Silvana Lima continued to shake up the ASP Women's World surfing tour on Sunday, after winning the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic in Dee Why, New South Wales. Stormy weather didn't stop the Brazilian, as she pipped current world No 1 Stephanie Gilmore to win her second consecutive contest in Australia.
In three to five foot surf, it was a super-tight, close call on Sunday's Final of the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, between Steph and Silvana - with Steph first taking the lead. But, after scores of 7.77 and 8.83 points, for a long forehand barrel, the 21 year old Brazilian won with a 16.60 out of 20 points.
"I can't believe it," Silvana told ASP organisers. "I've been in the Final in this event three times and I finally won. I was feeling really confident. The waves here today were like the waves in Brazil and I'm always surfing in these conditions. The final was really good. Steph (Gilmore) got some good waves too and I was able to get two good ones."
Silvana took the Beachley title fresh from winning the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach - which, with her back-to-back win down under, puts her in a prime position behind current rankings leader Steph, and a real threat to the Aussie 21-year-old reigning ASP World Champion title holder.
"I'm definitely looking at the title, but it's too early," Lima said "There are still four contests left this year, so there is more work for everyone, but I feel so much more confident after my first win at Bells."
So is Steph running scared yet? "It's definitely game on," she said. "There are four events left and everyone is really fired up and off to Portugal, Peru and Hawaii, so I can't think of a better way to finish off the tour."
Check out the videos below for coverage off the whole event, and read the full reports online at www.beachleyclassic.com.
