Molly Picklum has out-pointed American rival Caitlin Simmers to win the Tahiti Pro in a statement result before her Fiji world title charge.
The Australian had already secured the top seeding for the World Surf League Finals later this month by reaching the final in pumping Teahupo’o swell.
Conditions cleaned up and the waves grew just as Picklum hit the water on Thursday (AEST), Simmers (4.94-point total) wiping out in what would likely have been a 10-point ride as both surfers pushed the limits.
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The Australian was all class though, notching three eight-point rides in the heat for her second victory and fifth top-two result this season.
Picklum (17.26) had defied a huge wipe-out to win her semifinal earlier in the event.
“It was sick; so nice to make a few waves and not get so flogged. I feel like I’ve earnt my stripes in this event,” she said.
“What a special place. You just feel the energy, the dream comes alive, and Fiji [is] next.”
Robinson books ticket to Fiji finals
Jack Robinson made it an Australian double in Tahiti as he surged into the World Surf League’s Finals at Ethan Ewing’s expense after mastering a pumping Teahupo’o swell.
The West Australian sat seventh and had to win the event to push inside the final five after fellow Australian and 2024 runner-up Ewing left the door ajar in a quarterfinal exit.
Jack Robinson took advantage of Ethan Twing’s quarterfinal exit to surf his way into the Fiji finals. (AAP Photos: Brent Bielmann)
He emphatically shot through it, Robinson backing up an 18.1-point semifinal total with 16.9 in the final that included an early 9.50-point ride.
It moved him to fourth in the standings ahead of Fiji’s top-five shootout later this month.
“Right where we’re meant to be … I had a mission and I went for it,” Robinson said.
“Very blessed to be going to Fiji. It comes down to the last one and I’m right there again.”
