World No.1 surfer Sally Fitzgibbons has continued her strong form to gain direct passage to the quarter-finals of the elite tour event in Portugal.
But fellow Australian Tyler Wright's world title defence is in trouble after suffering an early elimination as she battles a leg injury.
Fitzgibbons made the best of 1.5m surf in Cascais on Thursday to beat rising countrywoman Keely Andrew and Lower Trestles champion Silvana Lima of Brazil in the third round.
The win, helped by a carving ride scored a heat-high 6.73 of out 10, sees Fitzgibbons skip the elimination fourth round for a place in the final eight.
"There's always a big advantage to skipping rounds," Fitzgibbons said.
"This year I really have that calm and confidence that I do have what it takes to make it through to finals and win events."
Fitzgibbons, 26, has never won the world championship, finishing runner-up three times.
She holds a slim lead over nearest rival Courtney Conlogue of the US.
"I think last year I was lacking in a couple of areas and I've been chasing those and building it back up," Fitzgibbons said.
"I'm really ready and I want to keep going all the way. I've been in title races before so I'm just trying to bring out my best performances and enjoying my time in the ocean."
She joins compatriot Nikki Van Dijk in the quarter-finals.
World No.3 Wright, however, was upset in the second round by local wildcard Teresa Bonvalot.
The 23-year-old has revealed the extent of an injury that could threaten her world title push with two events remaining.
"My leg is still sore. I did it three days ago," Wright said.
"I could have sat this event out but I'd rather win or lose on my feet so I decided to compete.
"My MCL (medial collateral ligament) is 70 per cent off the bone so between now and France I'll focus on healing and getting myself in the best physical health to compete there.
"I don't feel like I'm injured. I still feel like I can go out there and win."
Australian six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, ranked fourth in the world, was eliminated in the second round by South African Bianca Buitendag.
Conlogue lost in the third round and will next fight to avoid elimination against fellow American Sage Erickson.
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