Courtney Conlogue Throws Stick In Tyler Wright’s Spokes

Winning in Cascais, Portugal, is not easy. Gigantic tide swings, temperamental swell, fucked up wind; As far as World Tour venues go, it makes an afternoon heat in Rio look deeply enjoyable. But somehow, Courtney Conlogue’s done it two years running – and both times it’s saved her world title chances.

Last year, of course, she ended up surrendering the prize in the season finale at Honolua Bay. But, with a shot at redemption, Courtney did what she had to do in Portugal – beat Tyler Wright.

“The World Title race has definitely tightened up,” said Courts, post-victory celebration. “I still have a lot of work ahead of me. I’m one step closer, which is always a positive.”

With two events left in the women’s world tour season, Tyler still has a death grip on the ratings, fronting Courtney by some 5k points. So again, similar to last year, Courtney’s got a shot at the title, but it’s more her rival’s to lose than it is hers to win.

“I’m going to take what I’ve learned out of this one with dealing with beachbreaks and everything like that into France and start it all over again,” said Tyler. “I have the same goal going into France – to win every heat and win every final… I know I’m in a Title race, but for me, I know what I can do and what I want to do.”

En route to the final, Courtney rolled through Malia Manuel in the quarters and Coco Ho in the semis. Tyler faced Sage Erickson (who just cracked the top 10!), before Johanne Defay. Up next for the ladies is the Roxy Pro, France, followed by the Maui Women’s Pro at Honolua. Tyler can clinch it in France, but we all know Courtney’s not about to wave the white flag.