Morgan Cibilic and Sophie Fletcher claimed victory at the inaugural Mandurah Pro, following an exciting final day of competition in clean two-to-three feet waves at Avalon Point.
Long lefts were on offer for Finals Day. - WSL / Justin Majeks
Cibilic proved unstoppable in Mandurah, claiming his maiden win on the WSL Qualifying Series (QS), defeating Duke Nagtzaam in a 30-minute Men's Final. Cibilic couldn't put a foot wrong the whole event and used his lethal backhand attack to overcome event favourite and top seed, Jacob Willcox in the Semifinals before continuing the onslaught against Nagtzaam. Morgan executed a barrage of giant backside snaps and took to the air, scoring an excellent 8.75 and 7.75 on his way to an impressive 16.50 heat total (from a possible 20).
"This is my first QS win ever and it's my first QS final as well," said a stoked Cibilic. "The waves have been firing for the past couple of days and I'm over the moon to surf in the final with Duke who I've been travelling with this year."
Morgan Cibilic was loving the left-handers on offer at Avalon. - WSL / Justin Majeks
Duke Nagtzaam finished as the highest placed West Australian male surfer, posting a career best result in the process. Nagtzzam's lightning-fast snaps and carves help him post a combined total of 12.80 (from a possible 20), but was left chasing a near perfect 9.95 to snatch victory off Cibilic.
"I'm really stoked, it's so good to get a result at home," said Nagtzaam. "I've been trying to make a final for the past year and to finally breakthrough is so good."
Duke Nagtzaam's smooth forehand suited the waves on Finals Day. - WSL / Justin Majeks
Sophie Fletcher also tasted success, capturing the biggest win of her career with victory at the first ever Mandurah Pro. Fletcher was able to gain the upper hand against WA surfer Emma Cattlin thanks to a decent 6.00 wave score for a series of strong backhand snaps. Cattlin never gave up and despite her best efforts just 0.15 separated the two when the final siren sounded.
"This is my best result ever, and I couldn't be happier," said Fletcher. "The waves have really turned it on, this is my first time to Mandurah and I'll have fond memories of this place forever now."
Sophie Fletcher chaired to victory for her first QS win. - WSL / Justin Majeks
Emma Cattlin proved she's one of WA's best female surfing prospects finishing in second in her first WSL QS event.
"I never thought I'd make it this far so it's like a dream come true for me," said Cattlin. "I love QS event, 30 minute heats, man-on-man, priority it's just so good. I can't wait for the next event in Yallingup."
Sophie Fletcher attacking on her backhand. - WSL / Justin Majeks
The Mandurah Pro was the opening event of the Western Australia Pro Surf Series and is the first WSL QS event to be held in WA since 2014. The WA Pro Surf Series continues next in Yallingup with the Cape Naturaliste Pro waiting period set to commence on Thursday and run through to Sunday.
"It's been great to see Mandurah turn on some great waves for this event and I congratulate our two champions," said Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks. "Thanks to the great support of the local community we look forward to bring professional surfing back to Mandurah bigger and better in 2019."
Morgan Cibilic & Sophie Fletcher Claim Maiden QS Victories In West Aus
Justin Majeks
Morgan Cibilic and Sophie Fletcher claimed victory at the inaugural Mandurah Pro, following an exciting final day of competition in clean two-to-three feet waves at Avalon Point.
Cibilic proved unstoppable in Mandurah, claiming his maiden win on the WSL Qualifying Series (QS), defeating Duke Nagtzaam in a 30-minute Men's Final. Cibilic couldn't put a foot wrong the whole event and used his lethal backhand attack to overcome event favourite and top seed, Jacob Willcox in the Semifinals before continuing the onslaught against Nagtzaam. Morgan executed a barrage of giant backside snaps and took to the air, scoring an excellent 8.75 and 7.75 on his way to an impressive 16.50 heat total (from a possible 20).
"This is my first QS win ever and it's my first QS final as well," said a stoked Cibilic. "The waves have been firing for the past couple of days and I'm over the moon to surf in the final with Duke who I've been travelling with this year."
Duke Nagtzaam finished as the highest placed West Australian male surfer, posting a career best result in the process. Nagtzzam's lightning-fast snaps and carves help him post a combined total of 12.80 (from a possible 20), but was left chasing a near perfect 9.95 to snatch victory off Cibilic.
"I'm really stoked, it's so good to get a result at home," said Nagtzaam. "I've been trying to make a final for the past year and to finally breakthrough is so good."
Sophie Fletcher also tasted success, capturing the biggest win of her career with victory at the first ever Mandurah Pro. Fletcher was able to gain the upper hand against WA surfer Emma Cattlin thanks to a decent 6.00 wave score for a series of strong backhand snaps. Cattlin never gave up and despite her best efforts just 0.15 separated the two when the final siren sounded.
"This is my best result ever, and I couldn't be happier," said Fletcher. "The waves have really turned it on, this is my first time to Mandurah and I'll have fond memories of this place forever now."
Emma Cattlin proved she's one of WA's best female surfing prospects finishing in second in her first WSL QS event.
"I never thought I'd make it this far so it's like a dream come true for me," said Cattlin. "I love QS event, 30 minute heats, man-on-man, priority it's just so good. I can't wait for the next event in Yallingup."
The Mandurah Pro was the opening event of the Western Australia Pro Surf Series and is the first WSL QS event to be held in WA since 2014. The WA Pro Surf Series continues next in Yallingup with the Cape Naturaliste Pro waiting period set to commence on Thursday and run through to Sunday.
"It's been great to see Mandurah turn on some great waves for this event and I congratulate our two champions," said Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks. "Thanks to the great support of the local community we look forward to bring professional surfing back to Mandurah bigger and better in 2019."
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