Aussies through to quarter-finals in Rio

Tyler Wright has continued her strong form in the World Surf League as one of three Aussie women to book a quarter-final berth in Rio.

Tyler Wright of Australia

Tyler Wright has continued her strong form, booking a World Surf League quarter-final spot in Rio. (AAP)

Australians dominated day two of the World Surf League event in Rio with Sally Fitzgibbons, Tyler Wright and Stephanie Gilmour all advancing to the quarter-finals.

Wright, looking for her third win at what is just the fourth stop on tour, again showcased her form, producing the highest combined score of the third round with 16.90.

She said working with new coach Glen Hall had been crucial to her strong form on this year's tour.

"Before this year and before working with Micro (Hall), I can honestly admit that I had no idea what I was doing competitively in the water," Wright said.

"I just did what I was good at, which was surfing.

"After working with Micro over the last three contests, what we have been working on is becoming more natural and easier.

"That type of heat is what we are working for and is pretty much how you would want a dream heat to go with heat strategy."

Fitzgibbons, looking to become the event's first three-time winner, defeated fellow Australian Keely Andrew and American Tatiana Weston-Webb in her heat by locking down a 13.77 two-wave score.

"It was a challenge today with how the rip is and on those different tides, you really have to be on it," Fitzgibbons said.

"I was on different equipment today. It felt nice and lively, so I am just trying to harness the speed and throw a bit of flair and creativity into my rides."

Andrew, Laura Enever and Bronte Macaualy - who is up against six-time world champion Carissa Moore - will contest separate round four heats, setting up the potential for six Australians to reach in the quarter-finals.

Women's rating leader American Courtney Conlogue overcame compatriots Sage Erickson and Malia Manuel to book her place in the last eight.

There was no surfing in the men's competition on Wednesday, where Australia's world ratings leader Matt Wilkinson will face local hope Deivid Silva in the sudden-death second round.

Other big-guns contesting the elimination round include Gabriel Medina, reigning world champion Adriano de Souza and world No.7 Julian Wilson.


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Source: AAP


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