Round One of the women’s competition at the 2017 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro got off to a flying start on Thursday as reigning champion Tyler Wright (AUS) took on local wildcard Laura Macaulay and 2016 Rookie of the Year Keely Andrew (AUS) in the first heat at Main Break.
Wright showed why she has continued her meteoric rise since “knuckling down” early last year, securing the 2016 Margaret River Pro title and displaying a far more measured, selective approach to her surfing than her early days of competition.
The smart and patient surfing paid off for Wright, who advanced directly to Round Three with the highest score of the day of 16.34 to Macaulay’s 11.34 and Andrew’s 7.83.
“I calculated the win into my plan and knew that that was going to be a factor,” Wright said.
“I tried to choose my waves as smart as possible.”
Wright said she noticed a difference in her measured approach to the contest.
“I feel like this is my second year of really paying attention, having a plan and taking it all in,” she said. “I am excited for that side and excited to do my thing.”
Last year’s runner up Courtney Conlogue (USA) advanced while local favourite Bronte Macaulay will join sister Laura in Round Two after a third placing in her heat against Malia Manuel (HAW) and Johanne Defay (FRA).
The remaining Round One heats are expected to continue later this week, as competition was called off after Wright’s clinical performance in the third heat of the women’s event.
Event organisers will convene on Friday morning to make a decision on the day’s heats, with a new swell expected to peak late Friday and into Saturday.
