It’s been a while since we’ve seen the worlds best in the lineup, and last week the WSL landed down under with the start of the Australian Leg and the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup.
The event was a masterclass by Carissa Moore, who landed the best and first air reverse seen in female competition, a major moment in the history of surfing earlier in the week. And on the men’s side of the competition, Italo Ferreira took charge with a dominant and mistake-free performance.
Both looked unstoppable as they made their way to victory on finals day, in three to five-foot waves at Mereweather and shaking up the world title standings heading to Narrabeen.
Surfers have spent nearly a year out of the water and took some time to get used to Newcastle’s unique small wave conditions, with a few upsets from Newie locals Ryan Callinan and Morgan Cibilic seeing them compete in the semifinal and rookie Isabella Nichols taking out Stephanie Gilmore to progress and come runner up in the event to Carissa Moore.
“I really want to dedicate this win to my family, and in particular, to my grandma,” Moore said. “She passed away just before we came to Australia, so this one is for her. This just feels amazing to be standing number one at the end of this event. I really didn’t expect it. It was a really fun final with Isabella (Nichols). I want to congratulate her on such an awesome result in her rookie season. I’m looking forward to the next event, and hopefully, keep some momentum.”
Looking unstoppable in the first of four CT events on the Australian leg, Moore now wears the yellow Leader Jersey heading into the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. By Corona.
Reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira now moves up the men’s ranking to World No 1 after beating WSL Champion Gabriel Medina in a heated final,
“Wow, what an event,” Ferriera said. “It’s been such a good few weeks competing here with all of these guys. It’s been such a good event. I love to surf heats with Gabriel (Medina). He is a machine, and he pushes me so much, so it’s always fun to compete against him. I know I’m number one now, but that doesn’t matter; as long as I have a spot for the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Trestles, then I have a shot at another title.”
En route to his Final, Ferreira took down Brazilians Filipe Toledo in the Semifinals and Deivid Silva in the Quarterfinals. This victory marks the 26-year old’s seventh CT win.
The next top is the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona kicking off on April 16 and running through until April 26
Photos Supplied WSL
