Wright Wins Vans US Open of Surfing

- WSL / Kenneth Morris

Caption: Tyler Wright is crowned champion of the Vans US Open of Surfing.
Credit: ASP/Morris

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Sunday, August 3, 2014): Tyler Wright (AUS), 19 reigned supreme on the final day of the Vans US Open of Surfing. Wright has been crowned champion of the Women's event, stop No. 6 of 10 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour, after defeating Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in the Final.

Wright battled back in her Final clash against the five-time ASP Women's World Champion to collect her first victory of the 2014 season. Gilmore got off to a strong start, but Wright connected strong outside turns with critical snaps on the inside reform, earning an excellent 8.67 followed by a crucial 6.10 under Gilmore's priority for the win. Wright previously dispatched Malia Manuel (HAW) in the Semifinals and her win at Huntington Beach moves her to No. 3 on the rankings.

“It's been a long event and really enjoyable for me,” said Wright. “I wouldn't be here without my team and they mean the world to me. All the girls have been ripping this entire event and it's been wonderful to see. I felt really relaxed and comfortable and everything has gone really well for me this week and I loved it.”

Gilmore, the 2007 event winner, was a standout throughout the entirety of the Vans US Open of Surfing, effortlessly dissecting the challenging Huntington Beach lineup with her signature style. The Australian started strong in the Final, but was unable to match Wright's scores in the back half of the heat. The runner-up finish marks Gilmore's third Final appearance of the season, placing her at No. 4 on the rankings.

“When you do your throwaways I guess I'm in a good spot,” said Gilmore. “You can't really calculate too much right now. More than anything, I'm excited for the rest of the year and to be able to surf Trestles, France, Portugal and finish the year off in Honolua Bay.”

Vans US Open of Surfing Women's Final Results:
Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.77 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.16

Vans US Open of Surfing Women's Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.17 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.70
SF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.10 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.03