores.”

Earlier in the day, Pauline Ado took on Malia Manuel and Johanne Defay — sending them both to the elimination round. Ado selected a clean set wave to perform a good turn and finished with a big black on the closing section, logging a 7.50 and her ticket to round three.

“It was really tricky to know which waves to catch but I’m so happy to get the win,” said Pauline Ado. “It’s great for us Europeans to compete on this leg as we have family and friends around. I’ve been competing here Guincho and Carcavelos for many years so it’s a place I’m familiar with. I really want to represent Europe in the best way I can and get some points for the ratings too.” 

Lakey Peterson rounded up the day with a dominant performance, securing her a place in round three. She took on Bianca Buitendag and Nikki Van Dijk — sending them both to the elimination round.

“It’s really nice to skip a round,” said Lakey Peterson. “It felt good out there, I love Portugal, it’s beautiful and I’m just blessed to be here. The title race is so close right now so this is going to be a cracker of an event. I’m here to win, so I’m trying to do that and just focus on my game.”  

For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Cascais Women’s Pro Round 1 Results (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd & 3rd to Round 2):
Heat 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.00, Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.00, Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.84
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.54, Dimity Stoyle (HAW) 10.67, Alessa Quizon (HAW) 7.40
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.57, Coco Ho (HAW) 8.24, Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) 6.67
Heat 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.96, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.87, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 8.70
Heat 5: Laura Enever (AUS) 14.00, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.37, Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.30
Heat 6: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.07, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.10, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 10.00

Cascais Women’s Pro Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Heat 2: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Alessa Quizon (HAW)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (PRT)
Heat 4: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Alana Blanchard (HAW)
Heat 5: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 6: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)

Tyler Wright takes the win at the Roxy Pro France

Tyler Wright takes the win and moves to 2nd place in the world rankings. Picture: ASP/ Scholtz

It was an exciting finals day for the Roxy Pro France at Les Gardians. The World’s top female surfers took to the water in three-to-five foot conditions, running through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.

Tyler Wright claimed victory, beating Courtney Conlogue in an intense final.

Wright wasted no time during the final, using powerful and progressive surfing on the righthanders to log some excellent scores. She incorporated some power turns, aerials, and high-speed surfing — claiming the highest heat total of the event an 18.53.

“The conditions were so fun out there and I just got into a great rhythm,” Wright said. “I think my first four waves were all over 9 points so I was really having fun. I’ve had a lot of success here in France over the years and I’m rapt to put another win on the board this year.”

Todays win pushed Wright from 4th to 2nd in the Wold Championship rankings.

Courtney Conlogue was also on good form, besting Bianca Buitendag and Carissa Moore en route to the Final. It’s her second event back since the injury she sustained last season, but she’s reminding the world that she is a threat to the World Title.

“Disappointed to be on the wrong end of that final, but very happy with my result in France,” Conlogue said. “Trestles was disappointing so to come to France and get through a few heats and for my surfing to feel better is great for my confidence.

Johanne Defay put on an incredible performance for her hometown crowd — exploding into the semifinals, where her run came to a halt due to an on form Tyler Wright.

“I have so much support here from my family and friends and the crowd. It makes me feel very special and I hope I can continue to perform in Portugal.”

The reigning two-time world champ wasn’t having the best of days. She managed to overcome a hard fought battle against Stephanie Gilmore, but unfortunately for her she was unable to best Courntey Conlogue during their bout in the semifinals.

“Semifinals is a good finish, but I was hoping to gain more ground on Sally after she went down in the quarterfinals,” Moore said. “Courtney has been surfing so well all event though and I’m happy to see her back and doing well after her injury earlier in the year. It’s a very tight race at the top right now and it should make for an exciting finish to the season.”

Sally Fitzgibbons also lost to the hand of Tyler Wright during their bout in the quarterfinals. However, Fitzgibbons retains the World No. 1 spot heading to Portugal.

The next stop for the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour will be the Casais Women’s Pro from 1st October – 7th. 

Highlights from the Women’s Finals day and Men’s action:For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Roxy Pro France Final Results:

1 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 19.20

2 – Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.43

Roxy Pro France Semifinals Results (1st advances to Finals, 2nd finishes Equal 3rd):

SF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 17.00 def. Johanne Defay (FRA) 13.50

SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.77 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.10

Roxy Pro France Quarterfinals Results (1st advances to Semifinals, 2nd finishes Equal 5th):

QF 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.53 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.50

QF 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.53 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.24

QF 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00 def. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 14.20

QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 10.60 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.03

Quarterfinals decided at the Roxy Pro France

Bianca Buitendag won her heat this morning in round four. Picture courtesy of ASP/Kirstin Scholtz

It was an exciting second instalment of the Roxy Pro France this morning, as a handful of the world’s best female surfers took to the water to fight for a spot in the quarterfinals, in four-to-six foot conditions.

The opening heat of the morning saw two local frenchwomen Johanne Defay and Pauline Ado go head-to-head, competing for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Ado hesitated on her opener but fortunately found a multiple-manoeuvre right to match Defay’s early score and overtake the lead. Defay needed a solid backup to regain the lead, but struggled during the second half. Defay found the crucial wave she was looking for, took off on a right and closed with a powerful stomp — overtaking Ado and crushing any dream’s of Ado’s to claim a home-turf victory.

“I’m just going to try to not think about the rankings,” said Defay. 

The second heat of the morning saw Tyler Wright take on Dimity Stoyle. The two thought hard, with Stoyle taking to the waves with multiple roundhouse carves, but Wright was not far behind slicing with fins-free hacks for the upper hand on the exchange. 

Stoyle searched hard but her wave selection was lacking, she only managed a two-maneouver score — which saw her fall further and further behind. However, Wright maintained and advanced into the quarterfinals.

“That was a tough heat for me,” said Wright. “It felt big but it was more of a mental thing than anything else. I’m working rally hard out there. I’m finding the waves really hard to read and I’m missing a lot of sections I’d usually get.”

Heat three saw Bianca Buitendag and Nikki Van Dijk battle it out. Van Dijk began early, but Buitendag was the first to log a solid score — attacking the lip with two vertical hacks for an eight-pointer. A backup midrange score left Van Dijk hunting for two new scores.Van Dijk found the first score to get herself out of the combination situation, for some solid carves, but was still chasing a near perfect nine-pointer in the last 10 minutes, which she was unable to achieve.

“It’s something you just have to get past,” said Van Dijk, entering the comp with a new board after hers was stolen the night before. “It doesn’t really matter what you’re riding. I love being there but I’m frustrated with how I surfed. I wanted to show off how I can surf.”

The final heat of the morning was the highly anticipated bout between Stephanie Gilmore and Lakey Peterson. The two delivered big from the start. Five-time ASP World Champ, Stephanie Gilmore, connected snaps with on-rail carves for an 8.83, while Peterson attacked the lip with some aggressive hacks for a six-pointer, followed but a 7.50 to take an early lead.

Gilmore’s second half gave her the advantage. A 7.90 pushed her into the lead, leaving Peterson in a combination situation which she could never achieve — despite a solid two-wave total.

“Being in the lead is kind of hard because you’re trying to defend something,” Gilmore said. “But the pressure is really on the other girls to pull off big scores. I’m trying to just improve on what I’ve done so it’s a nice position to be in.”

For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Roxy Pro France Round 4 Results: 

Heat 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.77 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.66

Heat 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.66 def. Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.07

Heat 3: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 14.00 def. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 9.70

Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.60 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 14.33

Roxy Pro France Quarterfinals Match-ups: 

QF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Johanne Defay

QF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)

QF 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Biance Buitendag (ZAF)

QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

World title pressue begins to sink in as Roxy Pro opens

Carissa Moore, reigning two-time world champ, makes it into finals.
Picture courtesy of Poullenot/ ASP

An exciting first day of competition took place at the Roxy Pro France, seeing 17 of the world’s best women surfers take to the water for rounds one, two, and three in three-to-four foot conditions.

Sally Fitzgibbons, currently the World No. 1, has posted two wins this season — at Rio de Janeiro and Fiji — and has longed after the world title for sometime. Her performance started sloppy this morning, losing her opening heat and barely getting through round two, but she found her rhythm in round 3.

“It’s been a long day but it feels good to finish with a strong performance,” said Sally Fitzgibbons. “I was a bit lost in my round one heat this morning and I narrowly escaped Lee-Ann in round two. I think I was just out of rhythm and I felt a lot stronger and a lot more comfortable in this afternoon’s round three. Quarterfinals is a good result already, but I’ll be focused on making another final here in France and hopefully walking away with the win.”

Current ASP World No. 12, Courtney Conlogue, left competition earlier this year after an ankle injury she sustained during training for Bells Beach. Returning for the Swatch Women’s Pro at Trestles last week, her performance was substandard. However, she redeemed herself today after some excellent performances in rounds one and three, solidifying her as a major contender amongst the world’s elite.
“I just feel great being her in France and getting through heats again,” Conolgue expressed. “It was hard to be injured for so long and then to come back at Trestles and not get the result I was hoping for. I’m feeling good and I think I’m surfing strong so it fells amazing to get into the quarterfinals. Hopefully the waves continue to pump.”   

The reigning two-time champ, Carissa Moore, gave a solid performance in her opening round, and fought hard during her round three battle in the final affair of the day.
“It was another great day for women’s surfing,” said Moore. “All the girls are surfing so well this year that anyone can win any heat. Fortunate to be in the quarterfinals and hoping for good conditions for the remainder of the event.”

Malia Manuel made up for her stumble during round one with two impressive performances in rounds two and three, eliminating Alana Blanchard in round two and advancing past Pauline Ado and Tyler Wright in round three.

“I love being back in France and I have some really good boards under my feet,” Manuel said. “I feel like I’ve been surfing well all year and I am confident in competing against the world’s best.”

Carissa Moore’s 9.43:For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP   

Roxy Pro France Round 1 Results (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd & 3rd to Round 2):

Heat 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.76, Malia Manuel (HAW) 7.34, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 3.54

Heat 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.50, Laura Enever (AUS) 9.40, Alessa Quizon (HAW) 6.17

Heat 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.13, Sally Fitzgibbons (HAW) 12.40, Lee-Ann Curren (FRA) 9.80

Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.17, Johanne Defay (FRA) 14.17, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 5.54

Heat 5: Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.76, Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.16, Coco Ho (HAW) 3.43

Heat 6: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 15.77, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 10.10, Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.74

 

Roxy Pro France Round 2 Results (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd finishes Equal 13th):

Heat 1: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 10.44 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 9.07

Heat 2: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 13.33 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 5.44

Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (HAW) 11.53 def. Lee-Ann Curren (FRA) 10.97

Heat 4: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.50 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 7.16

Heat 5: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.00 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.60

Heat 6: Johanne Defay (FRA) 13.17 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 11.53

 

Roxy Pro France Round 3 Results (1st advances to Quarterfinals, 2nd and 3rd to Round 4):

Heat 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.93, Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.43, Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.83

Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (HAW) 16.56, Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 10.14, Johanne Defay (FRA) 10.00

Heat 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 16.00, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 15.84, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.40

Heat 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.07, Lakey Peterson (USA), Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)

 

Stephanie Gilmore takes the win at the Swatch Women’s Pro

Jordy Smith and Stephanie Gilmore reign supreme at Lower Trestles. Picture courtesy of ASP/ Kirstin Scholtz

The Swatch Women’s Pro Final was an all-Australian rematch of this year’s Fiji Women’s pro,  this time clinched by five-time ASP World Champ Stephanie Gilmore. Gilmore posted the event’s only perfect 10 and added a 9.50, taking the win over Sally Fitzgibbons. Final scores were 19.50 for Gilmore and 14.03 for Fitzgibbons.

However, second place for Fitzgibbons was still enough to move the 23-year-old to No. 1 in the rankings, while Gilmore sits behind her in second place, and Carissa Moore who was eliminated in round four has dropped to third.

Gilmore was on top form from the start of the event. Surfing through three heats today, she eliminated Laura Enever in the quarterfinals and Coco Ho in the semifinals before facing Fitzgibbons.

“I had a feeling that Sally and I would meet in the Final and I just wanted to get her back from Fiji because I had a really bad performance there,” said Stephanie Gilmore. “This win is a really definitive moment for me this year I think. This event is really special and to be able to compete here is fantastic, I can’t believe I won. The world Title race just got even harder and more exciting so I’m looking forward to Europe.”

Fitzgibbons was out to win today, eliminating Bianca Buitendag and Johanne Defay enroute to the finals.

“It was a successful event and I felt really strong,” said Sally Fitzgibbons. “It’s just such a tough feeling to come in and not get the win. I was hearing those really high scores for Steph and I just wanted on of those for myself. I guess I just have to be happy with the way I progressed thought the event and with second place. You always want to go one step further and I’ll be working heard to be in the final at the next event.

Lakey Peterson too the Swatch Innovation Award for her air reverse against Carissa Moore in round four, and finished in equal 5th.

Watch Gilmore’s Perfect Ten:For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Final Results:
1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 19.50
2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.03

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.84 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 13.03
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 17.04 def. Johanne Defay (FRA) 14.66

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.17 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 12.23
QF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.67 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.00
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.44 def. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 10.33
QF 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) 16.20 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.13

Huge upsets in round 4 of Swatch Women’s Pro

Lakey Peterson took the win over two-time world champ Carissa Moore. Photo Courtesy of ASP/Rowland

The Swatch Women’s Pro got underway for round four, in three to five foot conditions at Lower Trestles. The exciting second day of competition saw Lakey Peterson eliminate reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champ, Carissa Moore, who will now relinquish her world ratings lead.

Heat two of round four will be permanently etched in Peterson’s brain. The progressive display of power turns and clean air reverse allowed her to shut the gate on the two-time world champ.

“Carissa Moore is Carissa Moore. You have to surf the best you can to beat her,” said Lakey Peterson. “She’s No .1 in the world and one of the best female surfers out there. I just focused on sticking to my game and not worrying about her. I tried to stop thinking and just surf. Lowers is the perfect place for air reverses and progressive stuff.”

Heat three saw Bianca Buitendag take on Dimity Stoyle. Buitendag started strong, logging a nine-point ride putting her in the lead. Stoyle posted two mid-range scores but was left trailing behind. Buitendag backed up her first score with a 6.60, putting Stoyle in a combination situation, Buitendag went on to post an 8.63 solidifying her victory and the highest two-wave heat total of the day, 17.73.

“Everyone has been surfing really well but I’ve had a good year starting with a great result at Snapper,” said Bianca Buitendag. “I knew I had to step it up but this wave really really suits my surfing.”

The final heat of the day saw Johanne Defay take the final spot in the quarterfinals when she despatched Alessa Quiszon. 

“The last ten minutes of that heat were really intense,” said Johanne Defay. “She only needed a 1.50 and she got a wave, but she kicked out and ended up with priority. That’s not the kind of situation you want to find yourself in. I was just really really lucky that the ocean went flat.”

Monster Moment: Moore falls to Peterson:For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Round 4 Results:

Heat 1: Laura Enever (AUS) 13.90 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.23

Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.67 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.76

Heat 3: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 17.73 def. Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 13.43

Heat 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) 8.83 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 7.63

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Quarterfinal Match-Ups:

QF 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)

QF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)

QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)

QF 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)

An exciting, historic first day at Lower Trestles

It was an exciting first day for the Swatch Women’s Pro, running through rounds one, two, and three.

Stephanie Gilmore, delivered a dominant performance on day 1 of the Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles.
Image: ASP / Rowland

Aussie, Stephanie Gilmore, gave it her all and proved that the race for the women’s world title is far from over. Gilmore gave an incredible performance at the first ever Women’s world championship event to be held at Lower Trestles. 

After a slow start in round one, Gilmore did not hold back for round two. Currently No. 4 in the world rankings, she had to be on top form if she was going to dispatch Alana Blanchard and move on to the higher rounds. Her complete commitment allowed her to post the highest heat score of the competition so far, a total of 17.83, including a nine-point ride.

Gilmore went on to become the first quarterfinalist at Trestles, after dispatching Pauline Ado and Lakey Peterson.

“I was so excited to surf that heat and I couldn’t believe I got a nine on my first wave,” said Stephanie Gilmore. “I felt really relaxed after that. But at the last minute I went down to third so I really had to snap out of it and think about how to get out of that situation. I knew I didn’t need a huge score but it was a matter of waiting for a wave. Luckily I had priority and a wave came. It was close and I’m happy I made it.”

Trestles delivered some excellent conditions for this historic day, with a number of unforgettable performances.

Heat two of round four saw the reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champ, Carissa Moore, take on fellow Hawaiian Coco Ho, and rookie Laura Enever. Moore and Ho were both neck and neck for the first half, but Ho had the edge. Enever remained scoreless by the half way point. Ho snuck in under Enever’s priority, backing up her 7.50 with a 6.50, solidifying her lead. Moore’s sweeping turns scored her an 9.97, however, it was Ho’s critical in-the-pocket surfing that allowed her to post an 8.67, securing her a place in the Quarterfinals. Ho had previously claimed victory in round 1 against Sally Fitzgibbons and Alana Blanchard.

“I knew that Carissa would hands down be the hardest person to beat out there. She has the power, the progression, everything you need for Lowers. I was able to get the better of both exchanges but it was so hard to wait for the scores at the end,” said Coco Ho.

Sally Fitzgibbons, Dimity Stoyle, and Johanne Defay were neck-and-neck through their round three matchup. The three surfers were all holding 12 point rides with just three minutes left on the clock, but it was Fitzgibbons who was able to take the win with a 6.77 — securing her a place in the quarterfinals. She also defeated wildcard Mahina Maeda in round two. 

“I’m really happy with the result. The level is so high so you know all the girls in your heat are going to post big scores, so you have to think carefully and assess each wave. You have to surf smart and take the best of what comes your way in a heat,” said Sally Fitzgibbons.

Earlier in the day, Courtney Conlogue defended her home break against Hawaiian Alessa Quizon, during the eliminatioin round two.

Conlogue has been absent from the past three events due to an ankle injury she suffered in Bells Beach.

The local hero got busy early, but it was Quizon who was first to post a solid score of 7.17, for a line of backhand hacks. Conlogue manages to foce a lead change late in the heat with a five-point ride, but it was short lived as Quizon managed to back up her opener with a 6.17, regaining the lead and eventually eliminating Conlogue from the competition.

“Courtney wants it as bad as I do,” said Alessa Quizon. “I just tried to not be nervous, and focus on myself. She’s been training, and I see that she’s getting better, and you don’t ever underestimate a competitor.”

“I was out of the rhythm with the ocean,” said Courtney Conlogue. “It was frustrating but you’ve got to start somewhere. It was a building block, I’ve got to learn from my mistakes. We’ll see what happens in the later part of the season.” 

Monster Moment: Stephanie Gilmore’s highest heat score of the day:For more recaps, highlights and videos go to: aspworldtour.com or alternatively their YouTube Channel ASP  

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) 16.50, Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.73, Alessa Quizon (HAW) 11.10
Heat 2: Laura Enever (AUS) 15.60, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.93, Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.83
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.60, Mahina Maeda (HAW) 11.50, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 6.30
Heat 4: Coco Ho (HAW) 16.36, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.94, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 13.56
Heat 5: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.57, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.07, Pauline Ado (FRA) 9.83
Heat 6: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 17.36, Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.10, Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.00

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Alessa Quizon (HAW) 13.34 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 8.23
Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) 14.00 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.60
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.04 def. Mahina Maeda (HAW) 10.60
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.83 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 14.06
Heat 5: Pauline Ado (FRA) 15.93 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.73
Heat 6: Johanne Defay (FRA) 14.10 def. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.50

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.67, Pauline Ado (FRA) 14.34, Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.37
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 16.17, Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.14, Laura Enever (AUS) 4.33
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.34, Dimity Stoyle (AUS 12.37), Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.13
Heat 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 17.43, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 14.24, Alessa Quizon (HAW) 12.50

Swatch Women’s Pro Trestles Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
Heat 3: Dimity Stoyle (AUS) vs. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Alessa Quizon (HAW)