Tyler Wright eyes early World Surf League tour lead

the double cross title holder is searching for a success in the Billabong Master to take the early lead in the rankings race.

The 28-year-old Australian confronted Tatiana Weston-Webb in the quarter-finals on Monday

Molly Picklum couldn't join her countryman, tumbling to home legend Carissa Moore in their quarter-last.

Coordinators were frantic to set contest in motion, with just two days finished in the nine-day window.

However, the normal swell never shown up at the acclaimed Pipeline break, leaving surfers scrambling to track down any rideable waves.

In the last quarter-last the most elevated scoring wave was a measly 1.30, with Sakura Johnson progressing from the 30-minute fight.

Wright posted the two best scores of the day, recording a 6.50 and 5.17 from two barrel rides, world No.4 Weston-Webb scarcely got on the board.

The Australian has had accomplishment at Pipeline previously, beating Moore to win the Maui Genius which opened the 2021 series.

"I had a straight-forward plan," said Wright, who added she'd prepared especially hard in the slow time of year.