Bells ring for Wright and Toledo in surfing

Tyler Wright (AUS) and Filipe Toledo (BRA) won the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach this past weekend. This is the fourth stop of the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour. 

Both surfers adapted perfectly to the move, and competition saw three-to-four foot conditions finishing in two-to-three foot waves. Two-time WSL Champion, Tyler Wright, finally claimed her first Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach title. She has won 15 CT events and posted excellent scores throughout the competition. 

During the last heat of the event, she took on three-time Bells winner and reigning five-time WSL Champion, Carissa Moore (HAW). During the first exchange, Wright posted an 8.93 (out of 10) in the opening seconds of the heat, and then backed it up with an 8.00, leaving Moore chasing her for the remainder of the heat. This is Wright’s first CT victory since the opening of the 2021 season, and she has rocketed to second position in the world rankings.

“Honestly this means the world right now. I want to start by thanking the Wadawurrung people for having us here in their country this week. This is an emotional win for me. I’ve won two World Titles but this win feels almost as big for me.” -Tyler Wright

Carissa Moore is back to the top

Surfing five time world Champion Carissa Moore headed into the Final with high hopes of earning another victory to her three Bells titles and join four-time Bells Winners Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Kelly Slater and Mark Richards. However, she was unable to find the same rhythm as her opponent and ended second. 

Nonetheless, the surfer is back in the top of the standings, holding her first position and in the campaign to win her sixth World Championship. She left Victoria with the yellow leader jersey before heading to Margaret River, a location where she has found huge success. 

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Toledo moves to the top of the CT Rankings

Filipo Toledo (BRA) came to the 2022 event with the idea of ringing the iconic Bell. He came up against CT rookie Callum Robson, who was on a devastating form. However, this was no match for Toledo as he claimed his maiden Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach title and took the top spot on the world rankings. 

“I’m really happy to be back here, it’s been an amazing week. I couldn’t be happier with this birthday present. After I beat John (Florence) I had that extra confidence going into the next few heats which was exciting. It was cool to share a Final with Callum.” -Filipo Toledo

Callum Robson has made a major achievement as well and his spot in the Final is proof of his surfing skills. This has granted him the sixth place on the rankings. 

What comes now? 

After these first five events of the 2022 CT season, the mid-season Cut reduces the CT fields to the top 22 men and top 10 women, in addition to two wildcards. After this event, the first competitors to make the cut are locked. The next stop in the Margaret River Pro will be the final chance for the remaining CT surfers to make the cut. 

There are six spots left on the women’s CT and nine spots on the men’s CT to be decided at Margaret River Pro. This opens on April 24 and holds competition through May 4, 2022. 

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