Two-time world champion Tyler Wright has been left "absolutely gutted" after a visa issue ruled her out of competing at the upcoming World Surf League event in Brazil.
Wright's 2022 title hopes were already on thin ice after COVID-19 forced her out of G-Land midway through the event and then complications from the virus meant she was not ready to compete at the recent El Salvador Pro.
Those setbacks saw her slip to sixth in the rankings, but she was keen to claw her way back up at the Rio Pro in Rio de Janeiro, which starts on Thursday.
However, Wright announced on Instagram on Tuesday she would not be able to enter the country in time to compete.
"Devastated to let everyone know that due to a transit visa not coming through in the specified time I am unable to make it to Brazil," Wright wrote.
"All other alternative options were extensively looked into however the current travel climate meant it was impossible for me to arrive in time for the contest.
"Absolutely gutted, so much work went into getting me ready for Brazil with my team. Absorbing this and we keep moving forward."
Only the top five surfers qualify for the season-ending finals in California meaning Wright will need some big results in the final two events of the year to be part of the title-deciding action.
