Newcastle-based Sarah Baum has jumped 18 places to be ranked inside the World Surf League women's qualifying series top 50 after claiming victory in her native South Africa.
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Baum is now 39th on the standings with 3300 points, 1000 of which were earned by taking out the Ballito Pro near Durban with a late 7.5 ride in the final edging out Leilani McGonagle.
"I'm on top of the world," Baum told World Surf League media.
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"I'm just so happy to be at home with friends and family, to have this event right here and everyone supporting me, I can't wipe this smile off my face.
"I was a bit slow in the beginning of the heat, just patiently waiting for those good ones.
"The waves died off and I had to make do with what I could, but in the end it paid off."
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