Is Stephanie Gilmore about to win her second World Champion title? After taking first place at the Rip Curl Mademoiselle in Hossegor and Seignosse, France last week - which saw her replace Sofia Mulanovich at the top of the current ASP rankings - her chances are looking pretty tasty, as the Billabong Pro Rio kicks off this week.
The 20 year old Australian rebounded from her a disappointing early season at the Gallic based ASP Women's World Tour comp, which ran from August 25 to September 1.
The third of eight contests on the tour, for two days the world's finest female surfers took to the scenic barrels of South West France for some quality surfing. The culmination of the 48 hours was a heated final between two Aussie stars - legend and seven-time World champ Layne Beachley, 36, and current title holder Gilmore.
Following solid surfing all weekend, Steph won with a solid 16.66 points out of 20, while Beachley struggled to find waves suitable for scoring. This was after Gilmore finished a mere 9th on her season opener - at her home break - with the Roxy Pro Gold Coast.
“I’m absolutely fired up,” Gilmore said. “I had a bit of a wobbly start to the year, but I’ve had two really good events in a row and to be back on top is an amazing feeling. It’s my second year on tour and I’m looking to defend my title. I’m excited to be where I’m at heading into the next few events.”
Her win in France knocked Sofia Mulanovich off the top spot of the current ASP tour rankings - putting Steph back leading the tour. But, with the half way mark of the tour about to kick off in Brazil - with the Rip Curl Pro in Rio de Janiero - the youngest ever Women's World Champ will want to hold on to her crown.
“I’m not really thinking too far ahead of myself at the moment but rather taking it heat by heat and event by event,” Gilmore said. “All the girls on tour surf well and anyone can be a threat. I think Sofia (Mulanovich) will be out for a bit of redemption in Brazil and Layne (Beachley) is hungry for a win and I know Silvana (Lima) will have the hometown support so it’s really anyone’s game.”
Talented Hawaiian Melanie Bartels (26), plus the winner of this' week's ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) event in Rio this week, will both face Steph in the opening round of the Rip Curl Pro, while Beachley will face fellow veteran Megan Abubo (of Hawaii) and 2008 Dream Tour rookie Karina Petroni (20).
The contest takes place from September 10 to 18 - keep check back to Nollie for updates!
Images: Cestari @ ASP Covered Images
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