Nichols' Last-Gasp Score Keeps Bells Defence Alive

Patient Aussie ousts 'idol' Moore in Bells Beach defence

Defending champion Isabella Nichols joins Molly Picklum as the last Australians standing at the Bells Beach WSL season-opener.

Nichols' last-gasp score keeps Bells defence alive

Isabella Nichols found two big scores in a tense duel with Carissa Moore to hunt down the returning five-time world champion and keep her Bells defence afloat.

Nichols’ last-gasp score keeps Bells defence alive

Isabella Nichols has defied a bruised knee to hold her nerve and run down “idol” Carissa Moore in a dramatic opening to her Bells Beach title defence. The Queenslander (16.27 points) was patient in quiet conditions at Winkipop on Thursday as five-time World Surf League champion and new mother Moore (15.07), back on tour after two years, made the early running. But the 28-year-old, who had a first-round bye as part of the new Championship Tour (C…