DEE WHY, Sydney / Australia (Monday 26th April, 2010)- Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, defeated world no.2 Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 19, to triumph in the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic in Sydney, Australia today.
In a thrilling climax to event no.4 of the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, Gilmore came from behind to win. Gilmore made a perfect start to the 35-minute decider netting a 7.00 before Sally hit back to take the lead for the majority of the final.
With just under five minutes remaining and holding wave priority, Gilmore took a set wave to take the win with a 7.20 and claim her third Beachley Classic title.
“I was pretty nervous throughout the final. Sally (Fitzgibbons) has been on fire all week and she really has a good local support base in Sydney. She’s so hungry for a win.” said Gilmore
Gilmore finished with a two-wave combined total of 14.20 (out of a possible 20) to Sally's 12.40 total.
Sally picked up 972 ratings points and US$10,000 for second place, her second runner-up finish in the past two events. Sally has also cemented herself in No.2 on the World ratings after a solid start to the 2010 season, building on a 5th on Gold Coast in March, and a third at Bells Beach before a runner-up finish in New Zealand a fortnight ago.
“It’s a little frustrating to get back-to-back seconds,” said Sally. “But I’m so happy to be in the situation to reach the final and eventually go down to Steph (Gilmore). I’m happy with the result, but am looking forward to the next event.”
Despite a runner-up finish, Fitzgibbons remains upbeat with her ASP world no.2 status.
“Being world no.2 is a great place to be at this stage of the year,” said Fitzgibbons. “I haven’t been this high on the rankings before, but I’m definitely closer to where I want to be.”
Sally heads to Europe in a week to compete in two 6 Star qualifying events in Portugal and France before taking a short break and getting ready for the Peru World Tour event.

FINAL RESULTS:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.20 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.40

SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.97 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 10.16

QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.84 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.23

ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 8: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.75 def. Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 7.85