Melanie Bartels wins ASP surfing contest in Brazil
Hawaii's Melanie Bartels prevailed over Peru's Sofia Mulanovich today in the final of the Billabong Girls Pro Rio in hollow two- to four-foot waves at Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro.
It was the fourth of eight ASP Women's World Tour events, and the win vaulted Bartels from 14th to sixth in the standings.
Mulanovich, a former world champion, solidified her place at No. 2, while Australia's Stephanie Gilmore, the reigning world champion who lost to Bartels in the semifinals, retained her top ranking.
The rifling barrels allowed for some thrilling tube rides and suited Bartels, pictured above, who collected only her second triumph on the elite circuit.
“It’s an amazing feeling and I’m just overwhelmed right now,” she said. “My last win was in 2006 as a wild card at Sunset so to be able to come out on top today, in these conditions, is really special."
Her semifinal heat against Gilmore was described by some as the best heat in women’s professional surfing history. Bartels registered a best-two-waves score of 19 out of a possible 20. Gilmore's score was 18.50 and included a perfect 10.
For highlights, check out the event website.
The tour now moves to Sydney, Australia, for the Beachley Classic Oct. 9-14.
-- Pete Thomas
Photo credit: ASP Morris/Covered Images
Caption: Hawaii's Melanie Bartels gets covered up en route to winning the Billabong Girls Pro Rio contest in Brazil.
