Sally Fitzgibbons could face a third straight year of heartbreak at the Margaret River Pro with the World Surf League tour veteran forced into the elimination round on the opening day of competition.
With the women's field cut to just 10 surfers following the round five event - and only four spots still up for grabs - Fitzgibbons effectively needs to make the semi-finals to move up from 14th and guarantee a start in the Championship Tour's remaining competitions.
