Wright and Toledo Win Vans US Open
California (USA) – Tyler Wright battled back in her Final clash against five-time ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 26, to collect her first victory of the 2014 season. Gilmore got off to a strong start, but Wright connected strong outside turns with critical snaps on the inside reform, earning an excellent 8.67 followed by a crucial 6.10 under Gilmore’s priority for the win. Wright previously dispatched Malia Manuel (HAW), 20, in the Semifinals and her win at Huntington Beach moves her to No. 3 on the rankings.
“It’s been a long event and really enjoyable for me,” said Tyler Wright. “I wouldn’t be here without my team and they mean the world to me. All the girls have been ripping this entire event and it’s been wonderful to see. I felt really relaxed and comfortable and everything has gone really well for me this week and I loved it.”
The all-Brazilian Final saw flyboy Filipe Toledo take on powerhouse Willian Cardoso (BRA), 28. Both Toledo and Cardoso relied on their respective strengths to achieve excellence early. Toledo launched an 8.73 to start while Cardoso collected a 9.03 for three big backhand hooks. Toledo locked into an additional right, lofting an additional aerial combo for an 8.73 and the Vans US Open of Surfing win.
“I’m super stoked and excited,” said Filipe Toledo. “It was an amazing heat against Willian (Cardoso). He’s been surfing really well the whole competition. I just turned my game to the air game so I could do what I love to do and it worked. I had to surf though a lot of pain with my ankle (following a sprain in Africa) and just put it out of my mind. I felt comfortable in these conditions. I won the junior in 2011 and was just feeling confident throughout the week.”
Women’s Final Results:
Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.77 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.16
Women’s Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.17 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.70
Semifinal 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.10 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.03
Men’s Final Results:
Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.56 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 12.80
Men’s Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 15.66 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 8.57
Semifinal 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.53 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 13.60
The next stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour is the Billabong Pro Tahiti, which will run from August 15 – 26, 2014 and will be webcast LIVE on www.aspworldtour.com.