Finals Day at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy is expected to get underway today, with semi-clean, four-to-eight-foot surf conditions at the Bells Bowl expected to continue following an action-packed Saturday of competition. The fifth day of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) event saw the men’s Round of 16 completed, the women’s Quarterfinals decided, and two men’s Quarterfinal heats run and won, setting up an exciting showdown for the coveted Bell trophy.
Women’s Semifinals Line-Up Decided
Brazil’s Luana Silva secured her best-ever CT result by advancing to the Semifinals after a commanding win over Lakey Peterson (USA) in the first women’s Quarterfinal heat. Silva, who earlier this year claimed the World Junior Champion title, showcased composure and skill to claim a landmark victory.
“I don’t know if there could be a better place to make a Semifinal,” Silva said. “This event is so historical. I’ve watched it ever since I was a little girl and have seen all my idols win it. This is just a dream come true, and I really can’t believe it.”
Silva will face Brisa Hennessy (CRC) in Semifinal 1. Hennessy pulled off a remarkable comeback against Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), needing a 9.17 with only minutes remaining. Capitalising on her priority, Hennessy unleashed two massive turns to earn a 9.40 – the highest single-wave score of the event so far.
Australia’s Isabella Nichols also booked her spot in the Semifinals with a strong showing against Gabriela Bryan (HAW), avenging a recent loss at the Surf City El Salvador Pro. Riding the same “magic board” that brought her success earlier this season, Nichols posted an impressive 8.77 and backed it up with a 7.17.
“It feels nice to be putting a few results together after a bit of a rough start to the year,” Nichols said, reflecting on her familiarity and comfort at Bells Beach.
Nichols’ Semifinal opponent will be fellow Aussie Tyler Wright, the only former Bells winner left in the draw. Wright overcame Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in a tightly contested heat, using her experience to post a winning total despite Sakura Johnson’s 7.73 single-wave score.
Igarashi Shines in Men’s Draw
Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) produced one of his best performances of the season, eliminating local favourite Ethan Ewing (AUS) to secure his place in the Semifinals. Igarashi surfed smartly, selecting the best waves and maintaining pressure throughout the heat, building on his now perfect record against Ewing in CT matchups.
“I respect Ethan [Ewing] so much as a surfer and as a person, and I was so keen to get that heat going and go one for one with him,” said Igarashi.
Igarashi will meet Morgan Cibilic (AUS) in Semifinal 1 after Cibilic edged out Jordy Smith (RSA) in a close contest, continuing his dream run through the draw after winning the Rip Curl Trials.
Robinson Steps Closer to Bells Triumph
Jack Robinson (AUS) took a major step towards his maiden Bells Beach title with a commanding victory over 2022 event winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the Round of 16. Posting a combined total of 16.53, Robinson combined precise wave selection with smart tactical surfing to control the heat.
“I feel like I surfed the conditions better today than I did yesterday, which is good,” Robinson said. “It’s good when you can make an adjustment and feel it.”
Robinson now faces Jake Marshall (USA) in the Quarterfinals, with the remaining heats – Griffin Colapinto (USA) versus Samuel Pupo (BRA), and Marshall versus Robinson – scheduled to run today as Finals Day gets underway.
Finals Day Awaits
With consistent conditions forecasted and an electric atmosphere on standby, Bells Beach is primed for a blockbuster Finals Day. Both the men’s and women’s fields are stacked with in-form surfers looking to etch their names into Bells history.
The call is ON for Finals Day, Quarter and Semis in the morning and Finals to kick off at 1:15pm this afternoon.
