O’Leary and Bryan Conquer J-Bay in Thrilling Corona Cero Open Finals
Connor O’Leary and Gabriela Bryan emerged victorious at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, marking significant milestones in their careers. The event, held in perfect J-Bay conditions, saw dramatic upsets and solidified contenders for the upcoming WSL Finals. The competition served as a crucial penultimate stop on the Championship Tour, with the Tahiti Pro being the final event before the season-ending WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.
Key Takeaways
- Connor O’Leary secured his first-ever Championship Tour (CT) victory.
- Gabriela Bryan clinched her third win of the season, solidifying her WSL Finals spot.
- Yago Dora took the yellow jersey, advancing his World Title aspirations.
- Molly Picklum, despite a close final, remains a strong contender for the World Title.
O’Leary’s Maiden CT Win
In the men’s division, Connor O’Leary delivered a career-defining performance, claiming his first CT win at J-Bay. O’Leary, who had been ranked 15th coming into the event, faced off against Yago Dora in the final. Despite Dora’s strong showing and current yellow jersey status, O’Leary’s exceptional surfing, including a perfect 10-point ride, secured him the victory. This win is particularly notable for a goofy-footer at the renowned right-hand point break of J-Bay.
Bryan’s Dominance and Finals Berth
Gabriela Bryan continued her stellar 2025 season by winning the women’s final against world number one Molly Picklum. In a nail-biting heat, Bryan secured the lead with a late wave, narrowly defeating Picklum. This victory marks Bryan’s third win of the season and guarantees her a spot in the upcoming WSL Finals. Her consistent performance throughout the year has positioned her as a serious World Title contender.
Title Race Tightens
The Corona Cero Open J-Bay significantly impacted the WSL Championship Tour standings. Yago Dora’s runner-up finish propelled him into the yellow jersey, taking the lead from Jordy Smith. On the women’s side, Bryan’s win not only secured her Finals Day ticket but also intensified the battle for the World Title. With only the Tahiti Pro remaining, the race for the final spots in the WSL Finals is heating up, promising an exciting conclusion to the regular season.
Sources
- Connor O’Leary and Gabriela Bryan Win at J-Bay, The Inertia.
- Top WSL Championship Tour Surfers Knocked Out of J-Bay Open Finals, Sports Illustrated.
- The Catch Up Finals Day: Gabriela Bryan, Connor O’Leary victorious in pumping J-Bay spectacle, World Surf League.
- Corona Cero Open J-Bay action, Red Bull.
- Top 5 Moments: Corona Cero Open J-Bay 2025, World Surf League.
