Nichols Goes Back-to-Back at GWM Sydney Surf Pro
Only three weeks after falling short of the Mid-season Cut and being relegated from the Championship Tour to the Challenger Series, Isabella Nichols (AUS) has bounced back with a massive win at North Narrabeen, her second at this location in as many years. Nichols looked on point all week, posting solid scores and taking down some of the event's big names, including Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), in the Semifinals. Nichols’ win today has locked her in a second on the Challenger Series rankings and, along with her third-place finish on the Gold Coast, has put her in a great position to find her way back to the CT by the year’s end.
“There’s a lot going through my mind right now,” Nichols said. “I came into this event feeling really positive and good about things, which has worked for me. Last year, I came into this event feeling super down, and that obviously worked for me, but it is nice to have less pressure and emotion being in the same position and still getting a result. It’s been so good being in such a good headspace compared to last year. It just shows, regardless of your headspace, if you go through the process, you can get it done.”
Nichols saved her best performance for last when she came up against the form surfer of the Challenger Series, Erin Brooks (CAN). Nichols surfed a smart heat, holding on to priority for long stretches and executing on the best-set waves of the matchup. Brooks was left needing a solid score and almost got it with a huge frontside full-rotation air-reverse but fell, leaving Nichols to take the win with a two-wave total of 15.27 (out of a possible 20). Today’s result locks Nichols in at second on the rankings ahead of the next event in South Africa, the Ballito Pro.
“I want to give a shout-out to Erin Brooks," said Nichols. "She inspires me so much, and I feel so fortunate to have spent time with her over the last few years. She is so dedicated, so driven, and so incredibly talented. She’s like a little sister to me, and I’ve really enjoyed spending time with her over the last few weeks. I also just want to thank Matt (Grainger), who has been coaching me this week. The energy he brings is amazing, and it obviously works for me with two wins now.” |
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