Wright’s return stunning
TWO-TIME world surfing champion Tyler Wright could emulate older brother Owen’s fairytale comeback victory after advancing to the quarterfinals of the WSL season-ending Maui Pro in Hawaii.
Returning to action after a 17-month absence through illness, Wright capped the opening day by eliminating world title contender Lakey Peterson in the round of 16.
Forced into the elimination second round after losing to Peterson and Silvana Lima in her opening heat at Honolua Bay, the 25-year-old Wright bounced back to beat Johanne Defay and Brisa Hennessey.
She then ended American Peterson’s 2019 title bid with a 12.67 to 11.60 win. In 2017, Owen Wright claimed an emotional season-opening win at Snapper Rocks as he competed at the elite level for the first time since suffering a serious head injury at Pipeline in Hawaii in 2015.
“Owen was incredible how he did that,” said a happy Tyler Wright in a World Surf League broadcast interview.
“That was one of the best moments in our sport.
“Different recovery paths; for me there are very specific things that I have to do and achieve throughout what I’m doing here... I’m really happy to be here and enjoying it... it’s kind of back to enjoying life and having fun.”