WSL Portugal Pro: Brooks stuns Simmers in quarterfinals

Brooks stuns Simmers, advances to first semifinal

Erin Brooks (CAN) pulled off the biggest upset of the event, taking down reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) in a slow, wave-starved heat as the $2.10 underdog with BetOnline.

Simmers got off to a quick start, but Brooks capitalised on one of the longest lefts of the heat, stringing together snappy turns before backing it up with a crisp two-turn backhand combo.

“I made a lot of mistakes in that heat,” Brooks admitted.

“Going up against Caity is nerve-wracking, but we’ve known each other for so long that it was still fun. When you get a good wave and hear the score, you build confidence.”

Picklum, Marks, and Bryan charge into semifinals

The betting app favourites were in fine form as Picklum, Marks and Bryan all cruised along to the semis.

Molly Picklum (AUS) continued her stellar run, overpowering Tyler Wright (AUS) with massive hacks in offshore-groomed conditions.

The result marks Picklum’s third consecutive semifinals appearance this season.

Meanwhile, Caroline Marks (USA) dominated Johanne Defay (FRA) in their head-to-head battle, using her powerful backhand to secure her first semifinal berth of 2025.

“It was so much fun to compete against Johanne,” Marks said.

“She’s such a good surfer and human. I have a lot of respect for her. Conditions changed so much from my warm-up, so I had to adapt quickly.”

Defay, a former Peniche champion, surfing four months pregnant, reflected on the emotional significance of her performance.

“It’s so special to be here,” Defay shared.

“This process is full of uncertainties, but there was no pressure. I just wanted to be here and enjoy it.”

In another slow-scoring battle, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) held her composure to edge out Rookie Bella Kenworthy (USA) and secure back-to-back semifinal appearances following her third-place finish in Abu Dhabi.

WSL Portugal Pro Day 3 highlights

Robinson finds magic in Supertubos as swell builds

The overlapping format allowed the men’s competition to capitalise on the growing swell, with overhead barrels emerging down the beach.

Jack Robinson (AUS) made the most of the increasing power, locking into two monstrous tubes to leave Ian Gentil (HAW) in a combination situation.

Robinson posted a near-excellent 8.17, adjusting to the rapidly shifting lineup.

“It was crazy, because this morning it was so small,” Robinson said.

“I had to keep picking up bigger boards. The transformation of this wave is insane.”

As conditions deteriorated with stronger onshore winds, Liam O’Brien (AUS) outlasted Crosby Colapinto (USA) in a grindy battle, while Yago Dora (BRA) edged out Samuel Pupo (BRA) in Heat 3 before competition was called off for the day due to challenging conditions.

“It’s one of those waves where you have to be adaptable and just improvise,” O’Brien noted. “That’s been my approach, and so far, so good.”

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s quarterfinal results

• HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.10 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 8.60
• HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.93 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.93
• HEAT 3: Erin Brooks (CAN) 12.67 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.40
• HEAT 4: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 7.70 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 6.06

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s round of 32 results

• HEAT 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.67 DEF. Ian Gentil (HAW) 2.83
• HEAT 2: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 9.80 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 8.40
• HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 7.57 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 7.10

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal women’s semifinal matchups & odds

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal men’s round of 32 matchups & odds