Stephanie Gilmore bombs out in first round on World Surf League comeback
Stephanie Gilmore's surfing comeback is off to a bad start, with young Brazilian Luana Silva too good for the eight-time world champion at Bells Beach.
Stephanie Gilmore has had her worst result at Bells Beach, beaten in the first round by new star Luana Silva.
Gilmore’s return as a full-time competitor had a bad start on Saturday when Silva eliminated the eight-time world surfing champion.
Silva led throughout their heat in the four- to six-feet conditions, scoring 11.83 to 6.10.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Gilmore, a four-time winner at the Rip Curl Pro, previously had never finished worse than a quarter-final berth.
The opening round of the season marks her return to the World Surf League as a wildcard after a two-year sabbatical from full-time competition.
Silva was runner-up at Bells Beach last year to Australian Isabella Nichols.
While Gilmore, 38, is surfing royalty, Silva is a 21-year-old Brazilian and a key figure in the women’s WSL new guard.
Gilmore’s break two years ago opened up a spot in the WSL for Silva.
“I don’t think I could have had a harder match-up ... she’s the ‘GOAT’,” Silva said.
“She had more to lose than I did, but at the same time these last two years, I actually got her spot when she wanted to take the break.
“So it’s like - I don’t know what kind of situation that was - ‘thanks Steph, I can’t be your friend in the water’.
“But I’m stoked, she’s been my inspiration since I was eight years old. I have the most respect for her - she’s just the GOAT, I love her.’‘
Silva said she focused on her own surfing, but admitted to being in awe of Gilmore as they went head-to-head.
“When I paddled out there it was such a ‘pinch-me’ moment. Steph at Bells - how much better could that be,” she said.
“I was kind of fan-girling out in the water before the heat, too, but I had to turn it off.”
The new competition format means all heats are elimination.
Five-time world champion Carissa Moore, also back in the WSL as a wildcard, won her opening-round heat.
Australian Sally Fitzgibbons also progressed to the second round, but compatriot Ellie Harrison fell to American Lakey Peterson.
The men’s second round followed the women on Saturday afternoon, with only two heats possible before competition was put on hold because of the conditions.
Australian Joel Vaughan lost to Brazilian Miguel Pupo, and George Pittar beat Ethan Ewing in an all-local heat.
Originally published on AAP
