Gold Coast local, Steph Gilmore was victorious down in Australia to win the first stage of the 2014 Women’s ASP World Tour. She saw off an unlikely challenger in Biance Buitendag, scoring 15.80 to the South African’s 10.47 to claim her fifth win on the Gold Coast.

It was the young South African’s first ever final on the Dream Tour in only her second year at the surfing’s top table. This will represent a break out performance for her and she’ll take great encouragement having defeated several heavy hitters such as Lakey Petersen on her way; however come the final round she couldn’t match the experience of Gilmore.

Steph Gilmore had already seen off the challenge of reigning champion, Carissa Moore, in the semi-finals with a commanding performance and continued that form into the final once again come out on top at her local break. The Australian has frequently shown off her intimate knowledge of Snapper Rocks and she employed it time and again in the finals and semi-finals to outfox her opponents and poach the best waves.

Gilmore knocked out two great waves of 8.80 and 6.33 back to back to leave her in commanding position. Though Buitendag chased manfully she couldn’t match the five time world champion, who was once again successful in New South Wales.

Steph Gilmore’s performance lays down an impressive marker to the rest of the field and Carissa Moore will have had her pride dented following her semi-final defeat. She’ll be eager to get revenge as the tour heads to Western Australia for the Drugs Aware Margaret River Pro at the start of April.