WSL Portugal Pro: Quarterfinals set after Day 2 battles

Marks, Picklum, and Wright Charge Into Women’s Quarterfinals

Caroline Marks (USA), a former World Champion and Gold Medalist for the Paris Olympics, found her rhythm in the Round of 16, using her precise backhand attack to defeat Isabella Nichols (AUS).

“It kind of feels like home, it’s a lot better than Florida so I’m psyched on it,” Marks said.

“I surfed a brand new board, and it felt really good. The conditions will probably be completely different next time, so I’ll just try and stay in the moment.”

Meanwhile, Molly Picklum (AUS) secured her third consecutive Quarterfinal appearance, edging out Luana Silva (BRA) in a tight battle.

“It’s Portugal, it’s beachies, and I feel like I trust my surfing,” Picklum said.

“Luana came out strong, so I knew it was going to be a fight. I’m happy to keep progressing.”

In an all-Australian clash, two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) took down Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) despite battling illness.

“I haven’t been feeling great, so I didn’t have much more than two waves in me,” Wright admitted.

“Every wave I took off her was a win for me. Hopefully, I’ll bounce back tomorrow.”

Defay, Simmers stay in Sync at Supertubos

Defending event champion Johanne Defay (FRA) kept her title defense alive, defeating Vahine Fierro (FRA) with excellent wave selection and execution.

“I got one wave that really opened up, but the rest was tough,” Defay said. “I wanted to stay away from Vahine and just surf my own waves. I’m super happy to get the win.”

Caity Simmers (USA), the current World No. 1, continued her explosive run in the Yellow Jersey, throwing down some of the most progressive surfing in the women’s draw.

A clean frontside straight air, scoring 7.67, sealed her win over wildcard Yolanda Hopkins (POR).

“This is what I practice for every day,” Simmers said.

“We only get a couple of days like this on Tour. I love surfing, I love competing, and I don’t want to stop.”

WSL Portugal Pro Day 2 Highlights

Late Heat Drama Shapes Men’s Round of 32

Rookie Marco Mignot (FRA) held his nerve in a grinding heat, advancing with Seth Moniz (HAW) as 2023 event winner Joao Chianca (BRA) was eliminated.

“It’s tough to spot the good waves,” Mignot said. “I want to keep learning and growing. These challenges make you stronger.”

Liam O’Brien (AUS) edged into first place in his Elimination Round heat, narrowly surpassing Edgard Groggia (BRA).

Meanwhile, Samuel Pupo (BRA) advanced ahead of Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and George Pittar (AUS), with Boukhiam clinching second place in a last-minute exchange.

“Speed is the main thing in my surfing, so I use that to my advantage,” Pupo said. “It’s been a tricky year, but I feel like I’m starting fresh now.”

Deivid Silva (BRA) delivered an explosive backhand performance, eliminating event wildcard and local favorite Frederico Morais (POR).

“Every heat win is important for points, so I’m really happy to continue,” Silva said.

Bryan and Kenworthy Secure Final Women’s Quarterfinal Spots

Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) claimed the final two Quarterfinal spots in close matchups.

Kenworthy overcame 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) in the dying minutes to advance.

“I’m just trying to take it heat by heat,” Kenworthy said. “I want to make sure I surf each wave well.”

Meanwhile, Bryan edged out Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in a nail-biter, marking her second consecutive Quarterfinal appearance after a third-place finish in the WSL Abu Dhabi Pro.

“As cliché as it sounds, I’m taking it one heat at a time,” Bryan said.

“I can’t focus on what’s next—just the moment.”

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Opening Round Results

• HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.73 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 8.04, Lakey Peterson (USA) 7.90
• HEAT 2: Erin Brooks (CAN) 10.17 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 8.33, Luana Silva (BRA) 6.94
• HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 10.24 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 7.97, Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 7.64
• HEAT 4: Vahine Fierro (FRA) 9.67 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 9.50, Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 8.33
• HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.33 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 8.80, Bella Kenworthy (USA) 7.83
• HEAT 6: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 7.50 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 5.27, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 4.30

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Elimination Round Results

• HEAT 1: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 8.50 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 8.33, Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 5.30
• HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 9.80 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.60, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 8.56

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Round of 16 Results

• HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 13.24 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 7.90
• HEAT 2: Johanne Defay (FRA) 9.37 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 9.00
• HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) 11.03 DEF. Luana Silva (BRA) 8.87
• HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.67 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 6.54
• HEAT 5: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.24 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 8.03
• HEAT 6: Erin Brooks (CAN) 13.67 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.34
• HEAT 7: Bella Kenworthy (USA) 11.33 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 8.37
• HEAT 8: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.06 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.00

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Elimination Round Results

• HEAT 1: Deivid Silva (BRA) 12.43 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 9.73, Frederico Morais (POR) 8.07
• HEAT 2: Marco Mignot (FRA) 9.40 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.50, Joao Chianca (BRA) 8.37
• HEAT 3: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 11.63 DEF. Edgard Groggia (BRA) 11.27, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 6.80
• HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 11.50 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 11.33, George Pittar (AUS) 11.06

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups & Odds

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Round of 32 Matchups & Odds