The ASP World Championship Tour season begins at Snapper Rocks this weekend, with the Roxy Pro and Quiksilver Pro. Last year's women's runner-up Sally Fitzgibbons (pictured above, centre) aims to go one better in 2012.
The famous Gold Coast right-hander of Snapper Rocks will play host to best male and female surfers in the world over the next few days and Fitzgibbons comes into the Roxy Pro on a high after winning the Australian Open of Surfing last weekend.
“We had a long offseason between the last event in August and the first one coming up here this week but it felt like it went by quickly,” Fitzgibbons said.
“My training and preparation for this season was obviously disrupted when I fractured my wrist in Fiji so I didn’t get to spend as much time in the water as I would have liked to. That said, it’s feeling much better and definitely winning the Australian Open last week was a huge boost of confidence for me.”
The talented natural-footer has finished ASP Women’s World Runner-Up in back-to-back seasons, but went on a winning spree last year, collecting three elite tour victories along the way.
'I feel like I’m in a position to challenge for the ASP Women’s World Title in 2012' – Sally Fitzgibbons
“The world title is the goal,” Fitzgibbons said. “That’s what I’ve always been focused on and I feel like I’ve been building a steady momentum through the last few seasons.
"Winning those events last year was a big monkey off my back and really helped with my confidence. I feel like I’m in a position to challenge for the ASP Women’s World Title in 2012.”
Fitzgibbons will face Paige Hareb (NZL), 21, and Sarah Mason (NZL), 16, in the opening round of competition.
In the Quiksilver Pro men's competition, there's a stellar match-up in the opening round between local favourite and world championship runner-up Joel Parkinson and the returning Dane Reynolds.
Reynolds (USA) was given one of two wildcards to the event after deciding to sit out the ASP World Tour in 2012.
He is widely regarded as one of the most creative and talented surfers on the planet ensuring local favourite Parkinson has a major battle to open the event.
Parkinson and Reynolds will be joined by Adam Melling (Aus) in the fifth heat of Round 1.
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Sally Fitzgibbons in action in the Australian Open final © ASP/Robertson
Want more?
- ASP World Tour website
- ASP World Surfing Awards
- Sally wins the Australian Open of Surfing
- More surfing on redbull.com
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