Fitzgibbons produced an impressive performance in the initial seeding round, beating out fellow Australian Nikki Van Dijk and South African Bianca Buitendag to avoid the prospect of an early elimination heat and progress safely to Friday's round of 16.

The 28-year-old used her first two waves at Jeffreys Bay to set down a combined score of 12.6, a mark neither Van Dijk or Buitendag could match.

Fitzgibbons entered the event in impressive form, having taken out last month's Rio Pro to soar to the top of the World Surf League standings.

Fitzgibbons has been consistent throughout the first half of the season, claiming four podium finishes in five competitions in her pursuit of her first world title.

After finishing third in her seeding round, Callaghan was drawn to face Buitendag and Brisa Hennessy in a sudden-death heat.

Read more: Frizell re-finds his groove in triumph

Hennessy comfortably claimed the win, while Callaghan narrowly edged Buitendag to avoid elimination and set up the battle with Fitzgibbons,, the first time the two will face off in a top-flight WSL competition.

The 18-year-old from Avoca Beach shot to fame when she conquered the waves at Kiama's Bombo Beach to be crowned World Junior Champion in January 2017.

In the men's competition, Culburra's Owen Wright will take on Frenchman Joan Duru in the round of 32, also scheduled for Friday.

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.