Australian Tyler Wright has risen to No.1 in the WSL rankings despite being beaten in heartbreaking fashion by Carissa Moore in the Margaret River Pro final.
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Two-time world champion Wright beat American Caroline Marks in their semi-final showdown at Main Break on Friday to secure a spot in the final.
Moore, who beat local hope Bronte Macaulay in the semi-finals, was in the box seat in the decider after compiling a two-wave total of 11.10 in the tricky four-to-six foot conditions.
Wright needed a score of 6.53 on her final ride to secure victory, and she took off on a big wave with 60 seconds remaining.
The Australian completed her first two manoeuvres with ease and was lining up for another when she was forced to bail as the wave closed out.
It meant Wright had to settle for a score of 4.60 on that ride, handing Moore her third Margaret River Pro crown, and a first since 2014.
"It feels amazing," Moore told the WSL broadcast.
"It's been nine years since the last time I won this event, and I was beginning to think I couldn't do it."
Despite the loss, Wright leapfrogged countrywoman Molly Picklum into top spot on the rankings at the halfway point of the season.
Picklum slid to third, with Moore moving up to second.
"I haven't been in that (No.1) position for a long time," said Wright, who defended her Bells Beach title earlier this month.
"I really like what I'm doing at the moment.
"It's been an amazing last few events. It didn't go great for me in that final, but I've had a wonderful week, a wonderful Australian leg."
Moore's 27th Championship Tour victory saw her join Australian legend Layne Beachley in second spot on the all-time list, with eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore the only woman ahead of them.
"Wow, I wasn't keeping track, so that's a pretty cool stat," Moore said.
"I'm so honoured to be a part of that list."
Macaulay entered her semi-final clash nursing a knee injury, and struggled on the way to posting a two-wave total of 4.07, which did not come close to Moore's 12.50.
"I did notice something was up when I saw her walking before her heat," Moore said.
"I simply just focus on myself and keep the blinders on, but I really hope she feels better soon.
"Bronte is such a talented surfer. I truly believe she belongs on the Championship Tour.
"The last time I had a match-up against her she got me pretty good, so I knew coming up against her I had to surf a smart heat."
Australian Associated Press
