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AAP
AAP
Murray Wenzel

Patient Aussie ousts 'idol' to begin Bells defence

Isabella Nichols has kept her title defence alive with a dramatic heat win at Bells Beach. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)

Adrenalised defending champion Isabella Nichols has held her nerve against returning World Surf League great Carissa Moore to join Molly Picklum as the only Australians standing at the Bells Beach season opener.

The Queenslander (16.27 points) was patient in quiet conditions at Winkipop on Thursday as five-time world champion and new mother Moore (15.07), back on tour after two years, made the early running.

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