Molly Picklum may have lost at Bells Beach but she's not ready to hand over the yellow jersey as World Surf League No.1 just yet.
The 20-year-old fell in the final on Tuesday against two-time world champion Tyler Wright, but she still managed to extend her lead at the top of the women's rankings.
Picklum was outsurfed by Wright who claimed back to back Bells trophies, but the NSW Central Coast surfer said the loss had only made her more hungry for success.
"It's a super special event and I wish that I got to ring the bell but no-one better to beat me than Tyler, and she is in form too," Picklum told AAP.
"Tyler is coming for me along with everyone (else) because in women's surfing everyone wants to be at the top, but I want to stay there so the fight's on for sure."
Rather than feel the pressure of being the rankings leader, Picklum says she embraces the top title and the pressure it comes with.
Picklum missed the mid-season cut last year when the women's field was reduced to 12 and had to battle her way back through the challenger series.
She hasn't finished lower than fifth at an event this year, winning at Hawaii's Sunset Beach.
"Absolutely - I enjoy it," she said.
"I feel like the more you talk about what you're doing, the more you really resonate with what you're doing so it's definitely been really cool.
"I like the noise, I engage it and I take it in my stride."
The next stop is at Margaret River, where she hopes women will make their first appearance at the infamous Box break.
"It's a challenging wave and potentially we may see the women run at the Box and that'd be pretty cool," she said.
"That makes me excited, that challenge, and I'd be pretty keen if they ran us out there."
