Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The iconic Bells Beach trophy has continued to prove elusive for Molly Picklum with Australia’s world champion falling short in the final against Gabriela Bryan.
After a runner-up placing in 2023, which was her best-ever finish at the famed Victorian surf break, Picklum was desperate to ring the bell only to be out-surfed by her Hawaiian rival in the title decider on Saturday.
Fellow world No.1 Yago Dora also lost his top dog status, going down against Brazilian countryman Miguel Pupo in the men’s final.
Bryan got off to a flying start to grab the initiative in the World Surf League showdown with an opening score of 7.83.
NSW Central Coast gun Picklum fell on her first wave and struggled to find her rhythm after that.
The 23-year-old, who eliminated reigning champion and fellow Australian Isabella Nichols with a tight victory in the semi-final, struggled with her wave choice at Winkipop.
World No.3 Bryan, meanwhile, went from strength to strength, building a score of 14.83 from her two best waves, while Picklum tallied 8.33.
“I can’t believe I get to ring the bell,” a beaming Bryan said, extending her winning record over Picklum to 5-1.
“It’s an event I always wanted to win but I’ve never gotten better than a quarter (final) but man, I get to ring it.”
Bryan will take the yellow jersey as the rankings leader from Picklum and wear it at the next tour stop at Margaret River, where she won last year.
“I honestly love Western Australia and Margaret River, and back in yellow I’m excited.
“I was in yellow there last year … it’s a really good start.”
Dora booked his spot in the final when he took to the air with only 40 seconds left in his semi-final against three-time world champion and compatriot Gabriel Medina.
He required 9.34 to take the lead with the rotation awarded a huge score of 9.50, sealing the victory.
But Dora was unable to repeat the feat in the final, unable to overhaul veteran Pupo, with the scores 15.60 to 13.90.
After 115 CT events and this just his second title, a tearful Pupo said he never expected to take over the No.1 ranking.
“At 34 and after 14 seasons if you were to tell me I’d be number one in the world today I’d probably laugh at you,” he said.
“I feel like I’m living my career in reverse.
“It’s my oldest daughter’s birthday today so I’m bringing home a bell.”
