IT was mixed results for South Coast surfers Tyler Wright and Sally Fitzgibbons during the final day of the Vans US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach in California on Sunday.
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Wright was at her very best to take out the title, while Fitzgibbons, despite her narrow loss to event runner-up Stephanie Gilmore in the semi-final, has closed in on the world no.1 spot.
Wright’s win moves her into third spot on the rankings with three rounds to go, while Fitzgibbons has now moved to within 200 points, or one superior placing, behind current leader Carissa Moore, who was beaten in the quarter-finals.
Tyler Wright battled back in her final clash against five-time ASP Women’s World champion Stephanie Gilmore, to collect her first victory of the 2014 season.
Gilmore got off to a strong start, but Wright connected strong outside turns with critical snaps on the inside reform, earning an excellent 8.67 followed by a crucial 6.10 under Gilmore’s priority for the win.
Wright previously dispatched Malia Manuel from Hawaii.
“It’s been a long event and really enjoyable for me,” Wright said.
“I wouldn’t be here without my team and they mean the world to me. All the girls have been ripping this entire event and it’s been wonderful to see.
“I felt really relaxed and comfortable and everything has gone really well for me this week and I loved it.”