Carissa Moore hoping to extend US run at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
SHE’S part of one of the most impressive winning runs in women's world surfing and Carissa Moore says she feels right at home when it comes to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
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SHE’S part of one of the most impressive winning runs in women's world surfing and Carissa Moore says she feels right at home when it comes to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
Despite its status as one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events, no Aussie woman has won at Bells in five years, with US surfers Moore and Courtney Conlogue dominating.
This is the only event on the entire women’s world tour with such a US domination with Sally Fitzgibbons the last local to win back in 2012.
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It is also one of the few events Australian two-time world champion Tyler Wright has yet to win.
Moore, who rang the winners bell in 2013, 2014 and 2015 before Conlogue won back-to-back, says she feels comfortable surfing at the Victorian surf mecca.
“It reminds me of the waves at home, it allows for big open craves,’’ said triple world champion Moore. “I love it here.
“After the Gold Coast it is refreshing scenery, a little quieter. Sometimes the Gold Coast can be a little overwhelming.’’
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Moore said she still has aspirations of winning a fourth Rip Curl Pro — along with a fourth world crown.
“Tyler (Wright) is the front runner. She’s had two great seasons back-to-back,’’ Moore said of the world title race.
“The girls are getting really good at the competitive game. The are a lot of girls in the running. You always have to be surfing at your best.’’
While Conlogue is out of the Rip Curl Pro injured, fellow American Lakey Peterson will wear the No.1 rashie at the event after her win over Australian Keely Andrew at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast a week ago.
Looming large for the locals is Stephanie Gilmore, who like Hurley athlete Moore has the chance to claim a fourth crown at Bells this year, two-time former champion Fitzgibbons, Wright, Phillip Island local Nikki Van Dijk and world No.2 ranked Andrew.
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LAST 10 PAST RIP CURL BELLS BEACH CHAMPIONS
2017: Courtney Conlogue (US)
2016: Courtney Conlogue (US)
2015: Carissa Moore (HAW)
2014: Carissa Moore (HAW)
2013: Carissa Moore (HAW)
2012: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
2011: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
2010: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2009: Silvana Lima (BRA)
2008: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2007: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)