The last Australian standing in the women's draw of the World Surf League event on the Gold Coast is getting serious.
Tyler Wright says a commitment to winning this year's world title is behind her commanding start to the 2016 campaign.
Wright moved into the semi-finals of the Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks on Tuesday by eliminating Stephanie Gilmore from the tournament.
It was the second time in the event Wright had beaten the six-time world champion as she eyes off a second title at Snapper Rocks.
Wright says linking up with renowned surf coach Glenn "Micro" Hall in the off-season is a sign of how seriously she's taking this title campaign.
"I've been on tour five years, this is my sixth year and I haven't even tried," Wright, a two-time championship runner-up, said.
"The first five years are, kind of like, mucking around.
"I think it's just growing up. I was doing my best at the time, now I just see a better way of doing better."
Wright will next face another multiple world champion when she takes on American Carissa Moore in the semi-finals.
Moore continued a trouble-free title defence on Tuesday as she cruised past fellow Hawaiian Malia Manuel to reach the semis.
"It's a big deal to start off strong," Moore said.
"It creates confidence and momentum for the rest of the year."
The other semi-final will be between 2015 championship runner-up Courtney Conlogue and France's Johanne Defay.
Conlogue showed last year's strong form wasn't a flash in the pan as she defeated fellow American Sage Erickson in their quarter-final.
She and Defay will surf off for a maiden Snapper Rocks finals appearance after the Frenchwoman eliminated American young gun Tatiana Weston-Webb.
The finals of the Roxy Pro are expected to be held at Snapper Rocks on Wednesday.
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