The 18-year-old ex-world junior champion knocked out seven-time world champ Layne Beachley in round three en route to her first semi-final in only her second senior tour event.

After beating surfing legend Beachley on Saturday, Fitzgibbons worked the clean 1m waves yesterday to overcome Brazilian veteran Jacqueline Silva in their quarter-final.

Fitzgibbons' giant-killing run was ended by reigning two-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore in the semis.

Despite her fairytale run ending a couple of wins shy of a first tour title, Fitzgibbons was proud of her efforts.

"I'm really happy with third," she said.

"Obviously one day I'd like to get on the podium and ring the bell, but as long as I keep improving that's all I can ask.

"It's a learning curve for me and I certainly took a lot out of competing against Steph and all the seniors this week."

Earlier, Beachley was no match for pocket rocket Fitzgibbons and in defeat declared the South Coast star a future world champ.

"Sally's going all the way to the top - I'm sure about that," Beachley said.

"She's a phenomenal talent and to think she's just in her second senior pro event and yet she surfs with such poise and skill."

Fitzgibbons won the 2008 ASP World Qualifying Series in commanding style to earn a crack at the senior tour and has not been overawed by the progression from outstanding junior to tour rookie.

In a special week for South Coast surfing, Gerroa's Dean Bowen has returned home to celebrate his stunning victory at the Quiksilver World Junior Surfing Championships in Ecuador.

The region made it a world title double when Culburra junior Tyler Wright won the girls' division.

In 2007 Fitzgibbons claimed the girls' under-18 world crown in Portugal and the victories by Bowen and Wright last week spearheaded Australia to beat 27 nations to claim team honours in the world junior titles.