logo
Picklum gets golden chance as top surfers tumble

Picklum gets golden chance as top surfers tumble

The Advertiser23-06-2025
Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field.
World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday.
Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30).
But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles.
In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round.
In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan.
The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez.
"I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said.
"Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win.
"This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win.
"I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy."
On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97).
Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil.
"It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said.
"I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one."
But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round.
Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot.
With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven.
Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field.
World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday.
Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30).
But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles.
In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round.
In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan.
The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez.
"I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said.
"Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win.
"This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win.
"I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy."
On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97).
Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil.
"It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said.
"I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one."
But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round.
Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot.
With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven.
Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field.
World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday.
Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30).
But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles.
In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round.
In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan.
The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez.
"I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said.
"Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win.
"This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win.
"I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy."
On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97).
Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil.
"It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said.
"I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one."
But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round.
Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot.
With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven.
Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field.
World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday.
Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30).
But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles.
In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round.
In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan.
The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez.
"I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said.
"Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win.
"This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win.
"I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy."
On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97).
Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil.
"It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said.
"I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one."
But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round.
Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot.
With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Anthony Mundine hits back at critics of new bare-knuckle boxing league
Anthony Mundine hits back at critics of new bare-knuckle boxing league

7NEWS

time24 minutes ago

  • 7NEWS

Anthony Mundine hits back at critics of new bare-knuckle boxing league

Anthony Mundine has urged critics to 'embrace the first show and come back to him' after launching a bare-knuckle boxing league he says is the purest form of the sport. The former world boxing champion is behind World Bare Knuckle Fighting (WBKF), a concept barred by authorities last month in Perth but now set to launch in Brisbane later this year. Ben Horn, the younger brother of former world champion Jeff with a 6-9 professional boxing record, is set to headline the September show at Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre that will be streamed online. Last month the Western Australian government's decision to allow US organisation Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship to host an event was overruled by the state's combat sports authority. The Mundine production's application for a Sydney event remains under review by NSW's equivalent body. In the meantime, he's confirmed a Queensland debut, where they've received the green light from relevant parties and will have veteran ringside doctor Lou Lewis on duty. 'Everyone's going to have an opinion, right or wrong,' 50-year-old Mundine, who excelled in rugby league before switching to the ring, told AAP. 'I just want the people to embrace the first show and come back to me after that. 'It's going to be fair and professional with rules around it ... they're going to love it.' Mundine's camp argue that, while bloodier, there is less risk of brain trauma due to fewer repeated blows to the head than traditional boxing. Weight classes will also be wider so fighters aren't sacrificing durability to make weight. Mundine thinks WBKF can grow to rival the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which has exploded in popularity in Australian and been staged in both Perth and Sydney. ''Especially Australians; everyone loves a scrap,' he said. 'It doesn't matter what sporting event you're at ... if there's a scrap in the crowd, everyone's looking at the scrap, rather than the game. 'It's the purest form of fighting, since day dot.' The Perth event, planned for July, was blocked after advice from the Australian Medical Association's WA state president, Michael Page. 'Turning the act of bare-knuckle fighting into a 'sport' sets an incredibly bad example for children and adults alike,' he said.

Harley Reid manager lands in WA as $24 million contract offer sends shockwaves through the AFL
Harley Reid manager lands in WA as $24 million contract offer sends shockwaves through the AFL

7NEWS

time24 minutes ago

  • 7NEWS

Harley Reid manager lands in WA as $24 million contract offer sends shockwaves through the AFL

As the AFL world digests the staggering number of zeros in Harley Reid's fresh contract offer, the young gun's manager has touched down in Perth for Derby week. 7NEWS AFL reporter Ryan Daniels says Nick Gieschen's trip to WA was planned 'a while back' and the player agent is expecting to meet up with 'a number of players'. 'But no doubt Harley's contract proposal to West Coast will be on the agenda,' Daniels said. The contract proposal has the entire football world talking, with Daniels (on Tuesday) calling it 'a significant development' and one that signalled the 20-year-old's 'intention to stay' in Perth. 'The proposed deal would be for two years initially, with an option for Harley to extend that to 11 years, until the end of 2037, and be worth around $2.2 million per season. The total number would likely be north of $24 million,' Daniels said. 'The deal would make it the biggest contract in AFL history, the biggest contract in domestic Australian sports. It's a somewhat overwhelming commitment, and at this stage, the Eagles haven't responded. 'But don't panic, West Coast fans. It's a lot to digest. Harley could be the AFL's best player within a few years. But a deal that long, with that kind of financial commitment, comes with risk. 'In my opinion, it's a risk worth taking. This kid is special. He wants to be here and he is box office. 'If the Eagles hesitate, the line of Victorian clubs circling will be long, and they'll pay whatever price they need to.' Daniels said West Coast's past four years had been 'disastrous' but the signature of Harley Reid would be 'a significant victory and a sign things might finally be turning around'. He said it would also end years of endless chat about a Reid move back to Victoria. 'Now the Eagles have a chance to keep their man. This is the key moment. They just need to sign on the dotted line,' he said. Meanwhile, West Coast captain Liam Duggan believes Reid will remain at the Eagles. 'I'm really eager for Harley to sign. I mean, he's going to be paid very well regardless of where it is, and he's going to get a long-term deal regardless of where it is,' he said on Triple M. 'But all I can speak of at the moment is that his investment in what we're going after at the moment is second to none. 'He has been so dialled into what we're going after as a footy club at the moment, he's been very vocal in that amongst the group, the way he's playing, you can see that in the way that he's playing, and I think our supporters would be able to see that in the way that he's going about his footy right now.'

Gloves off as Mundine backs Aussie bare-knuckle debut
Gloves off as Mundine backs Aussie bare-knuckle debut

Perth Now

time24 minutes ago

  • Perth Now

Gloves off as Mundine backs Aussie bare-knuckle debut

Anthony Mundine has urged critics to "embrace the first show and come back to him" after launching a bare-knuckle boxing league he says is the purest form of the sport. The former world boxing champion is behind World Bare Knuckle Fighting (WBKF), a concept barred by authorities last month in Perth but now set to launch in Brisbane later this year. Ben Horn, the younger brother of former world champion Jeff with a 6-9 professional boxing record, is set to headline the September show at Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre that will be streamed online. Last month the Western Australian government's decision to allow US organisation Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship to host an event was overruled by the state's combat sports authority. The Mundine production's application for a Sydney event remains under review by NSW's equivalent body. In the meantime he's confirmed a Queensland debut, where they've received the green light from relevant parties and will have veteran ringside doctor Lou Lewis on duty. "Everyone's going to have an opinion, right or wrong," 50-year-old Mundine, who excelled in rugby league before switching to the ring, told AAP. "I just want the people to embrace the first show and come back to me after that. "It's going to be fair and professional with rules around it ... they're going to love it." Mundine's camp argue that, while bloodier, there is less risk of brain trauma due to fewer repeated blows to the head than traditional boxing. Weight classes will also be wider so fighters aren't sacrificing durability to make weight. Mundine thinks WBKF can grow to rival the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which has exploded in popularity in Australian and been staged in both Perth and Sydney. '"Especially Australians; everyone loves a scrap," he said. "It doesn't matter what sporting event you're at ... if there's a scrap in the crowd, everyone's looking at the scrap, rather than the game. "It's the purest form of fighting, since day dot." The Perth event, planned for July, was blocked after advice from the Australian Medical Association's WA state president, Michael Page. "Turning the act of bare-knuckle fighting into a 'sport' sets an incredibly bad example for children and adults alike," he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store