Fitzgibbons’ focus
Super Sally riding under the radar with eye on the main prize
A CONFIDENT Sally Fitzgibbons has underlined her World Surf League title claims after moving through to the quarter-finals of the US Open at Huntington Beach.
Fitzgibbons may be the world No.2 but has flown under the radar this season with attention on titleholder Tyler Wright and the resurgent Stephanie Gilmore, who is searching for her seventh world crown.
But Fitzgibbons is one of just four women to have claimed an event on the tour this year and can’t be ignored.
“I think a world title is always the intention,” Fitzgibbons said after beating Sage Erickson and Silvana Lima in her non-elimination Round 3 heat to advance directly to the quarters.
“It’s just about how you get there and (it’s) events like this where anything can happen. It’s shaping up as a week where you can show up and consistently build and get that spark in yourself – the excitement is there for me, especially this year.”
Gilmore’s shock elimination in Round 2 has opened the door for Wright, Fitzgibbons and Courtney Conlogue
to open up a lead on the Tweed Coaster.
Fitzgibbons knows any slip will be costly but the perennial championship tour bridesmaid is not daunted, relishing the chance to compete.
“What I love most about coming here and being in this position is putting on the Hersey and the process of it all,” she said.
“At this level, it’s the tiniest thing that will send you out of the event, so it’s about just being on and focused.”
Former Gold Coaster Wright joined Fitzgibbons in the final eight after beating Gilmore’s conqueror, wildcard Maud Le Car, in their elimination heat.
She will face Hawaiian Coco Ho in the quarters, while Fitzgibbons will take on Sage Erickson, who beat three-time world champ Carissa Moore in Round 4.
Meanwhile, Stradbroke Island’s Ethan Ewing, Tweed product Josh Kerr and Lennox Head’s Stuart Kennedy remain in contention in the men’s US Open.
The trio are attempting to gain as many points as possible from the qualifying series event in a bid to shoot up the ranking on the secondary tour to safeguard their places on the championship tour for next year. And Gold Coaster Mitch Crews also moved through to Round 3 in an event where 10,000 points are on offer for the winner.