Picklum falls short in decider, Hawaiian ace rings bell
Melissa Woods |
Molly Picklum feels her world title defence remains on track despite the iconic Bells Beach trophy again proving elusive for the Australian superstar surfer.
After a runner-up placing in 2023, Picklum was desperate to ring the bell at the famed Victorian break, only to be out-surfed by Hawaii’s Gabriela Ryan in the title decider on Saturday.
Fellow world No.1 Yago Dora also lost his top dog status, going down against fellow Brazilian Miguel Pupo in the men’s final at Winkipop.
As well as missing out on the trophy at the opening World Surf League championship tour event, Picklum surrendered the yellow rankings leader jersey to Bryan, who finished last year ranked world No.3.
“It will feel different not to be in yellow as I wore it so much last year but as long as I’m in it at Pipeline (the last competition of the year), that’s all that matters,” the 23-year-old told AAP.
Power surfer Bryan got off to a flying start to grab the initiative in the showdown with an opening score of 7.83, thanks to some heavy carves.
NSW Central Coast gun Picklum fell on her first wave and struggled to find her rhythm after that.
Picklum, who eliminated reigning champion and fellow Australian Isabella Nichols in a tight semi-final, was let down by her wave choice while Bryan went from strength to strength.
She built a score of 14.83 from her two best waves, while Picklum tallied 8.33.
“I can’t believe I get to ring the bell,” a beaming Bryan said, extending her winning record over Picklum to 5-1.
“It’s an event I always wanted to win but I’ve never gotten better than a quarter (final) but man, I get to ring it.”
Despite Picklum’s worst performance of the competition coming in the final, the Australian was happy with how she surfed throughout.
“I feel really good and felt like I got a really good roll on and was happy any time I had the rashie on,” she said.
“It stings for sure and not what you want, not peaking at the right time, but it is what it is … as long as I’m lifting the big trophy at the end of the year.”
Bryan will wear the leader’s jersey for the next tour stop at Margaret River, where she won last year, with the event window opening on April 16.
“I honestly love Western Australia and Margaret River, and back in yellow I’m excited,” she said.
“I was in yellow there last year … it’s a really good start.”
Dora booked his spot in the final when he took to the air with only 40 seconds left in his semi-final against three-time world champion and compatriot Gabriel Medina.
He required 9.34 to take the lead and his rotation was awarded a huge score of 9.50, sealing the victory.
But Dora was unable to repeat the feat with a last-gasp wave in the final against veteran Pupo, with the scores 15.60 to 13.90.
After 115 CT events and this just his second title, a tearful Pupo said he never expected to take over the No.1 ranking.
“At 34 and after 14 seasons if you were to tell me I’d be number one in the world today I’d probably laugh at you,” he said.
“I feel like I’m living my career in reverse.
“It’s my oldest daughter’s birthday today so I’m bringing home a bell.”
AAP