3 days ago
Australia's Molly Picklum wins Rio Pro after claiming top spot on world rankings
Australian surfer Molly Picklum has shown why she is top of the women's World Surfing League (WSL) standings, claiming her first win on tour this season in Saquarema, Brazil.
After beating Canadian Erin Brooks 13.06 to 7.60 earlier on Monday AEST in the second semifinal, Picklum took on local Luana Silva in the Rio Pro decider.
Picklum opened with a 6.83 and followed up with the highest single wave score of the event for the women, an 8.17.
Her final total of 15.00 was also the highest of the event for the women at Praia de Itaúna.
Silva's best two-wave score totalled 9.23, well short of being able to stop Picklum winning for the third time.
"She's [Silva] been surfing so well. I knew she's such a competitor and she's such a fighter," Gosford's Picklum said.
"I was pretty scared all the way till the end even though I had a couple of good scores.
"But she's capable of great things and I'm so happy to get that one over her."
The WSL Tour's most-consistent women's surfer in 2025 — reaching the quarterfinals in eight out of nine events — Picklum enjoys top spot on the standings with just two regular-season events remaining on the calendar.
"I've worked so hard this year to really put my best foot forward," Picklum said.
"I've dreamt so much of winning here in Rio, too. I'm a real energetic person, I love the Brazilian energy, and to get a win this year means so much for sure.
"Thank you so much and shout out to everyone back at home. I know you're all probably up watching and I felt all the love."
In the men's draw, Australia's Ethan Ewing was beaten in the semifinals by American Griffin Colapinto, 14.84 to 14.20, after earlier downing defending champion and local hope Italo Ferreira (14.43-13.30).
Colapinto was outgunned 16.90 to 14.40 by compatriot Cole Houshmand in the final.
AAP
