Hawaii's Carissa Moore captures pro surf meet in New Zealand
Advertiser Staff
Carissa Moore of Honolulu turned in a near-perfect final to win the TSB Bank Women's Surf Festival contest today at New Zealand.
The final day of the three-day contest was completed in 3- to 6-foot waves at Fitzroy Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand.
Moore defeated Australia's Sally Fitzgibbons in the one-on-one final, 19.16-16.17.
Moore received a near-perfect score of 9.33 (out of 10) early in the heat to give her a lead she would not relinquish. Midway through the heat, Moore secured the win with a 9.83.
Moore, who is a senior at Punahou School, is in her rookie season on the ASP Women's World Tour. It is her first victory of the year.
Moore won three heats today, including a quarterfinal victory over Wai'anae's Melanie Bartels.
Moore, 17, received $15,000 for the victory, and moved up to No. 6 in the overall rankings for the 2010 ASP Women's World Tour.
Australia's Stephanie Gilmore is ranked No. 1. Bartels is Hawai'i's top-ranked surfer at No. 4.