Surfing activity on the 2023 WSL Tour returned to Snapper Rocks, Australia. Because it gives amateur surfers a taste of the professional circuit, it is one of the most anticipated surfing competitions. When an underdog is able to knock out a prominent world champion, it signals the emergence of a new generation of prospective world champions. There was an unbelievable moment during the 2023 tournament that no surfer could have dreamed of.

According to The West Australian, eight-time WSL champion Stephanie Gilmore was beaten by fellow Australian young surfer India Robinson at the recent Snapper Rocks contest.

A career breakthrough for the emerging surfing star

At Snapper Rocks, Australia’s India Robinson defeated eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore. The 22-year-old surfer had an incredible time on the championship circuit last year. After suffering a concussion and other problems, she decided to withdraw from the 2022 WSL tour midway through the season. Nonetheless, she surprised everyone by rising to the top of the re-qualification, where she beat Gilmore in the semi-finals and ultimately faced up against American surfer Sawyer Lindblad in the finals.

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As per the report by The West Australian, India Robinson talks about her experience of upsetting tons by eliminating the eight-time world champion, saying, “It feels so surreal right now it’s been an amazing week here and I can’t believe I’m standing here now as a winner.” She reflected on how a few years before, on the same stage, she had placed second and how, ever since then, she had never won on her home turf. The surfer missed out on a golden opportunity last year when she had to pull out of the whole tour due to health problems. While she was disappointed to lose the world title in her home surf, she is relieved that her long-awaited comeback was a contributing factor.

The heated final battle

After Stephanie Gilmore was eliminated, the final match between India Robinson and Sawyer Lindblad became a fierce duel. There was a lot at stake for these two up-and-coming surfers since their careers would be launched if they were successful.

Robinson added a 7.50 ride with three swooping corners with only a few minutes left to widen her lead. Robinson’s ultimate point total was 14.17 before her second ride. Although Lindblad gave it her all in an attempt to catch up to Robinson, she could only manage a score of 10.17, crowning Robinson the victor in the Snapper Rocks competition.

The Australian surfer’s performance in the first WSL tournament of the year was a roller coaster. With her sights set on cracking the top five in the WSL women’s ranking, India Robinson will be eagerly anticipating upcoming competitions.

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