Carissa Moore and Italo Ferreira win Rip Curl Newcastle Cup
The two reigning world champions claimed their first wins of the 2021 season in Australia
Surfing
Victory is sweet for Carissa Moore and Italo Ferreira.
The two surfing world champions have returned to triumph, winning the first competition in the Australian leg of the WSL Championship tour in Newcastle.
Their success marks a great start to the year for the duo, with both heading to Tokyo 2020 for surfing's Olympic debut in July.
It is Moore's 24th Championship Tour victory, equalling Wendy Botha's record.
The four-time world champion American was impressive throughout the competition and particularly in the quarterfinals with her air reverse, which is being recognised as a game-changer in the progression of women's surfing.
And her dominance only continued in the final against Australian rookie Isabella Nichols.
“I really want to dedicate this win to my family, and in particular, to my grandma,” Moore told WSL.
“She passed away just before we came to Australia, so this one is for her.
"This just feels amazing to be standing number one at the end of this event. I really didn’t expect it. It was a really fun final with Isabella. I want to congratulate her on such an awesome result in her rookie season. I’m looking forward to the next event, and hopefully, keep some momentum.”
Moore heads to the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic as world number one.
Italo Ferreira back on top
Brazil's Italo Ferreira is now the men's world number one after defeating two-time world champion and fellow Brazilian Gabriel Medina in the final.
Medina got the better of Ferreira at the Billabong Pipe Masters in December but was able to come out on top this time around.
“It’s been such a good few weeks competing here with all of these guys. It’s been such a good event. I love to surf heats with Gabriel. He is a machine and he pushes me so much, so it’s always fun to compete against him,'' Ferreira told the WSL.
The Championship Tour format was revamped this season, changing the way world champions are crowned.
After the 'regular season' ends in August, a surf-off will take place at Lower Trestles in California in September.
The new WSL Finals sees the five men and five women with the most points compete for the world title in a one-day surf-off, winner takes all.
"I know I’m number one now but that doesn’t matter, as long as I have a spot for the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Trestles, then I have a shot at another Title.” - Italo Ferreira