Novocastrian Sarah Baum recorded the highest heat score of round one at the Maroubra Pro on Friday to set up a clash with three-time world title runner-up Sally Fitzgibbons.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Baum easily won the opening heat of the 1000-point qualifying series event, scoring an 8.17 in a 13.5 two-wave total, which were both the best on day one of the women's contest. She next faces Fitzgibbons, Charlotte Wilson and Amber Dods.
"That left hander just opened up and presented such a beautiful wall," Baum said.
"I definitely felt good after that heat and I think that scoreline definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into the next round.
"I always feel good competing here at Maroubra and have had some good results here in the past, so I'm really excited to get into the next round."
Port Stephens pair Elle Clayton-Brown and Jasmine Sampson also progressed to round two. Sampson's next heat features Merewether's Philippa Anderson, who was runner-up at the Port Stephens Pro on Tuesday.
It was a successful first day for the Hunter's men's competitors. Sunny Whitby-Otto, Zack McMahon, Mike Clayton-Brown and Ethan Hartge all progressed to round two.
Merewwether's Jackson Baker, who won the Port Stephens Pro on Tuesday, meets Alister Reginato, George Pittar and Benny Wilson in his first heat.