Sally Fitzgibbons and Malia Manuel emerge triumphant in Roxy Pro Biarritz 2012
Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons and Hawaii’s Malia Manuel successfully confirmed their place in the third round of Roxy Pro Biarritz 2012, the latest Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s World Tour, after claiming victory in their respective
Round 2 heats that went down at Cote des Basques in Biarritz, France, on Friday, Jul 13.
Fitzgibbons got the better of France’s Joanne Defay in the third heat of Round 2 to confirm her place in the next round while bringing the competition to a premature end for her rival.
The fourth heat saw Brazil’s Jacqueline Silva exiting the competition field after succumbing to Manuel, sending the latter into the next round as a result.
With sunny and warm weather along with three-to-five foot clean waves on offer at the primary event site, the day was expected to continue delivering a heavy dose of thrilling action as the ASP elite surfers squared off to ensure their survival in the contention
for the event title.
Fitzgibbons, current No.2 on the ASP Women’s World Tour rankings, surprisingly stumbled in her Round 1 heat to find herself relegated to the second round. Pitted against her in the battle for survival was the local talent and event’s wildcard entry Defay.
As the battle got underway, the 21-year-old Fitzgibbons got down to business right away, locking her first business-wave in the opening minutes of the beach to earn an 8.65 off it and soon backed it up with a near-perfect 9.50-point ride to finish with a
heat-total of 18.15 points.
Defay was unable to offer a strong challenge to her rampaging rival and eventually conceded victory after finishing with a heat-total of 11.00 points, which included a 3.75 and 7.25-point ride.
“I now understand a little better that you’ve really got to step up and give your everything on each wave ! It may be a good idea to surf safely a couple waves to have your score basis but then you got to push really hard all your turns and take a maximum
of risks,” stated Defay. “I think on my best days I’m not too far from the level required on the World Tour but I know I have to be a lot more consistent. I had a 7.25 on my last wave and that was encouraging!”
The fourth heat saw Manuel put on an impressive performance to take down Silva. The Hawaiian surfer opened her account with a 7.25-point ride and added an additional 8.50 points to her account, finishing with a resultant heat-total of 15.75 points.
Silva responded with a heat-total of 11.00 points, which included a 6.75 and 4.25 points, consequently surrendering victory to her rival.
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