Former world surfing champion Sofia Mulanovich has boosted her hopes of reclaiming the crown after winning her home tour event, the Movistar Peru Classic.
The 26-year-old pipped reigning two-time world champion and two-time defending event winner Stephanie Gilmore in the final at Lobitos to move up to third in the latest standings for the ASP Women’s World Tour.
With two events remaining, starting in Hawaii (November 24-December 6), Mulanovich finds herself on 3,891 points with only hat-trick-chasing Gilmore (4,765) and Brazilian Silvana Lima (4,188) ahead of her in the standings.
The Peruvian said: "I haven't had the best season and I was really waiting for a breakout result. To finally get it at home is really special. I am just so stoked.
"I have wanted to win this event for so long, and have always been disappointed. To do it here, in front of my friends and family and in good waves at Lobitos is a dream come true. Viva Peru!"
Mulanovich muscled through one section after another on her backhand in the final to post an impressive 15.00 out of a possible 20.
'To do it here, in front of my friends and family at Lobitos is a dream come true' - Sofia Mulanovich
And, while the lead would seesaw back and forth between her and Gilmore, who finished with 14.74, it was ultimately the 2004 world champion who would come away with the win in front of a raucous crowd on the sand.
Gilmore, who finished runner-up for the third time this season, reflected: "Obviously I was looking for another win. But in a way, it is pretty special to see Sofia (Mulanovich) win, like, it is crazy.
“It was good to see Sofia up there and not Silvana (Lima) or Coco (Ho), it is going to make the ratings really interesting and it's keeping things really tight and close between everyone. It is going to be an exciting finish in Hawaii."
For more information, visit the official ASP website
Peru Classic Final Result:
1 Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 15.00
2 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.74
ASP Women's World Tour Top 5 (after 5 of 7 races):
1 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 4765 pts
2 Silvana Lima (BRA) 4188 pts
3 Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 3891 pts
4 Coco Ho (HAW) 3679 pts
5 Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 3043 pts
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