Brazilian surfer Luana Silva defeated eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore in the opening round of the World Surf League (WSL) event at Bells Beach, Australia. Gilmore, a four-time winner at Bells Beach, was competing as a wildcard in her return to full-time competition after a two-year break. The competition's new format mandates that all heats are elimination rounds.
Luana Silva secured a significant upset, defeating eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore in the opening round of the World Surf League (WSL) event at Bells Beach.
Main Competition Outcome
Luana Silva secured a score of 11.83 points, while Stephanie Gilmore scored 6.10 points in their first-round heat. The competition took place in conditions featuring waves measured at four to six feet. Silva maintained a lead throughout the heat. She was the runner-up at Bells Beach in the prior year's event.
Gilmore, 38, had not previously finished worse than the quarterfinals at Bells Beach. Silva acknowledged Gilmore as an inspiration, stating she had looked up to her since childhood.
Silva acknowledged Gilmore as an inspiration, stating she had looked up to her since childhood.
Other Women's Results
In other women's heats:
- US five-time world champion Carissa Moore, also competing as a WSL wildcard, won her initial heat.
- Australian Sally Fitzgibbons advanced to the second round.
- Australian Ellie Harrison was eliminated by American Lakey Peterson.
Men's Competition Results
In the men's second round:
- Brazilian Miguel Pupo defeated Australian Joel Vaughan.
- Australian George Pittar secured a victory over the 2023 Bells Beach winner, Ethan Ewing, in an all-Australian heat.