Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Guardian sport

‘No one really likes it’: brutal rule change breaks hearts in World Surf League

Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons was visibly upset after falling to Frenchwoman Johanne Defay, who was also in tears.
Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons was visibly upset after falling to Frenchwoman Johanne Defay, who was also in tears. Photograph: Sally Fitzgibbons Twitter

A new rule introduced for this year’s World Surf League has proved as brutal as expected, with several big-name Australians falling victim to the mid-season cut during competition at the Margaret River Pro.

Emotions have run high in Western Australia this week as Sally Fitzgibbons, Owen Wright and Morgan Cibilic all lost their Championship Tour status due to the rule change, which has delivered on Tour organisers’ promises to provide more drama and increased pressure.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.