Gilmore takes Bali Pro

Perfect waves, perfect conditions and a perfect 10 in the final of the Corona Bali Protected has seen World No.1 Stephanie Gilmore shoot to the top of the women’s rankings. 

Her performance at Bali’s Keramas in six to eight feet waves (1.8 to 2.5 metre), saw the Audi ambassador take out the third round in this year’s WSL championship, beating fellow Australian, Sally Fitzgibbons with her perfect score – the only perfect 10 of the competition and only the second this season.

“I just can’t believe it,” and elated Gilmore said after the final heat. “I just tried to stick to the game plan and work wither waves you get and make the best out of them.”

After posting two medium range scores, with just five minutes left, Gilmore produced the ride of the competition, with a perfect barrel to take the competition and the coveted yellow leader’s jersey.

The win marks Gilmore’s 30th professional victory and is a welcome shot in the arm as she attempts not only to defend her crown, but to notch up a record eighth world championship title.

The competition now heads back to Australia for Round 4, the Margaret River Pro, where Gilmore is hoping to consolidate her position at the top of the table. 

“I didn’t know that it was possible for me to go to the top of the rankings, so I’m so stoked with that,” Gilmore said after winning. Her performance in the first two rounds of this year’s competition, fifth at both Snapper Rocks (QLD) and Bells Beach (VIC) were disappointing for the current champion who certainly seems to have recaptured her form.

“I was wearing yellow this week and painted my nails yellow so I made my intentions pretty clear. I don’t know what Margaret River is going to deliver, but I’ll be going there to do my best and just hope I can hold on to the yellow Leader Jersey all year. This is just amazing.”

The Margaret River Pro in Western Australia is set to kick off tomorrow (May 29) running through to June 9, depending on conditions.