The race for the 2017 women's World Title is one of the closest in history. When the contest began five of the sport's biggest names were still very much in the mix heading into the final event of the season, the Maui Women's Pro. Jeep Leader Sally Fitzgibbons, however, lost her razor-thin lead over Tyler Wright on Wednesday when she was upset by wildcard Brisa Hennessy.
While Wright now has the advantage, Courtney Conlogue right on her heels. And both Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore will be playing the long odds, but will be ready to step up should the frontrunners stumble.
Behold the season-ending point possibilities for the 2017 Women's World Title race. The highlighted result is the minimun requirement for each surfer to have a shot. The bold number is the minimum number of rankings points they'll walk away with after the Maui Pro. - WSL
While there's a long list of possibilities, the gist is Wright and Conlogue both control their own destinies. Here are some basic takeaways of how this showdown can shake out.
Minimum Requirement for a World Title Shot:
Tyler Wright: Needs at least a 5th, but Sally can't finish in front of her. Courtney can't get 3rd or better. Steph and Carissa can't win.
Courtney Conlogue: Needs at least a 3rd, but can only win the World Title if she finishes ahead of Tyler and Sally.
Carissa Moore: Needs to win the event, but Sally and Tyler can't get better than 5th, and Courtney can't make the Final.
Stephanie Gilmore: Needs to win the event, but Sally and Tyler can't get better than 5th, and Courtney can't make the Final.
Carissa Moore may be a long shot, but she knows how to win at Honolua. She'll need to if she wants to have a shot at this year's Title. - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot
The Devil's in the Details
The most interesting thing to note is Tyler Wright now has the clearest path to victory, but here are the kickers...
- Tyler and Courtney can both win the World Title by winning the Maui Pro, so ultimately they're in control of their destiny.
- If Tyler gets 3rd, and Courtney doesn't make the Final, the World Title goes to Tyler.
- If Tyler gets 5th, Courtney doesn't make the Semifinals, and Steph or Carissa don't win, the World Title goes to Tyler.
Courtney Conlogue will enter this year's Maui Pro in total control of her destiny. Regardless of what how her competitors do, a win will get her the World Title she's been after. - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot
Watch the Maui Women's Pro live on the WSL Nov. 25 - Dec. 6.