Yolanda Hopkins secures third place at WSL Tahiti event

Portuguese surfer Yolanda Hopkins secured third place at the seventh stage of the World Surf League in Teahupoʻo, Tahiti. In her debut season on the main circuit, the 28-year-old reached a career milestone by advancing through the quarter-finals.

Hopkins' run included victories over high-ranking competitors, such as Brazil's Luana Silva and eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore. However, her bid for the final ended in the semi-finals after a loss to Israel's Anat Lelior. Lelior scored 12.50 points, while Hopkins recorded 3.43 points from her two best waves.

Other Portuguese competitor Francisca Veselko was eliminated in the opening round by Spain's Nadia Erostarbe. The competition in French Polynesia is scheduled to continue until August 18.