Gilmore wins Beachley Classic

Three-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore has taken out the richest event
on the women's world tour, the Beachley Classic, to put herself in a strong position
to claim a fourth world title.
Gilmore defeated 19-year-old Sally Fitzgibbons in a nail-biting, all-Australian
final at Dee Why beach in Sydney.
The world No.1 was determined to take out the $110,000 event after a shock loss to
little known wildcard Sarah Mason in the third round in New Zealand a fortnight ago.
However the win didn't come easily for Gilmore, trailing to Fitzgibbons for most of
the final until a series of cut-backs put her in front in the final four minutes.
Gilmore put on a powerful display during Monday's competition, producing two of the
day's best rides during the finals, earning herself near-perfect scores.
The 22-year-old is now well clear on top of the world tour rankings, increasing the
likelihood of earning herself her fourth world title having now won three of the
first four tour events.
Fitzgibbon's second-placing shores up her position on the tour, now sitting just
behind Gilmore in the rankings.
The former world junior champion earned her spot in the final with a thrilling win
against 2004 world champion Sofia Mulanovich.
Needing a score of 5.2 with eight seconds to go, Fitzgibbons picked up a wave and
rode it impressively to the shore and was awarded seven points for her efforts.
The win was Gilmore's 15th world tour victory and her first Beachley Classic titles
since 2007.