What happened in women’s round 3 at Teahupo’o
In heat one, Team USA’s Marks (6.93), competing in her second Olympic Games after finishing fourth at Tokyo 2020, advanced over the 15–year–old Yang Siqi (1.63) from the People’s Republic of China, ending a historical run by the young surfer.
In heat two, Australia’s Tyler Wright (11.10) scored the first tube rides of the day to jump to the top of the leaderboard over Israel’s Lelior Anat (7.74), who had been leading with strong frontside carves under the lip.
In heat three, France’s Defay (9.00) advanced over compatriot Fierro (7.54), upsetting the local Teahupo’o star who, despite scoring some of the best tube rides of the day, was unable to find a strong second-wave score. After her loss, an emotional Fierro was already looking ahead: “I feel so loved [here in Tahiti]. This is just one step in my career and I still have a big year ahead of me trying to qualify for the Championship Tour and the next Olympics.”
In heat four, Team USA’s defending Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Moore (8.16) dominated the round to advance over Sarah Baum (3.87) as the South African was unable to find her rhythm.
In heat five, Spain’s Erostarbe (8.34) advanced over Japan’s Shino Matsuda (5.84) at the top of the heat with Matsudo unable to catch up.
In heat six, one of the most anticipated of the day, Brazil’s Weston-Webb (12.34) turned in one of the day’s most impressive performances right at the start, including a clean tube ride followed by a big, committed carve to close out the wave. She advanced over Team USA’s Simmers (1.93), who was unable to find the waves she needed, marking a disappointing end to the world No. 1-ranked surfer’s Olympic bid.
In heat seven, it was Brazil versus Brazil ,with Silva (6.77) advancing over compatriot Taina Hinckel (5.93) in an evenly matched battle that saw Silva smart with her wave selection.
In heat eight, Costa Rica’s Hennessy (12.34) advanced over Yolanda Hopkins (9.90) matching the top combined score of round 3 as the surf picked up. Hennessy has shown herself to be a fierce compettor, as she also earned one of the top combined scores in round 1.