The “50-Year Storm” showed up and laid carnage in its path. But before it got too huge and unruly, the women took to the water early in the morning for their quarterfinal heats as the swell quickly filled in. In a shocker, Malia Manuel handily defeated defending world champ (and defending Bells Champ) Steph Gilmore who just couldn’t find her way in what the commentary team consistently referred to as “mogully” conditions. Check the 5:20 mark as an example, where Steph makes one beautiful connection before fading off the back of a wave following a foam climb. Manuel, who looked comfy on bigger equipment, is seeking her first CT win.
In an interview with us late last year, Steph Gilmore made a comment that landed on the cutting room floor that’s especially apropos now. Referring to her early years on tour with the likes of Layne Beachley and Rochelle Ballard, she explained how she remembered the women “just going for it” in big surf and wanting to see more of that. Watching the commanding performances of Courtney Conlogue and Caroline Marks, it’d seem Steph got her wish – even though she’ll have to watch the rest of the action from the athlete’s tent.
If we’re making predictions here, the most likely scenario (and arguably most exciting one) would be Caroline Marks and Courtney Conlogue squaring off in the final. Marks faces Manuel while Conlogue takes on Lakey Peterson, who’s been an agressor most of the event. If we were taking side bets, Peterson might not be a bad option, either. The Friday afternon-evening webcast will be a treat.
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