SNAPPER ROCKS, Queensland/Australia (Saturday, March 9, 2013) -Tyler Wright (AUS), 18, has claimed the 2013 Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover over Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 22, in punchy two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at the primary venue of Snapper Rocks..Event No. 1 of 7 on the 2013 ASP Women's World Championship Tour (WCT), the Roxy Pro Gold Coast enjoyed a down-to-the-wire finish today with Wright and Fitzgibbons going head-to-head in a fiercely-fought Final..Despite Fitzgibbons holding the lead for the majority of the heat, Wright secured a wave in the dying moments and tore it apart for a 9.20 out of a possible 10, taking the heat lead and the win..With a win at the opening stop of the year, Wright takes the initial lead in the hunt for the 2013 ASP Women's World Title, but the young natural-footer is focused on enjoying the moment for now..Fitzgibbons, 2012 ASP Women's World Runner-Up, was one of the form surfers of the event and transferred that form into the Final. However, the young South Coast surfer permitted Wright to take the heat-winning wave from under her priority, a mistake that would cost Fitzgibbons dearly..Carissa Moore (HAW), 20, 2011 ASP Women's World Champion, continued with her brand of progressive ripping at the opening event of the season, but it was not enough this morning in her Semifinal clash with Fitzgibbons..Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 25, reigning five-time ASP Women's World Champion and 2012 Roxy Pro Gold Coast winner, was the favorite heading into this year's opening event and her form until the final day was near flawless. However, the hometown natural-footer was ousted from competition this morning in her Semifinal bout against an in-form Wright.Photo: joliphotos.com
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