Australian Stephanie Gilmore has won her eighth world surfing title, making her the most successful women's champion in history.
She had been tied with fellow Aussie Layne Beachley on seven titles, but after beating Hawaiian Carissa Moore in both heats of their title match, Gilmore stands alone at the top of the pile.
"This is the greatest event of my life, the greatest achievement of my career," Gilmore said.
"It was just a wild day. It was almost ridiculous to think it was possible."
Moore was the reigning champion from 2021 and 2019 (the 2020 championship was cancelled due to COVID-19), with Gilmore's previous title coming in 2018.
Gilmore won her first crown in 2007, taking over directly from the end of Beachley's era, and she won four in a row through 2010.
She traded championships with Moore, wining in 2012 and 2014, before adding 2018's title and now 2022's, although it was a battle in the World Surf League Finals at Lower Trestles in California.
Gilmore won four matches to claim the world title, while compatriots Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson fell to Brazilian Ítalo Ferreira, who then missed out on the world title against compatriot Filipe Toledo, who won both of their heats for his first championship.
Gilmore also had some early stumbles, coming from behind to win her first two matches.
After her opening last-gasp win over Costa Rican Brisa Hennessy, Gilmore narrowly beat Brazilian Tatiana Weston-Webb.
Gilmore, the fifth seed, struggled early against Hennessy with a couple of falls but pulled out a 6.83 ride with 40 seconds left to beat her by 0.43 of a point.
Gilmore also trailed Weston-Webb, but took the lead with 10 minutes left.
Weston-Webb needed a 7.31 to beat Gilmore and they traded waves inside the last two minutes.
The Brazilian scored a 6.8, meaning Gilmore won 15.30 to 14.87.
Gilmore then easily beat Johanne Defay of France 16.83 to 10.53, putting her into the title decider against Moore.
She paid tribute to Beachley, describing her fellow Australian as a trailblazer.
"She's an amazing woman," Gilmore said.
"It was such an honour to share the seven record with her, but I knew eventually I could make the eight and make it happen.
"It's really cool to have the support of Laine. She paved the way for us.
"She showed us that you can win six in a row. Kelly (Slater) didn't even do that.
"She's a really strong character, and I appreciate what she's done for women's surfing and female athletes around the world.
"It was a true honour today to be able to surpass that seven and make the eight. I hope I did her proud."
On the men's side, Toledo became the fourth Brazilian to be crowned since Mick Fanning was the last Australian male to win the world title in 2013
Brazilians have won five of the last seven world titles, with Gabriel Medina (2014, '18, '21), Adriano de Souza (2015) and Ferreira (2019) the others.
ABC/AAP
