Sally Fitzgibbons joins Kelly Slater as victims of WSL mid-season cut

Australian stalwart Sally Fitzgibbons has missed the World Surf League’s mid-season cut for a second straight year after bowing out to white-hot American Caroline Marks in the quarter-finals of the Margaret River Pro.

The 32-year Fitzgibbons would have guaranteed herself a spot in the top 10 had she advanced to the semi-finals at Margaret River. The former world No 1 made a great start on Sunday, edging out young American Caitlin Simmers in the round of 16. But Marks proved a bridge too far in the quarters, with the 21-year-old goofy-footer claiming a dominant 16.50 to 9.96 victory.

The news was better for eight-time world champ Stephanie Gilmore, who locked in her top-10 slot by downing Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan in the round of 16.

“Far out, it’s so stressful,” said Gilmore, “o go from winning the title last year to being back on the bubble again. Maybe it’s a nice little theory - sneak into 10th place, just sneak into fifth and finish No 1. I’m stoked to make the cut and there’s some great events after the cut.”

Later in the day, Gilmore lost her all-Australian quarter-final to Tyler Wright 14.36-9.84, but her chances of a record-extending ninth world title remain alive. Wright will be looking for successive victories after her Bells Beach title and will take on American Caroline Marks in the final four while Bronte Macaulay, who grew up in Gracetown right near Margaret River, will face Hawaiian Carissa Moore.

The top 22 men’s field was decided after their third round was completed on Saturday.

A round-of-16 berth was enough for Liam O’Brien, knocking out Kelly Slater on Saturday to cement his status. But that was as far as he got, beaten by Griffin Colapinto in a high-scoring heat, 15.1 to 14.06 on Sunday.

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