Legendary Pacific Coast Pro in association with Commonwealth Bank
Fitzgibbons easily won her heat defeating local girl Philippa Anderson who also advanced in second place with Sth Africa's Nikki Robb eliminated in 3rd.
"I'm enjoying Newcastle and looking to build my surfing levels as we head into the final rounds here" said Sally after her impressive win today.
"I want to be really tuned when I head to Bells Beach next month and this event has a strong field and keeps me sharp - I'm hearing we should have bigger surf for the finals on the weekend and that's exciting for all of us - let's hope it eventuates!"
Tyler Wright, generally more accustomed to winning heats, took an unfamiliar pathway to the next round by advancing in 2nd place in her four surfer heat behind French surfer Pauline Ado.
Fitzgibbons (20 years) and Wright (16 years) are both optimistic they can win this event, particuarly with bigger swells forecast at Merewether Beach for the final day on Saturday - Their biggest challenges certain to be international surfers Alana Blanchard (Hawaii) and 2004 World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) who both advanced with high scoring heat wins today.
