Gilmore Wins Roxy Pro Gold Coast, Takes ASP Women’s World Tour Lead

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 21, reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion, has won the Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile, defeating Melanie Bartels (HAW), 26, in the final to claim the inaugural event on the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour.

Gilmore wasted no time in the final, securing the day’s high single-wave score of a 9.57 out of a possible 10 on her opening wave for a fluid series of fin releases and power carves.

Gilmore’s victory today at Snapper Rocks marks her fourth consecutive win on the ASP Women’s World Tour, having claimed the last three events of the 2008 season, and puts her well on the path to a third consecutive ASP Women’s World Title.

The Quiksilver Pro presented by LG Mobile was also held today with eight heats of round three being completed.

Kelly Slater’s bid for an unprecedented 10th world title has gotten off to a shaky start with the nine-time’s world champion eliminated by event wildcard Julian Wilson in the most dramatic heat of the day.

Keep checking back for full results, hi-res images and video highlights!