Stephanie Gilmore's four-year reign as women's world surfing champion is over with the
Australian eliminated from the race for the 2011 title at the WCT event in Brazil.
Gilmore lost her chance at a fifth world crown when knocked out by compatriot Sally Fitzgibbons in the semi-finals at the Rio Pro on Sunday.
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The Gold Coast surfer needed to at least match current ratings leader Carissa Moore's finish in Brazil to keep her world title hopes alive, but the Hawaiian's victory extended her lead over Fitzgibbons at the top of the ratings.
"I'm going through so many emotions right now, it's hard, Gilmore said.
"Its been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa have been on fire.
"It's good for the sport and good for me. I really dont know what to say."
Moore has now figured in all five finals held so far this year, and a solid 8.10 early in the final against Fitzgibbons set her on her way to her third event victory of the 2011 season.
"I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the final," Moore said.
"Obviously I'm happy that I won. The girls really didn't go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today."
Moore and Fitzgibbons remain the only two surfers in contention for the 2011 world title.
