Tyler Wright’s victory in Swatch Pro at Trestles has her on verge of world crown

AUSTRALIAN Tyler Wright has beaten six-time world champion and close mate Stephanie Gilmore to open up her biggest lead in the race for the women’s world surfing crown.

Tyler Wright has won the Swatch Women’s Pro at Trestles.

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AUSTRALIAN Tyler Wright has beaten six-time world champion and close mate Stephanie Gilmore to open up her biggest lead in the race for the women’s world surfing crown.

Wright claimed her ninth world surf league win and her fourth event title of the year on Thursday morning with her victory in the Swatch Pro at Trestles in the US.

Gilmore has earlier in the event aided Wright’s bid for a maiden world title this year by beating her two major rivals for the honour, Courtney Conlogue and fellow American and US surfer Carissa Moore.

Tyler Wright has won the Swatch Women’s Pro at Trestles.

“It’s been quite a journey from this point last year and a lot has changed this season,” said Wright, whose brother Owen is still recovering from head injuries sustained in a wipeout in Hawaii in December.

“It’s all come together and I’m absolutely loving it,” she said.

“I knew I had to get on the better waves facing Steph [Gilmore] in the final.

How does the #SwatchWomensPro winner celebrate? Congrats @tylerGwright on an epic performance!! pic.twitter.com/Ddxu9xw36C

— Rip Curl (@ripcurl) September 14, 2016

“Surfing against her as someone I look up to is great, she’s still one of my surfing idols and inspires me to go after things my way.”

Gilmore posted the highest single-wave score of the final, a near-perfect 9.13, but was not able to defeat Wright in the decider.

Wright took the matchup 17.13 to 15.13.

Joel Parkinson finished second at Trestles in the Hurley Pro behind Jordy Smith.

South African Jordy Smith won his first event of the year in claiming the Hurley Pro from former world champion Joel Parkinson.

“I’ve watched Joel [Parkinson] throughout my career and he’s one of my favourite surfers. I’m frothing and I’m over the moon,” Smith said.

It was Parkinson’s best result of 2016 and his first finals appearance since the 2014 J-Bay Open where he also earned a runner-up finish.

“This event I was so motivated and really keen to notch a win up,” Parkinson said.

“The talent of surfing in this event is incredible and I have to give it to Jordy, he’s an amazing surfer and a top world title contender.”