Stephanie Gilmore, 21, has claimed her third consecutive ASP Women's World Title today, making history as the only surfer ever to win the prestigious crown each year they have competed at the elite ASP World Tour level (men's or women's). The clinching was somewhat unexpected as today's competition began with six surfers in contention for the 2009 ASP Women's World Title. With each heat advancement and the narrowing of the field at the Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, Event No. 6 of 7 on the 2009 ASP Women's World Tour, the irrepressible Gilmore navigated her way to her third ASP Dream Tour Title. "It's surreal to win for a third time," Gilmore said. "It's amazing! I woke up this morning and knew it was going to be a good day. The waves were building and you sort of get that fuzzy feeling throughout the day. I really don't even know what to think about it. I just want to thank everyone for the support that I've had throughout the whole year." Gilmore, who was focused on preparing for the Final at the Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, had remained intentionally aloof to the ASP Women's World Title possibilities on the final day of competition, and was surprised when informed she had clinched the historic crown. "I didn't even know it was happening," Gilmore said. "I was preparing for the Final and gearing up and then to know I had won, my head was a bit light. To go to Honolua and not have to worry about the title going into the event is just so relaxing." The phenomenal natural-footer would go on to finish 3^rd in the Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, solidifying another sterling result on this season's ASP Dream Tour, further cementing her position as the most dominant female surfer in the world. "I'm starting to feel more comfortable on the Women's World Tour and go into events differently," Gilmore said. "You get to know the breaks and it's still my third year and I love traveling and competing and it's such a special thing to get paid to do. I'm looking forward to next year and seeing different conditions and different waves on tour, I think there might be a couple of new stops, so yeah, I'm looking forward to having good heats and good waves." Gilmore's 2009 ASP Women's World Tour Results:

• Win at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast
• Runner-Up at the Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach
• Runner-Up at the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic
• Equal 5^th Place Finish at the Rip Curl Pro Search
• Runner-Up at the Movistar Peru Classic
• 3^rd at the Gidget Pro Sunset Beach
• TBD at the upcoming Billabong Pro Maui

While the ASP Women's World Title has already been decided, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (an ASP Specialty Series) rages on with the final event of the year, the Billabong Pro Maui running at Honolua Bay from December 8 - 20, 2009. Highlights from the event are available at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com