Sports
Molly Picklum Achieves First Perfect Score, Advances to Pipe Pro Title Decider
Australian surfer Molly Picklum has posted the first perfect score of her career, winning an epic semi-final against local Bettylou Sakura Johnson to reach the title decider of the Pipe Pro in Hawaii.
Organisers were rewarded for the patient approach to the event with the best conditions of the competition window on show for title-deciding day with double overhead waves on offer.
The 21-year-old Picklum took out fellow young gun Johnson in a thrilling high-quality semi at the famous Oahu break.
Picklum looked set for a spot in the title decider against American Caitlin Simmers but 18-year-old Johnson almost had the final say.
With just over 20 seconds remaining in the heat, Johnson pulled into a huge barrel and exited, celebrating her finish.
But her score of 8.33 gave her a total of 15.33, leaving her just short of Picklum’s 15.66.
World No.5 Picklum had laid down the challenge earlier in the heat when she flew through a barrel on her backhand side to earn a perfect score of 10, which was the first of the women’s competition.
“I feel like for me personally, there’s no more fitting place than Pipe to give me my first 10,” the NSW surfer said.
“I’m just so, so happy – 10 points, it’s hard to come by.
“With the wave I was just like, Bettylou’s not going and I need a score and I know she’s capable of a 10 so I just took off and I just thought, it’s got some draw to it and I may as well roll the dice and try.
“But 10 points, I love it, I want more.”
Simmers, who is also only 18, took down Brisa Hennessy in the other semi-final.
She only rode two scoring waves but her tally of 7.67 was enough to down the Costa Rican, who only managed 2.84.
Earlier, world No.2 Ethan Ewing made an early exit on finals day, taken out by Sydneysider Connor O’Leary, who last year switched his allegiance to Japan in the hope of locking in an Olympic berth,
O’Leary’s mother Akemi Karasawa is a former Japanese surfing champion but the world No.11 grew up in Cronulla.
O’Leary locked in a two-wave total of 11.50 while world No.2 Ewing could only manage 2.73.
The young Queenslander was crunched in a big wave which snapped his board in half and never managed to get back in the game.
In his first semi-final appearance at Pipeline, O’Leary was outclassed by Hawaiian Barron Mamiya.
The 24-year-old posted two scores of 9.07 and 9.77 for an unbeatable tally of 18.84, while O’Leary scored 7.43.
You won’t believe the string of injuries hitting the NRL this weekend. With Nicho Hynes, Nathan Cleary, and Tom Trbojevic all facing time on the sidelines, teams are scrambling to fill key positions. The impact of these injuries could reverberate throughout the season.
Impact on NSW State of Origin Team
On a weekend marred by injuries, the NSW State of Origin team is facing a major shake-up. With Cleary, Trbojevic, and potentially Hynes out of contention for the upcoming series, coach Michael Maguire is left with some tough decisions to make. The injury woes are forcing Maguire to rethink his lineup and strategy heading into the crucial State of Origin games.
Paralympics Update
Now, McGrath warms up for the Paris Paralympics with a world title under her belt, showcasing her determination and skill in the face of tough competition.
Other Top Stories
Understanding the ever-changing landscape of NSW’s Origin hopes, with injuries to key players like Hynes and Cleary, the team is facing serious roster challenges. However, with a resilient mindset and a deep pool of talent to draw from, the Blues remain confident in their ability to reclaim the Origin Shield.
Sports
Anzac Day clash one out of the top draw for Pies, Dons
Just like the thousands of fans who packed the MCG on Anzac Day, the Essendon and Collingwood players left everything out on the field in a thrilling draw that will be remembered as one of the best home-and-away games in recent times. The Bombers and Magpies played out a pulsating contest in front of 93,644 spectators, with neither team able to secure the victory in the dying moments of the match.
Essendon’s Kyle Langford, who had an outstanding game with four goals, including two crucial ones in the final quarter, had the chance to win the game for his team but missed a set shot from 30m out, resulting in the first draw on Anzac Day since the inaugural blockbuster in 1995. Collingwood also had their opportunity to snatch the win, but forward Jamie Elliott couldn’t hold onto a diving mark near the boundary in the final moments of the game.
“I thought both sides had their opportunity to win the game,” said Bombers coach Brad Scott. “It’s a bit of a hollow feeling, but I said to the players win, lose or draw, the effort and intent is what we’re after, and the players delivered that.”
Collingwood, known for their ability to perform in tight finishes under coach Craig McRae, fought back from a 27-point deficit to level the scores with the Bombers. The Magpies showed resilience and determination throughout the game, with forward Brody Mihocek kicking three goals and veteran Scott Pendlebury becoming the first VFL/AFL player to reach 10,000 career possessions.
Despite the draw, the match provided plenty of highlights, including Elliott’s spectacular mark in the third quarter and Pendlebury’s milestone moment in the first quarter. Both teams showcased their skills and competitive spirit, making it a memorable clash that captivated the audience and showcased the essence of Anzac Day football.
“On a day like today, when most of the footy world would be watching, it’s a great spectacle for our game,” McRae commented after the game. The players from both sides left it all on the field, displaying courage, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the intense battle.
While the result might have been a draw, the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood will be remembered as a classic encounter that showcased the best of Australian Rules football. The players, coaches, and fans can take pride in the effort and intensity displayed on the field, making it a fitting tribute to the Anzac Day tradition of honoring and remembering those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Sports
Australians eye happy homecoming at Adelaide’s LIV Golf
Homecoming can be defined as a pleasant return to one’s homeland or ancestral roots, and for Australian golfers Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, and Lucas Herbert, the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide presents a perfect opportunity for a successful homecoming. With the second tournament set to kick off in Adelaide’s west at The Grange, the Australian golfers are eager to make their mark on home soil.
Reflecting on the previous year’s tournament, Cameron Smith expressed doubts that the feats achieved by American golfer Talor Gooch could be replicated. Gooch wowed the crowd with consecutive 10-under 62s to open the tournament, ultimately finishing at 19 under to claim victory. Smith, who tied for third in the inaugural Adelaide tournament, is impressed by Gooch’s performance and is looking to emulate aspects of his game this year.
One noticeable change this year is the condition of the greens at The Grange, with Smith noting that they seem to be more consistent compared to the previous year. With the home ground advantage on their side, Smith, Leishman, Jones, and Herbert are determined to make the most of the tournament and aim for a win on home soil.
Currently, the Australian Ripper team consisting of Smith, Leishman, Jones, and Herbert is in eighth place out of 12 teams in the standings. However, with the support of the home crowd and familiarity with the course, the Australian golfers are hopeful of climbing up the leaderboard and securing a memorable win.
Leading the individual standings is Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who has already claimed two victories this season. Despite Niemann’s impressive performance, the Australian golfers are focused on their own game and the possibility of lifting the trophy in front of their home fans.
Marc Leishman, who achieved his best finish in a LIV Golf tournament with a tied-fourth position in Miami, emphasized the significance of winning in Adelaide. A victory at the LIV Golf tournament would not only be a career highlight for any of the Australian Ripper team members but also a momentous occasion for Australian golf as a whole.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the Australian contingent as they strive to deliver a stellar performance on familiar turf. With the support of the local fans and a strong sense of home advantage, Smith, Leishman, Jones, and Herbert are determined to make their mark at Adelaide’s LIV Golf tournament and potentially etch their names in the history books with a victorious homecoming.
-
Business12 months ago
How to Earn Money Writing Blog Posts in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
-
Games12 months ago
How does Dead Space Remake enhance the Horror Classic of 2008
-
Video12 months ago
Everything you need to know about Starfield
-
Business11 months ago
How to Use LinkedIn to Build Your Professional Brand
-
World12 months ago
Swiss Pharma Powerhouse Acino Expands into Latin America with M8 Pharmaceuticals Acquisition
-
Health1 year ago
How is Yoga and Pilates Bridging the Gap Between your Mind and Body
-
Health12 months ago
Migraine medications significantly improve the quality of life
-
Self Improvement12 months ago
Enhancing Relationships and Emotional Intelligence Through Mindfulness Meditation