Teenage Australian surfing sensation Sally Fitzgibbons has narrowly missed out on her maiden ASP Tour title.
Going into the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico, Sally (pictured, above) led the standings with only herself and Stephanie Gilmore, champion for the last three years, in the running for the 2010 title.
But Sally lost in the semi-finals to Carissa Moore (pictured, below), and Gilmore’s sensational win over Moore in the final meant she retained her title yet again.
“It’s disappointing to lose when you have a strong lead early on,” Fitzgibbons said. “That’s the way it goes sometimes. It’s been a strong event for me, but I’m still looking for that first win. That’s my goal for the next event in Hawaii and I want to finish strong to set me up well for a big year next season.”
'To be in the final with Steph Gilmore after she just accomplished what she did was really special' – Carissa Moore
As for Moore, she climbs from fifth to third in the ASP World Tour rankings with one event to go – at home in Hawaii – in her rookie season.
“Of course I wanted to win, but to be in the final with Steph [Gilmore] after she just accomplished what she did was really special,” Moore commented. “I’m really thankful to be here in Puerto Rico – it’s beautiful and warm, and really reminds me of home.
“I’m looking forward to heading back to Oahu to finish the season out.”
Despite missing out this year, Fitzgibbons and Moore can take heart. Gilmore has four back-to-back titles aged 28, but Fitzgibbons and Moore are just 19 and 18 respectively…
Cestari/ASP
Want more?
- See pictures of Carissa and friends in action at the Rip Curl Pro in Portugal
- Check out the news of the men's event in Puerto Rico
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