Sports · Other Sports · 3 hrs ago
Molly Picklum wins in Portugal to take lead in WSL title race
Australia’s Molly Picklum won the Portugal Pro surfing event, beating American Caitlin Simmers in the women’s final.
The 23-year-old reigning world champion scored 13.33 points to Simmers’ 12.84 at Supertubos in Portugal.
The win was Picklum’s first of the year and earned her 10,000 points.
She now leads the standings with 48,950 points, ahead of Hawaiian Carissa Moore on 47,065.
Picklum is back in front of the title race after winning her first world title last year.
Two events remain: the Philippines Pro and the season-ending competition at Pipeline in Hawaii.
The Pipeline event will offer 1.5 times the usual points, so the final standings are still to be decided.
Molly Picklum won the Rip Curl Pro Portugal on Friday, beating Caitlin Simmers in the women’s final.
The Australian’s first victory of the year moved her to the top of the World Surf League standings.
Picklum scored 13.33 across her two best waves, while Simmers scored 12.84.
Picklum leads Carissa Moore by 1,885 points, with two events left in the season.
The remaining events are the Philippines Pro and Pipeline.
- Who
- Molly Picklum, an Australian surfer, beat American Caitlin Simmers in the final.
- What
- Picklum won the Rip Curl Pro Portugal and took the lead in the WSL standings.
- When
- Friday, 23 October 2026, according to the Guardian. ABC Australia describes the final as Friday but gives a publication date of 24 October.
- Where
- Supertubos in Portugal.
- Why
- The win earned Picklum 10,000 points and moved her ahead of Carissa Moore in the title race.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Picklum won her first world title in Fiji.
Picklum beat Caitlin Simmers in the Portugal Pro final.
Picklum moved to the top of the WSL standings with 48,950 points.
The tour goes to the Philippines before the final event at Pipeline.
- Winner
- Molly Picklum
- Final score
- Picklum 13.33; Simmers 12.84
- Points earned
- 10,000
- Standings
- Picklum 48,950; Carissa Moore 47,065
- Events remaining
- Philippines Pro and Pipeline
2 sources
What people are saying
Right now I'm on top of the world … literally!
It was a dream of mine to win here
I’m really happy to hit my stride at the right time.