A sixth world surfing title might be out of reach for Stephanie Gilmore this year, but the Australian believes she is more dangerous than ever heading into the penultimate round of the 2013 women's tour.
Gilmore will be out to defend the Roxy Pro France and chase her first victory of the season when competition begins in Hossegor on Tuesday.
The reigning five-time world champion, who sits at No.5 on the championship rankings, admits this year has been far from her best but wants to finish the season on a high.
"When we started the year at Snapper everyone was pretty excited and I thought I was surfing really well but the (other) girls just surfed so much better," the 25-year-old said.
"It wasn't the best season for me, but the pressure's off us for the world title and in that sense we can also become more dangerous.
"It's been awesome to watch these girls battle it out and a new world champion this year will be pretty exciting for our sport."
Hawaii's Carissa Moore is one of the women in contention and could clinch the 2013 crown with a victory in France.
The 21-year-old holds a narrow lead over Australian Tyler Wright, having toppled her at the US Open in July.
American Courtney Conlogue and Australian Sally Fitzgibbons are third and fourth respectively.
But 2011 world champion Moore is not getting ahead of herself.
"We're all so close right now and I can't really think too much about the pressure but just try to surf my best," Moore said.
"I think it's still anyone's game.
"Keeping your head, being positive and catching the right waves will probably be the key to succeed in this event."
Round one heats are scheduled to start on Tuesday.
