WSL To Kick off International Women's Day Celebrations at MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal

As the World Surf League (WSL) prepares to kick off its International Women's Day celebrations at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, the pressure is mounting for some of the world's top surfers. With only two events completed so far in the 2023 WSL Championship Tour, critical rankings points have already established who is sitting comfortably and who is in danger of being cut from the competition.

Among those feeling the heat are rookie Maxime Huscenot (FRA) and tour veteran Kolohe Andino (USA), both of whom need to perform well in Portugal to avoid being cut from the Tour. Reigning, eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) is currently sitting just below the cut line, adding to the tension.

With the Hawaii leg of the competition now complete, only three events remain before the Mid-season Cut reduces the men's and women's fields down to 24 and 12 respectively. The Tour will head to Australia after Portugal for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the Margaret River Pro.

Among those looking to make a strong impression in Portugal is Gatien Delahaye (FRA), the highest-rated Challenger Series surfer from WSL Europe Region, who has been selected as an event wildcard. With five years of experience competing at the elite level, Morais has the skills and determination to shake things up.

Portugal will be strongly represented by Teresa Bonvalot (POR), injury replacement for Johanne Defay (FRA), and event wildcards Frederico Morais (POR) and Yolanda Hopkins (POR). Jadson Andre (BRA) has pulled out of the event due to injury, but will be replaced by former CT surfer Joan Duru (FRA).

Another exciting addition to the lineup is Sophie McCulloch (AUS), who will finally make her official CT debut as a rookie after an injury sidelined her for the first two events of the season in Hawaii. Rounding out the event wildcards and replacements are Carlos Munoz (CRC) and Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR).

As the competition heats up, one thing is clear: only the strongest will survive the Mid-season Cut. Will your favorite surfer be able to ride the wave of success or will they fall short? Tune in to find out at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.

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