Island girls in fine form at Phillip Island Pro
Sophie Fletcher and Sage Goldsbury are through to the round of 16 at the Phillip Island Pro.
Sophie Fletcher and Sage Goldsbury are through to the round of 16 at the Phillip Island Pro.
The Phillip Island Pro presented by Bass Coast Shire Council has signaled the return of Pro Surfing in Victoria after a two year hiatus.
Over 80 surfers from across Australia and New Zealand gathered at Cape Woolamai for day one of the QS1000 rated event on the World Surf League Australian Regional Qualifying Series. The last time a WSL rated event was held in Victoria was in November 2019.
After a few slow practice days for competitors, the swell arrived with rippable 2-3ft waves at the open-ocean beach break.
Top seed in the Women’s division, Sophie McCulloch (Sunshine Coast, QLD) locked in the days highest single wave score of 9.25 (out of a possible 10).
Phillip Island's Sophie Fletcher, who recently secured her second Victorian Open title, scored 12.65 to comfortably take out her heat and move through to the next round.
Fellow islander Sage Goldsbury locked in a heat total of 10.05 points (out of a possible 20) to place second in her Round of 32 heat.
“It’s exciting to be back surfing heats. It feels like it has been so long since my last QS,” said Goldsbury.
“To get the chance to surf my first event back at home is incredible. Being able to sleep in my own bed and have the support of friends and family is great.”
In the men's competition, Phillip Island's Harry de Roth is through to the round of 32.
Other standouts throughout day one of competition included Saffi Vette (New Zealand), Alysse Cooper (Manly, NSW), Frazer Martin (Gold Coast, QLD), and Zane Assink (Sunshine Coast, QLD).
Competition is set to resume tomorrow morning with a call to be made at 7am for a 7.30am start at Cape Woolamai.
Live scores and heat draws can be found on www.worldsurfleague.com
The Phillip Island Pro is presented by Bass Coast Shire Council and supported by the Victorian Government, Ramada Resort Phillip Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Cancer Council Sunscreen and VicHealth.
