Nichols, Picklum lock in all-Aussie Bells Beach semi

SURFING

Nichols, Picklum lock in all-Aussie Bells Beach semi

By Murray Wenzel

Molly Picklum wants to ring the bell but will need to topple defending champion and countrywoman Isabella Nichols after the pair starred again in the World Surf League’s season opener.

Effervescent world champion Picklum (11.30 points) eased past Lakey Peterson (5.00) in their Bells Beach quarter-final on Friday before Nichols won a heated, late exchange for the second straight day to join her.

The winner of Saturday’s semi-final will meet either American Alyssa Spencer or Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan in the first decider of three Australian events to kick off the season.

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