Gilmore loses crown after four-year reign

STEPHANIE Gilmore's four-year reign as women's world champion is over, with the Australian eliminated from the race for this year's title at the WCT event in Brazil. 
Gilmore lost her chance at a fifth world crown when knocked out by compatriot Sally Fitzgibbons in the semi-finals at the Rio Pro.
The Gold Coast surfer needed to at least match ratings leader Carissa Moore's finish in Brazil to keep her world title hopes alive, but the Hawaiian's victory extended her lead over Fitzgibbons at the top of the ratings.
"I'm going through so many emotions right now, it's hard," Gilmore said.
"Its been a pretty good year and Sally and Carissa have been on fire. It's good for the sport and good for me. I really don't know what to say."
Moore has now figured in all five finals held so far this year, and a solid 8.10 early in the final against Fitzgibbons set her on her way to her third victory of the season.
She won with a total of 14.87 points to 13.80.
Moore's win gives her a lead of more than 6000 points over Fitzgibbons with just two events remaining.
Only Fitzgibbons has a mathematical chance of catching the 18-year-old. The last female Hawaiian world champion was Margo Oberg in 1981.
"I just went out there and had fun and to me there was no pressure in the final," Moore said.
"Obviously, I'm happy that I won. The girls really didn't go on those lefts, but they worked out for me today."
Silvana Lima, 26, put on an impressive performance in front of her hometown crowd to match her best result of the year. The talented Brazilian was beaten by Moore in their semi-final and was happy to tie her best result of the season at her home event.
AAP