Filipe Toledo showcased his surfing prowess at the World Surf League (WSL) Gold Coast Pro, defeating Australian veteran Julian Wilson in a nail-biting final. The event, held at Burleigh Heads, saw Toledo reclaim his spot at the top of the surfing world after a year away from competition.
Key Takeaways
- Filipe Toledo won the final against Julian Wilson with a score of 17.60 to 17.20.
- This victory marks Toledo’s return to the tour after a year off due to health issues.
- Julian Wilson, a wildcard entry, made an impressive run to the final after a five-year hiatus.
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson claimed her first WSL title by defeating Sally Fitzgibbons in the women’s final.
The Final Showdown
The final was a rematch of the 2015 Gold Coast Pro, where Toledo also emerged victorious. This time, the stakes were high as both surfers delivered an electrifying performance. Toledo set the tone early with an 8.53 ride, followed by a 9.07, establishing a solid lead.
Wilson fought back valiantly, scoring an 8.80 and an 8.40 in the latter part of the heat, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Toledo’s early advantage. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as both surfers executed aerial maneuvers and powerful turns, showcasing their skills in the challenging conditions.
Julian Wilson’s Remarkable Comeback
After nearly four years away from the tour, Wilson’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. He earned a wildcard entry by winning the pre-competition trial and defeated notable competitors, including Italo Ferreira and Kanoa Igarashi, on his way to the final.
Wilson expressed pride in his performance, stating, "It was crazy with the rematch with Jules. With Jules coming back to the tour, winning the trial and going all the way, it was such a special moment for him."
Women’s Final Highlights
In the women’s final, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, a rising star from Hawaii, claimed her first WSL title by defeating Sally Fitzgibbons. Johnson scored 15.33 against Fitzgibbons’ 7.83, marking a significant achievement in her young career. Johnson’s victory came after a strong performance throughout the event, including a notable win over top-ranked Australian surfer Molly Picklum in the quarterfinals.
Controversial Scoring
The final also sparked discussions about judging decisions, particularly regarding Toledo’s 9.07 score, which some fans deemed controversial. Critics labeled it as the "most overscored wave in surfing history," igniting debates among surf enthusiasts about the criteria used by judges.
Conclusion
Filipe Toledo’s victory at the Gold Coast Pro not only solidifies his status as a top competitor in the surfing world but also highlights the thrilling nature of the sport. With Julian Wilson’s impressive comeback and the emergence of new talent like Bettylou Sakura Johnson, the future of surfing looks bright as the WSL season continues.
Sources
- Young Surfer Takes Out Legend Stephanie Gilmore at Gold Coast Pro, Sports Illustrated.
- Filipe Toledo denies Australian wildcard Julian Wilson fairytale in epic WSL final | Surfing, The Guardian.
- Filipe Toledo’s Gold Coast Pro winning ride, “most overscored wave in surfing history!”, BeachGrit.
- Julian Wilson Seeks Victory After Dominating Surf Icon Italo Ferreira, Sports Illustrated.
