Australian rising stars Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright are ruling the Pacific Coast Pro in Newcastle at the moment, storming through their heats.

Sally easily defeated local ripper Philippa Anderson and Nikki Robb (ZA), while Tyler, generally more accustomed to winning heats, took an unfamiliar pathway to the next round by advancing in 2nd place in her four surfer heat behind French surfer Pauline Ado.

“I’m enjoying Newcastle and looking to build my surfing levels as we head into the final rounds here” said Sally after her impressive win today. “I want to be really tuned when I head to Bells Beach next month and this event has a strong field and keeps me sharp – I’m hearing we should have bigger surf for the finals on the weekend and that’s exciting for all of us – let’s hope it eventuates!”

But challenges are coming up in the next rounds with Alana Blanchard (HAW) and 2004 World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER), who both advanced with high scoring heat wins today.

Follow the action live at aspaustralasia.com/live