6 days ago
Hesitant Picklum misses chance of World Surf League win
Australian star Molly Picklum has missed out agonisingly on another World Surf League triumph in South Africa, frustrated with herself for not riding one last wave that might have sealed a last-gasp final win over her American rival Gabriela Bryan.
In the closest of showdowns, Bryan took a narrow lead in their duel at Jeffreys Bay on South Africa's Eastern Cape on Friday with just 90 seconds left, scoring 6.93 when needing a 6.68.
It left Australia's WSL leader Picklum little time for a response as she looked to earn a modest score of 5.93 to seal back-to-back victories in the 'J-Bay' event following her triumph in Saquarema, Brazil, last month.
Congratulations to @gabriela_bryan_ winner of the 2025 @corona #OpenJBay 🏆@kougamunicipality World Surf League (@wsl) July 18, 2025
But Picklum. the 22-year-old from Gosford, hesitated when looking for the ideal wave to carry her to victory, failing to grab a couple of possible chances to ride in the final minute in a bid for glory.
When her time ran out to respond with what would have been her seventh effort of the final, the Australian ended up the picture of frustration as she splashed the waters in disgust at having lost the final by a mere 0.26 points, 13.60 to 13.34.
All time power surfing match up for the @corona #OpenJBay Final 💥World #1 and #2 should put on quite a in LIVE on | @kougamunicipality World Surf League (@wsl) July 18, 2025
Picklum's consistency means she still leads the WSL standings on 61,145 points, ahead of Hawaiian Bryan, who was lifting her third title of the season to put her on 58,595 points.
The tour moves on to Tahiti next month, with the finals to be staged in Fiji between August 27 and September 4.
