Lakey Peterson competes in Australia at Bells Beach. (ASP Photo)
Santa Barbara?s Lakey Peterson turned in one of the best performances of her young pro career on the ASP Women?s World Championship Tour at the Rip Curl Women?s Pro Bells Beach in Australia.
Carissa Moore topped Lakey in the semifinals before winning the title over Tyler Wright. (ASP Photo)
Peterson advanced to the semifinals, where she fell short in an epic battle with former world champion Carissa Moore of Hawaii. Surfing in 4- to 6-foot waves, they fought it out in one of the highest-scoring heats in the history of women?s surfing. Moore won 18.67 to 18.50.
Peterson?s third-place finish is her best in Australia in her two years on the tour. Her placement vaulted her from ninth to sixth in the point standings. Moore, which beat Australia?s Tyler Wright for the Bells Beach title (15.40-8.00) is the leader.
Peterson edged Austrlia?s Sally Fitzgibbons in the quarterfinals (16.43-16.10).
The ASP said Peterson ?was electric throughout (the) competition, consistently posting excellent scores en route to her semifinal clash with Moore.?
On the impressive semifinal, Peterson, 18, told the ASP: ?That was probably the most exciting heat of my life. I was out of it for so long and then was able to come back with two big scores. It?s disappointing to rally and fall short, but that?s competition and congratulations to Carissa. Good result though and I?ll carry that with me to New Zealand.?
Peterson will compete this week at the TSB Bank NZ Surf Festival, the fourth of seven stops on the Women?s World Championship Tour.
