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Aussie Tyler Wright into Bali surf final

Australian reigning two-time women's champion Tyler Wright has advanced to the final of the World Surf League event in Bali.

Reigning two-time World Surf League women's champion Tyler Wright has won through to the final of the Bali event and will face American Lakey Peterson.

The Australian on Saturday took down event standout Silvana Lima of Brazil in the quarter-finals, followed by fellow Brazilian Tatiana Weston-Webb in the semis.

"These heats were a little slow for waves so I knew there wouldn't be a lot of opportunities," Wright said.

"Wave selection was super important as you had to make everything count. I made a few mistakes in my quarter-final so definitely got lucky, but was happy to clean it all up in the semi-final. The waves are really fun so tomorrow (Sunday's final) should be a great day."

After Stephanie Gilmore was eliminated in the quarters, Australian countrywomen Sally Fitzgibbons lost in the semi-finals to Peterson.

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"When I saw that Steph was out, I think I let my emotions get the best of me," Peterson said. "I was pretty aware of everything and watched her heat closely."

In the men's, Australian Mikey Wright's dream run continues in Bali. The WSL wildcard is through to the semi- finals after defeating Brazil's Willian Cardoso.

The battle started slowly but, in a thrilling finish, the lead changed multiple times. In the dying minute, Cardoso was in a commanding position, with Wright needing an 8.36 when a set wave approached.

It seemed like Wright was too deep when he took off into the tube, but he came flying out a few seconds later and finished the wave with a series of power gouges. The wait for the score was intense, Wright was with sister Tyler when the score was announced and they celebrated Mikey winning by only 0.07 of a point.

"That was a really tough heat against Willian, he was surfing so good," Wright said. "It felt like a really long time waiting for that score to come. I was on the beach, but was so relieved when it came through. The waves have been so good and there's been so much good surfing in this event, I can't really believe I'm in the semis."

Tahitian Michel Bourez reached the last four by holding off high flying rookie Griffin Colapinto of the US to set up a showdown with Wright.

In the other semi, Jordy Smith will take on Brazil's Italo Ferreira.


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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