The Gold Coast surfer Stephanie Gilmore has clinched a third straight women's world surfing title after her closest rivals crashed out of the Gidget Pro event at Sunset Beach in Hawaii.
Her 2009 title was confirmed when Hawaiian Coco Ho failed to progress past the semi-finals, leaving Gilmore with an unassailable lead in the ratings with one event still remaining at Honolua Bay next month.
It means Gilmore has a perfect three from three record in her career, having first claimed the world title in her rookie season of 2007.
The 21-year-old had little time to celebrate her latest title as she headed back to the water to take part in the four-woman final at Sunset Beach, where she was due to go up against fellow Australian Sally Fitzgibbons and Hawaiian duo Carrisa Moore and Alana Blanchard.
Gilmore has been dominant on the women's world tour in 2009, failing to make the final only once from the six events she has competed in.
