Molly Picklum wins in Portugal to reclaim world surfing lead
The Australian world champion beat Simmers in the final at Supertubos, with two events remaining in the season.
Australian Molly Picklum has reclaimed first place in the World Surf League standings after defeating former world champion Cailtin Simmers at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Picklum won the Supertubos final with a two-wave total of 13.33, ahead of the American’s 12.84.
The victory was the 23-year-old’s first of the season and earned her 10,000 points. She now leads on 48,950 points, followed by Hawaiians Carissa Moore on 47,065 and Gabriela Bryan on 44,865. The remaining events are the Philippines Pro and Pipeline.
Picklum entered the final having been beaten by Simmers in six of their eight previous meetings. An opening score of 5.50 and a 7.83 on her third wave put the Gosford surfer in control.
Simmers recorded her highest score, 6.67, on ride nine of 11 but could not overtake Picklum, who rode six waves.
Afterwards, Picklum thanked friends and family who had stayed awake to watch from Australia. She said winning at Supertubos had been a dream and described her supporters as a motivation.
