Hennessy has temporarily moved up one place in the ranking, but her fate will depend on herself or, if she is eliminated in the quarterfinals, on the performances of Stephanie Gilmore, Tatiana Weston-Webb and Gabriela Bryan.

The ninth CT stop is at its best and the women's quarter-final matches could be shaping up the three remaining spots for the finals in September at Lowers Trestles, after the WSL determined that both Carissa Moore and Johanne Defay already have a place in the event.

Early Wednesday morning yielded results to consider for a possible qualification of Costa Rican Brisa Hennessy to the World Surf League final event, and after seeing significant falls from some contenders for the top 5, the Costa Rican remains solid and with great opportunities.

Hennessy played the opening round against Stephanie Gilmore and Courtney Conlogue, where the national showed the hunger for victory that she brings to South Africa and advanced in first position to the quarterfinals, guaranteeing at least 4745 more points for her ranking and with the opportunity to add more if she advances to the next round.

Today Lakey Peterson and Isabella Nichols fell, two surfers who also compete for the top 5 ranking and who, with what they added for this tournament, will no longer surpass Brisa, at least until Tahiti.

However, Stephanie Gilmore, Tatiana Weston-Webb and Gabriela Bryan remain in the event, athletes who put the national team's stay in the top 5 of the ranking at risk.

Hennessy currently has a total of 40,285 points (including South Africa). If she advances to the quarter-finals, the Costa Rican would reach 41,625 points, further clarifying her chances of qualifying. However, if she remains strong throughout the event and reaches the final, even if she finishes second, she would reach a total of 43,340 points and would definitely secure qualification.

Now, what would happen if Hennessy loses in the quarterfinals in South Africa? This scenario is possible; however, the Costa Rican would still have a chance of qualifying and would depend on three competitors to continue in the top 5, at least until Tahiti.

The scenarios that would change Brisa's position if she loses in the quarterfinals are:

- If Stephanie Gilmore advances to the quarterfinals, she would reach at least 41,625 pts, if she reaches the final 43,340 pts and if she wins the event she would add a total of 45,540 pts.

- Tatiana Weston-Webb must reach the final and obtain second place to add a total of 40,410 pts or win the event to reach 42,610 pts.

- Gabriela Bryan must win the tournament to reach a total of 40,410 pts.

Brisa's next heat will be vital, as she will face her direct rival Tatiana Weston-Webb and if she advances, she could practically guarantee a qualification for the finals or be very close to achieving it, depending on the final results that may occur in South Africa.

Written by: Enrique Hernández