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World Surf League 2017: Stars, young guns, fixture, rankings, world title race guide

AUSTRALIAN Tyler Wright and Hawaiian John John Florence started the year as world champions but can they defend their surf crowns? Our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the 2017 WSL.

The stars, underdogs, draw and rankings ahead of the 2017 world surfing tour.
The stars, underdogs, draw and rankings ahead of the 2017 world surfing tour.

AUSTRALIAN Tyler Wright and Hawaiian John John Florence started the year as world champions but can they defend the top honour in their sport?

2017 brings a new flush of surfer onto the world tour, including numerous young Australians.

It also sees the return of a number of old favourites with Mick Fanning back from a sabbatical and Owen Wright returning from a traumatic year out with injury.

On the women’s side, Sally Fitzgibbons and Courtney Conlogue lead a classy pack of surfers chasing maiden world crowns.

WHY STEPHANIE GILMORE IS GOING INTO ATTACK MODE

WHAT A RIDE! OWEN WRIGHT'S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

WHAT WILKO SAID TO OWEN

Sally Fitzgibbons is on the comeback from her worst season on tour in 2016.
Sally Fitzgibbons is on the comeback from her worst season on tour in 2016.

Six-time champion Stephanie Gilmore and three-time winner Carissa Moore are also back and both boast the experience and moves to add to their individual hauls.

In the men’s field Kelly Slater has his eye on a 12th world crown, Mick Fanning on a fourth and Joel Parkinson and Florence a second.

WHAT MAKES SALLY FITZ AND TRENT MERRIN SO GOOD

WRIGHT MOVES IN SURF RETURN

Our guide to the stars, underdogs, draw and latest news in the chase for the 2017 world crown of surfing.

SWELL TIMES FOR AUSSIE SURFERS

SALLY FITZ BACK IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE

LATEST NEWS

ROUND ONE: Quiksilver and Roxy Pros

You could not have written the script for round one of the WSL at Snapper Rocks.

Tyler Wright bowed out early and Stephanie Gilmore claimed her sixth Roxy Pro crown with her victory over American Lakey Peterson. FULL STORY HERE

Owen Wright then completed a fairytale comeback from his brain injury to win the Quiksilver Pro. FULL STORY HERE

Defending Quiksilver Pro champ Matt Wilkinson finished second. But he played a big role in Owen Wright’s comeback. FULL STORY HERE

Earlier in the week the world’s top surfers walked the red carpet at the WSL: Awards. And boy did they do it in style. FULL STORY HERE

Reigning world champion John John Florence after winning the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
Reigning world champion John John Florence after winning the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.

ROUND TWO: Drug Aware Margaret River Pro

She waited a long time for it but finally sally Fitzgibbons surfed her way back into the winners circle with a great win at the Margaret River Pro. FULL STORY HERE

AUSSIE WOMEN MARCH INTO QUARTERS

GILMORE HUNTING BREAKTHROUGH WIN

Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright with their trophies from Margaret River.
Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright with their trophies from Margaret River.

Young Aussie surfer Jack Freestone the last man left standing in the Margaret River Pro as world champion John John Florence claims first win of the season. FULL STORY HERE

JACK SLAYS KELLY

He’s chasing a 12th world crown but many believe Kelly Slater will call it quits at the end of the season. But what does the man himself say about it all?

WHAT KELLY SLATER THINKS ABOUT RETIREMENT

Matt Wilkinson hoists his bell after winning the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Pic: WSL
Matt Wilkinson hoists his bell after winning the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Pic: WSL

ROUND THREE: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

She might have lost the battle but Steph Gilmore continues to win the ratings war. After the first three events of the year she still has the yellow leaders rashie on her back. WHY STEPH IS MELLOW IN YELLOW

Courtney Conlogue won the crown last year and in 2017 she managed to ring the Bells winners trophy for the second time.

It is her first victory of the 2017 world tour with Conlogue taking down Steph Gilmore in the final. CONLOGUE WINS SECOND BELLS BEACH CROWN

BEDE DURBIDGE HOPING TO WRITE HIS OWN COMEBACK FAIRYTALE IN 2017

FANNING LAST AUSSIE MAN STANDING

PARKO IN NO RUSH TO QUIT

WHAT

The World Surf League, or WSL, was formerly known as the ASP World Tour.

The series is used to determine the men’s and women’s world champions of surfing each year.

The best male surfers compete in 11 events and the women in 10 events across the season and accrue points at each event.

The best eight results count towards their cumulative score which determines the world rankings and the world championship race.

LIFE AFTER SHARK ATTACK

WRIGHT MOVES FOR WORLD TITLE

Tyler Wright says she is still on a major learning curve.
Tyler Wright says she is still on a major learning curve.

TV IN AUSTRALIA

TV coverage: Fox

SURFING SISTER ACT

THE MAN WHO SPOILED MICK FANNING'S COMEBACK

THE FIELD

Australian surfers dominate the 2017 World Surf league start lists.

There are seven Australians on the 17-strong WSL women’s tour.

There are 12 men on the 34-strong men’s tour.

HE'S BACK: MICK RETURNS TO WSL

NO CRAP RULE: WAVING GOODBYE TO SURF SEXISM

THE AUSSIES

The Australian surfers on the women’s WSL tour are Tyler Wright, Stephanie Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons, Laura Enever, Nikki Van Dijk, Keely Andrew, Bronte Macaulay.

The Australian surfers on the men’s WSL tour are Matt Wilkinson, Julian Wilson, Joel Parkinson, Owen Wright, Josh Kerr, Adrian Buchan, Mick Fanning, Stu Kennedy, Connor O’Leary, Ethan Ewing, Bede Durbidge, Jack Freestone.

Stephanie Gilmore is still hungry for success despite winning six world titles.
Stephanie Gilmore is still hungry for success despite winning six world titles.

HOW TO BECOME A WORLD CHAMPION

Surfers are ranked according to their results during a season. The surfer with the top ranking at the season end is declared the world champion.

HILARIOUS GROM CREATES WAVES

STEPH LANDS PERFECT 10

RANKINGS

Entering 2017 the initial results are based on the rankings at the end of 2016.

The top 10 from last year automatically requalify for this year’s tour. The remainder are determined by accrued points from various events.

Australia's Bronte Macauley is competing on the world tour as a rookie.
Australia's Bronte Macauley is competing on the world tour as a rookie.
He’s still got the moves. Kelly Slater is after a record 12th world crown.
He’s still got the moves. Kelly Slater is after a record 12th world crown.

Top 10 women at the start of 2017: 1. Tyler Wright AUS. 2. Courtney Conlogue USA, 3. Carissa Moore HAW, 4. Tatiana Weston-Webb HAW, 5. Johanne Defay FRA, 6. Stephanie Gilmore AUS, 7. Malia Manuel HAW, 8. Sally Fitzgibbons AUS, 9. Sage Erickson USA, 10. Laura Enever AUS.

Top 10 men at the start of 2017: 1. John John Florence HAW, 2. Jordy Smith ZAF, 3. Gabriel Medina BRA, 4. Kolohe Andino USA, 5. Matt Wilkinson AUS, 6. Michel Bourez PYF, 7. Kelly Slater USA, 8. Julian Wilson AUS, 9. Joel Parkinson AUS, 10. Filipe Toledo BRA.

OWEN WRIGHT SURFS AGAIN; I'M STOKED

SALLY REFINDS HER LOVE OF SURFING

TOP GUNS

Tyler Wright won five events on her way to a maiden world crown in 2016.

So the odds are she can match - if not exceed - this extraordinary feat this year.

Wright says she is has plenty of room to improve and that’s her goal for 2017.

THE SIX TIME WORLD CHAMPION

Six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore is gunning for a place in history this year.

Gilmore can match the extraordinary record of Layne Beachley in winning seven world titles if she surfs at her best in 2017.

There are many forecasting a seventh world tile is on the cards for the Snapper Rocks local who admits she is one of the most competitive people around.

She has certainly started the year well, winning the Roxy Pro, a lucky charm for previous winners who have gone on to win world titles.

SURFERS HIT RED CARPET

SURFING'S LUCKIEST EVENT

Stephanie Gilmore will match Layne Beachley’s record if she wins a seventh world title.
Stephanie Gilmore will match Layne Beachley’s record if she wins a seventh world title.

THE RETURNING CHAMPION

Mick Fanning is back, baby. After a well deserved sabbatical from the sport, Fanning has recommitted to do the entire championship tour in 2017. And we can’t wait.

It just didn’t seem right not to have Fanning in the mix at major events last season.

Fanning says he’s going to give it his all and even Kelly Slater says Fanning must be seen as one of the big contenders for the 2017 trophy.

Mick Fanning is back on tour fulltime this year.
Mick Fanning is back on tour fulltime this year.
John John Florence celebrating his world title victory.
John John Florence celebrating his world title victory.

YOUNG GUNS

Keely Andrew, who deferred a university degree in sport psychology to pursue a dream, was named Rookie of the Year in 2016 and is expected to make a big mark this year.

Also hoping to stir things up is rookie Bronte Macaulay who is the daughter of former pro surfer Dave and capable of causing an upset or two of her own.

A newcomer to the world tour is Aussie teenager Ethan Ewing who has been called the ‘real deal’ by former world champion Joel Parkinson. He won the world junior crown in January and is being tipped to make a name for himself quickly in 2017.

PARKO BACK WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPS

TYLER WRIGHT LEARNS LESSON

Matt Wilkinson is after his first world crown and Mick Fanning his fourth.
Matt Wilkinson is after his first world crown and Mick Fanning his fourth.

THE FIXTURE

Mar 14-25: Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro Gold Coast. MEN AND WOMEN

Mar 29 to Apr 9: Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.MEN AND WOMEN

Apr 12-24: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. MEN AND WOMEN

May 9-20: Rio Pro. MEN AND WOMEN

Jun 4-16: Fiji Pro. MEN AND WOMEN

Jul 31-Aug 6: Vans US Open of Surfing. WOMEN

Jul 12-23: Corona J-Bay Open. MEN

Aug 11-22: Billabong Pro Tahiti. MEN

Sep 6-17: Hurley Pro, Swatch Pro at Trestles. MEN AND WOMEN

Sep 27-Oct 5 (tentative) Cascais Women’s Pro. WOMEN

Oct 7-18: Quiksilver Pro, Roxy Pro France. MEN AND WOMEN

Oct 20-31: MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. MEN

Nov 25-Dec 6: Maui Women’s Pro. WOMEN

Dec 8-20: Billabong Pipe Masters. MEN

Tyler Wright is chasing a second world title and Stephanie Gilmore a seventh.
Tyler Wright is chasing a second world title and Stephanie Gilmore a seventh.

LIST OF WORLD SURFING CHAMPIONS

2016 John John Florence (Haw) Tyler Wright (AUS)

2015 Adriano de Souza (BRA) Carissa Moore (HAW).

2014 Gabriel Medina (BRA) Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2013 Mick Fanning Carissa Moore (HAW)

2012 Joel Parkinson (AUS) Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2011 Kelly Slater (USA) Carissa Moore (HAW)

2010 Kelly Slater (USA) Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2009 Mick Fanning (AUS), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2008 Kelly Slater (USA) Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2007 Mick Fanning (AUS) Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright with their trophies at the 2016 Swatch Women's Pro at Trestles.
Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright with their trophies at the 2016 Swatch Women's Pro at Trestles.

2006 Kelly Slater (USA) Layne Beachley (AUS)

2005 Kelly Slater (USA) Chelsea Georgeson (AUS).

2004 Andy Irons (HAW) Sofia Mulanovich (PER)

2003 Andy Irons (HAW) Layne Beachley (AUS)

2002 Andy Irons (HAW) Layne Beachley [5] (AUS)

2001 C. J. Hobgood (USA) Layne Beachley [4]

2000 Sunny Garcia (HAW) Layne Beachley [3] (AUS)

1999 Mark Occhilupo (AUS) Layne Beachley [2] (AUS)

1998 Kelly Slater [6] (USA) Layne Beachley (AUS)

1997 Kelly Slater [5] (USA Lisa Andersen[4] (USA)

1996 Kelly Slater [4] (USA) Lisa Andersen[3] (USA)

1995 Kelly Slater [3] (USA) Lisa Andersen [2] (USA)

1994 Kelly Slater [2] (USA) Lisa Andersen (USA)

John John Florence surfing his way to the 2016 world crown.
John John Florence surfing his way to the 2016 world crown.

1993 Derek Ho (HAW) Pauline Menczer (AUS)

1992 Kelly Slater (USA) Wendy Botha [4] (AUS)

1991 Damien Hardman [2] (AUS) Wendy Botha [3] (AUS)

1990 Tom Curren [3] (USA) Pam Burridge (AUS)

1989 Martin Potter (UK) Wendy Botha [2] (AUS)

1988 Barton Lynch (AUS) Freida Zamba [4] (USA)

1987/88 Damien Hardman (AUS) Wendy Botha (RSA

1986/87 Tom Curren [2] (USA) Freida Zamba [3] (USA)

1985/86 Tom Curren (USA) Freida Zamba [2] (USA)

1984/85 Tom Carroll[2] (AUS Freida Zamba (USA)

1983/84 Tom Carroll (AUS) Kim Mearig (USA)

IPS World Circuit

1982 Mark Richards [5] (AUS) Debbie Beacham (USA)

1981 Mark Richards [4] (AUS) Margo Oberg[3] (HAW)

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/swoop/world-surf-league-2017-stars-young-guns-fixture-rankings-world-title-race-guide/news-story/dedb9c75937380e54b9632d7d1d0328d