Stephanie Gilmore claims fifth surfing title

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Kiwi surfer Paige Hareb was eliminated in the heats as Australian Stephanie Gilmore claimed her fifth ASP women's world title by winning the Roxy Pro Biarritz in France overnight (NZT).

Hareb was defeated by Hawaii's Malia Manuel in the fourth round of heats, Manuel progressing to the quarterfinals where she would become one of Gilmore's victims at Grande Plage.

Gilmore, 24, went on to beat fellow Aussie Tyler Wright in the final, claiming her fifth world title in six years.

"This year for me was all about improving my consistency and having fun with my surfing," Gilmore said. "From when I started five years ago to where we are now, women's surfing has improved so much. It's an honour to be back up top as these girls push me everyday and are all incredible surfers."

The only other two surfers in history have won five or more titles - Kelly Slater and Layne Beachley.

- © Fairfax NZ News