SALLY Fitzgibbons surfed her way out of trouble while Tyler Wright and Stephanie Gilmore returned to top form at the Roxy Pro France on Sunday.
The three Australians and American gun Courtney Conlogue will all surf in different heats in round three of the vital second last leg of the women’s world tour.
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After a tournament of upsets in Portugal last week, order was pretty restored in France with all the favourites to surf in round three.
The only name missing was Phillip Island surfer Nikki Can Dijk who broke through for her maiden world tour event crown in Portugal but who lost her second round elimination heat to be sent to the sand.
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Fitzgibbons defeated dangerous wildcard Caroline Marks in the elimination second round to keep alive her bid to win a second World Toru event this season.
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“It’s interesting how conditions change every 10 minutes when that tide comes in,” said Fitzgibbons, who leads the world title race from Conlogue and Wright.
“I knew I had a tough opponent, Caroline (Marks) is doing well on the QS and I’m sure she’ll be joining us next year.
“So I had to step it up and I’m happy to move through.
“We have long days here in France so you have to pace yourself and manage your energy, it’s challenging but I’m really having a lot of fun with it.”
Roxy Pro France Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Carissa Moore (HAW), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Keely Andrew (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA)
Heat 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 4: Tyler Wright (AUS), Johanne Defay (FRA), Bronte Macaulay (AUS)