Tyler Wright says linking with coach Glenn Hall a great move in hunt for world title

TYLER Wright says she doesn’t need to win the Roxy Pro to know linking with coach Glenn Hall was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

‘Time to stop half-a***ing around’

TYLER Wright says she does not need to win the Roxy Pro to know linking with coach Glenn Hall was one of the best decisions she made.

Wright knocked six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore out of the event yesterday to set up a tantalising semi-final against world champion Carissa Moore at Snapper Rocks.

And while a more mature Wright now has the confidence to know she can consistently match it with any surfer on the world tour, she credits Hall with taking her surfing to another level.

The Lennox Head product has not been shy in expressing her desire to win a world title this year and in a worrying sign for rivals, the former world title runner-up said she “hadn’t even tried’’ in her first five years on tour.

“I think it’s just growing up. I was doing my best at the time and now I just see a way of doing better,” the 21-year-old said.

“At the start of the year I came to the decision that I wanted to better what I’m already good at and actually try and go for a world title. Just go for it instead of kind of half-arsing around.’’

It’s Hall, the Newcastle-based former world tour surfer who has helped Wright embrace her undoubted potential.

It’s an unlikely partnership given Wright believed there was little benefit to be gained from a coach.

“It took me a long time to realise that I could actually learn more and be open to so much more about surfing,’’ Wright said.

“It’s actually been an easy transition because with Micro (Hall), it’s such a balance between having fun and going out there and doing what you’re best at.

“He’s really open and open to what works for me and not just his way, which is something that’s so rare in a coach.’’

But Wright doesn’t need a title win to validate their relationship.

“If it wasn’t the right decision I would have … started the season (with a coach),’’ she said.

“What’s happened from (the time we started working together) has been absolutely phenomenal and incredible for me as an athlete, as a competitor and as a human.’’

Wright, Gilmore and Moore were in a loaded top-half of the draw.

Wright and Moore are looking forward to their semi-final clash.

“That’s going to be a great heat, Tyler’s on fire,’’ Moore said.

“She’s really excited and in all her interviews she’s saying she’s ready to put things together.

“I’m just going to stick to my own game and hopefully catch some good ones.’’

Wright is eager to take on the world champion.

“I definitely know that I want to surf against the best and that’s where they challenge me,’’ she said.

“I’m definitely going after (the world title) and definitely putting the work in to win one.’’

TODAY’S ACTION

ROXY PRO: Semi-finals

Tyler Wright (Aus) v Carissa Moore (Haw)

Courtney Conlogue (USA) v Johanne Defay (Fra)

QUIKSILVER PRO: Quarter-finals

Filipe Toledo (Bra) v Joel Parkinson (Aus)

Matt Wilkinson (Aus) v Adriano de Souza (Bra)

Kolohe Andino (USA) v Adrian Buchan (Aus)

John John Florence (Haw) v Stuart Kennedy (Aus)