Aussie Nichols into Bells Beach title decider
The 27-year-old Queenslander is into back-to-back finals after reaching the title showdown at the last tour stop in El Salvador, when she made the agonising choice to miss her twin sister's wedding to go for glory.
Nichols suffered a narrow defeat against Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan in El Salvador but gets another crack, facing Brazilian Luana Silva in the final which will be held at the Victorian coastal break on Sunday afternoon.
Nichols and Wright were the last surfers into the water before the event went on a three-hour hold with organisers expecting improved conditions with the tide change.
Earlier on Sunday, West Australian Jack Robinson joined wildcard Morgan Cibilic in the men's semi-finals, outclassing American Jake Marshall 15.94-14.57.
all out attack from Robbo ⚔️and a solid 8.17 for the effort📺 #RipCurlProBellsBeach is LIVE@ripcurl @originalbonsoy @visitmelbourne pic.twitter.com/dtCixwC0a9
— World Surf League (@wsl) April 26, 2025
Robinson faces another American Griffin Colapinto while Newcastle surfer Cibilic, who was ranked world No.5 in 2021 before falling of the Championship Tour, takes on Japan's Kanoa Igarashi in the other semi-final.
Cibilic and Igarashi both won their quarter-finals late on Saturday.
With the sets slowing down, Nichols had to wait for her chance against Wright, who rang the famous bell in 2022 and 2023.
She then put together back-to-back scores for a comprehensive 10.67-2.50 win to reach her first Bells decider.
Nichols' only previous CT title win came at the Margaret River Pro in 2022.
"It's making me emotional thinking about it," Nichols said after her victory.
"I got so close to owning a bell a couple of years ago and regardless of if it's the grande or the small size, I'm going to have a bell at home now so I'm speechless."
In the other semi-final, Silva won a thriller against Costa Rica's Brisa Hennessy to reach her first ever CT final, edging her rival 12.67 to 12.07.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
23 minutes ago
- USA Today
Indiana Fever sign Odyssey Sims to second seven-day hardship contract
After contributing solid minutes off the bench over the past week, the Indiana Fever chose to sign point guard Odyssey Sims to a second seven-day hardship contract on Sunday as the team enters its five-day hiatus before its next game on Friday. In her three games played so far for the Fever, Sims is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game on 40.7% shooting from the field, 20.0% from 3-point territory, and 77.8% from the free-throw line. Fortunately for Sims, her spot on the roster seems to be safe for now, as the team released point guard Kyra Lambert, who the Fever had signed on Thursday of last week to a seven-day hardship contract. With Lambert's release, the impending roster decisions for general manager Amber Cox will be much simpler, with Caitlin Clark potentially making her return over the next few games. As a cloud of uncertainty still surrounds the Monday MRI test results of Sophie Cunningham's knee injury, Sims' production in her small sample size adds a layer of comfort for head coach Stephanie White, regardless of Cunningham's status. Indiana's next game will be on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ION. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pep Guardiola slams door shut on big-money Manchester City transfer
Manchester City's Savinho has been firmly retained by Pep Guardiola as part of his plans for the now-ongoing 2025/26 season, according to reports. The Brazilian winger's future has dominated headlines for the last few weeks after Tottenham seemingly made him their priority signing, prepared to push towards a club-record deal and comfortably in excess of €50 million to secure Savinho's services. However, despite having received encouragement that the player himself was open to a switch to North London, and strong dialogue between the clubs, Pep Guardiola himself has now made his stance absolutely clear. Savinho joined City after a breakout loan spell with Girona on loan from ESTAC Troyes, where his pace, flair, and direct attacking play made him one of the most exciting young wingers in La Liga. The 2023/24 campaign placed him firmly on the radar of Europe's elite, but Manchester City ultimately emerged as the successful suitor, perhaps due to their direct relationship with the two clubs involved in the winger via the City Football Group. Savinho's future has coincided with decisions made on multiple attacking options at the Etihad Stadium including Jack Grealish to Everton on loan, James McAtee's permanent move to Nottingham Forest, and Claudio Echeverri's expected temporary move. According to a new report from talkSPORT's Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, Pep Guardiola has now firmly closed the door on Savinho leaving Manchester City this summer amid interest from Tottenham in a potential club-record deal. Guardiola does not want to lose the Brazil international, who was reportedly open to making the switch to north London this summer after just one season at the Etihad Stadium last campaign. With Guardiola personally intervening, Tottenham's pursuit now looks effectively over, forcing Thomas Frank's side to turn their attention to alternative targets, including Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. For Manchester City, the outcome is a clear statement of intent. The decision to block a big-money exit reflects Pep Guardiola's long-term vision, ensuring that one of Brazil's most promising young attackers is developed within his system. It also signals that while Manchester City are willing sellers under the right conditions, they will not sacrifice players integral to Pep Guardiola's plans for short-term financial gain. Looking forward, Savinho's presence could be pivotal in Manchester City's Premier League title push, which began with a convincing 0-4 win on the road away to Wolves at Molineux on Saturday evening. The 21-year-old's ability to offer something different to Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden provides Pep Guardiola with tactical flexibility, while his development in the Premier League could accelerate rapidly with consistent minutes.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan Re-Establish Contact With Atalanta Over Brazil Midfielder After Failed Pursuit Of Nigeria Star
Inter Milan and Atalanta could reportedly reopen talks for the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Ederson to San Siro. According to Tuttosport via FCInter1908, the 26-year-old could still join the Nerazzurri toward the end of the summer. Drawn-out negotiations over Ademola Lookman have not affected the strong relationship between the clubs. Indeed, Atalanta and Inter have recently agreed terms for Nicola Zalewski, who will play in Bergamo next season. Now, they could meet at the negotiating table once again. Inter Milan Reopen Talks for Atalanta Midfielder Ederson BRUGES, BELGIUM – FEBRUARY 12: Éderson #13 of Atalanta looks on during warmups ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Club Brugge KV and Atalanta BC at Jan Breydel Stadium on February 12, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens) Inter had shortlisted Ederson as a potential replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu earlier in the summer. However, they've withdrawn from the race to sign the ex-Salernitana star in the meantime. Indeed, with Calhanoglu failing to join Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, Inter have focused on other targets. Moreover, Atalanta's excessive €70 million asking price has always been a considerable roadblock. Yet, there could be a late twist to the tale. Inter may try to test Atalanta's resolve with a €40-45 million bid for Ederson.
