Carissa Moore (HAW), 21, and Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, will face off for the 2013 ASP Women’s World Title this week at the EDP Cascais Girls Pro presented by Billabong.
CARCAVELOS, Cascais/Portugal (Wednesday, October 2, 2013) – The world’s best female surfers have arrived in Portugal for the eighth and final stop on the 2013 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT), the EDP Cascais Girls Pro presented by Billabong.
Running from October 3 – 7, 2013 and held at the primary venue of Carcavelos and the secondary venue of Guincho, the EDP Cascais Girls Pro will decide the 2013 ASP Women’s World Champion as well as the 2014 ASP Top 17.
Carissa Moore (HAW), 21, current ASP Women’s WCT No. 1, has had a sensational year in 2013, posting wins at Margaret River, Bells Beach and Huntington Beach. The young Hawaiian will look to cap off a great year at this week’s EDP Cascais Girls Pro.
“I’m happy to be back to this area – it is very beautiful and has wonderful culture,” Moore said. “I’m stoked that we get to finish off the tour here. The waves can be really fun and challenging and I’m looking for a strong finish to end the year.”
Moore sits a mere 200 points ahead of her next opponent on the ASP Women’s WCT rankings and will need a strong result to hoist the 2013 ASP Women’s World Title.
“I’ve thought about it more than Tyler (Wright) but I’m excited,” Moore said. “I’m here to have fun and surf. I have to admit that I really want it (the world title) because my dad promised me a puppy.”
Moore has drawn fellow Hawaiian Malia Manuel (HAW), 20, and wildcard Teresa Bonvalot (PRT), 13, in the opening round of competition.
Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, current ASP Women’s WCT No. 2, is well within the hunt for this year’s world surfing crown and a solid finish in Portugal could see the young Australian hoist the ASP Women’s World Title for the first time ever.
“I dont really think about it,” Wright said. “Numbers don’t really matter to me. I love to see the girls surfing and pushing the limits. I’m here to surf and have fun and experience Portugal. Let’s see what the week brings.”
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 22, winner of last week’s ASP Women’s WCT event in Hossegor and current ASP Women’s WCT No. 3, has been on fire during the latter half of 2013 and has the momentum heading into the final event of the year.
“It was fantastic event in France and to win with Roxy family was very special,” Fitzgibbons said. “Hopefully I can replicate that here and the waves clear up. There is a lot of potential out there and the girls on tour are all so good. I have some great boards under my feet though and I’m very much looking forward to getting competition underway.”
Fitzgibbons will take on Laura Enever (AUS), 21, and Rebecca Woods (AUS), 29, in the opening round of competition.
Courtney Conlogue (USA), 21, leads the California charge on tour, posting a win in New Zealand this year and currently sitting No. 4 on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour rankings.
“I’ve had a strong year,” Conlogue said. “I’m finishing with a long leg in Europe and I would love nothing more than to take out a win in Portugal. We’ll see what this week brings.”
Conlogue will face Pauline Ado (FRA), 22, and Sage Erickson (USA), 22, in Round 1 of competition.
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 25, reigning five-time ASP Women’s World Champion, has bowed out of this year’s world title race but is still considered a threat at every venue on tour.
“I’m out of the race and the pressure is off,” Gilmore said. “It’s a different position to be out of the race but I hope to get some good waves and put on a good show. It should be a good finish between Tyler (Wright) and Carissa (Moore). They’ve been impressive all year.”
Gilmore will open up EDP Cascais Girls Pro competition against rookie Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), 19, and Silvana Lima (BRA), 28, in the Heat 1 of Round 1.
Event organizers will convene at 7:30am at Carcavelos to assess conditions for a possible 8am start.
The EDP Cascais Girls Pro presented by Billabong runs from October 3 – 7, 2013 and will be webcast LIVE via www.aspeurope.com/edpcascais
