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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 14, 2007

Rookie Gilmore women's No. 1

Advertiser Staff

Forget the rookie of the year award. Australia's Stephanie Gilmore did even better, clinching the 2007 women's world championship yesterday to cap her rookie season.

Gilmore won her third- round heat in the Billabong Pro Maui, and clinched the world title when contenders Sofia Mulanovich and Silvana Lima were eliminated.

Gilmore, 19, is the first surfer to win the world championship in her first season on the tour.

"That's amazing, I never even thought of that until now," she said. "It's truly an honor to make my way into the history books."

Gilmore clinched the title in style, with near-perfect scores of 9.8 and 8.75 on her two best waves for a total of 18.55.

Gilmore defeated Kaua'i's Rochelle Ballard, bringing an end to Ballard's 17-year career. She announced her retirement prior to the contest.

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