Sally Fitzgibbons chasing crucial surf win at Swatch Pro to put title chase on course

SURFER Sally Fitzgibbons hasn’t given up on her dream of winning a maiden world crown this year but admits it is “crunch time’’ at the Swatch Pro at Trestles.

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SURFER Sally Fitzgibbons hasn’t given up on her dream of winning a maiden world crown this year but admits it is “crunch” time at the Swatch Pro at Trestles.

Fitzgibbons has yet to break through for a single event win this season — something she hopes can be rectified in the US this week despite losing her first round bout on Thursday morning.

The Australian is currently ranked fifth in the world but well within striking distance of the lead currently held by fellow Aussie Tyler Wright.

Tyler Wright and Sally Fitzgibbons are Australia’s top contenders on the world tour.

“I woke up the other day and had a really great feeling about it so hopefully that’s an omen,’’ Fitzgibbons said ahead of the World Surf League event which started in good surf on Thursday.

“My training says, yes, I can win this event.

“I am not going in underdone in any respect. My fitness is there.’’

Fitzgibbon admits she needs a strong performance in the US to revitalise her world title bid.

“I haven’t give up,’’ said the Australian who must surf her way out of round two to have a shot at a maiden world tour win this year.

“One thing I have learned over the years is that it is a long season.

“But this is a great opportunity for me to elevate my surfing and find my benchmark.’’

Sally Fitzgibbons competing at the US Open of surfing earlier this year.

Wright leads the women’s ranking from American Courtney Conlogue with the pair swapping the yellow jersey repeatedly throughout the season. reigning world champion Carissa Moore is close by in third.

But the Australian believes she has done the work to maintain her position at the top of the leaders board.

“My plan is to win every heat and win every final,” she said.

“There are definitely two talented surfers going after the world title but it is irrelevant to what I do because we are on opposite sides of the draw.

“It never really comes into play until we are in a final together, and even then, I am very focused on what I am doing.’’