TRESTLES BECOMES BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
YOUNGSTER Keely Andrew and veteran Sally Fitzgibbons led the way for Australia as a trio of world champions were sent to surf for survival on a day of big upsets in small surf at the Swatch Pro at Trestles.
With the Hurley Pro men’s event put on hold, Andrew took the award for the biggest upset at the women’s world tour event, sending world champ Tyler Wright into the elimination second round with wildcard Macy Callaghan.
Later in the day six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore and Hawaiian multiple titleholder Carissa Moore joined her in do-or-die rounds.
Despite a bout of nerves, Andrew came from behind in the dying stage of the heat to claim the win at the famed Californian cobblestone break.
“I was pretty nervous going into the water. I just have so much respect for Tyler and she’s smoked me so many times so to finally get a win is pretty great,” Andrew said.
“I’m pretty happy but it’s one heat so it’s a good confidence booster going forward.”
World No. 2 Fitzgibbons was the only other Aussie to win, beating rookie Bronte Macaulay and American Coco Ho in the battle with a heat win in the final seconds.
“I saw Bronte take one and it had a good line to it so I kind of assumed she would get the score,” Fitzgibbons said.
“So I started paddling in and had to get my hands off the rails with only five seconds left, and I just felt really nice and silky on that last one.”