The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour has seen significant shifts in its rankings, with new and established talents vying for the top spots. Recent competitions have reshaped the leaderboard, highlighting stellar performances and unexpected upsets as the season progresses towards the finals.
Shifting Tides: Men’s Rankings See Major Changes
The men’s WSL Championship Tour rankings have undergone considerable changes. Italo Ferreira, who previously held the No. 1 spot for an extended period, has seen his position challenged. His recent performances, including defeats at the Margaret River Pro and Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, led to a drop in his ranking.
- Jordy Smith Ascends: South Africa’s Jordy Smith has emerged as a dominant force, claiming the No. 1 ranking with 32,215 points after a victory at Surf City El Salvador Pro. He narrowly leads Ferreira, who now sits at No. 2 with 31,290 points.
- Yago Dora’s Rise: Following a victory at Trestles Pro, Brazil’s Yago Dora surged to No. 2, pushing Ferreira down to No. 4 in some updates. Dora’s 10,000 points from Trestles significantly impacted the standings.
Women’s Tour: New Faces at the Top
The women’s Championship Tour has also witnessed exciting developments, with Hawaiian and Australian surfers making significant strides.
- Gabriela Bryan’s Dominance: Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan has consistently held a top position, even reaching No. 1 in the rankings. Her powerful surfing style and consistent top-five finishes, including a win at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, have marked her best season yet.
- Molly Picklum’s Yellow Jersey: Australia’s Molly Picklum has also claimed the No. 1 ranking, earning the yellow jersey after a strong performance at the Rio Pro, where she reached the semi-finals. This marks her first time at the top spot this season, a reward for her consistent performance with five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes.
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson’s Surge: Hawaiian surfer Bettylou Sakura Johnson has made a remarkable leap, moving up three spots to No. 4. Her stellar performance at Trestles Pro, where she won the women’s event with a season-high heat total of 17.83 in the quarterfinals, significantly boosted her points.
The Road Ahead
The WSL Championship Tour rankings are dynamic and continue to evolve with each event. Surfers earn points based on their performance, with first place receiving 10,000 points. The dedication and hard work of these athletes are evident as they vie for the coveted world title. The top five men and women at the end of the season will compete in the WSL Finals in Fiji to determine the champions.
Sources
- South African Surfer Knocks Italo Ferreira off Top WSL Tour Ranking, Sports Illustrated.
- Ferreira Drops, Johnson Rises in New World Surf League Tour Rankings, Sports Illustrated.
- Kauai’s own Gabriela Bryan tops World Surf League standings, Hawaii News Now.
- Picklum in top spot after another World Surf League win, Yahoo.
- Brazilian Surfer Holds On to WSL No.1 Ranking After Stellar Performance, Sports Illustrated.
