In case you missed it, Australia's Stephanie Gilmore defeated Hawaii's Melanie Bartels in the final of the season-opening Roxy Pro, in two- to three-foot surf at Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia.

The reason you may have is that Gilmore winning barely registers as news. Gilmore, 22, dominates the ASP Women's World Tour in almost the same convincing manner seven-time world champion Layne Beachley once dominated the women's tour, and nine-time world champion Kelly Slater once dominated the men's tour.

Gilmore, a powerful, fluid natural-footer who was crowned champion after each of her three years on the elite circuit, could win six consecutive world titles to match Beachley's record (1998-2003), and could very well win five straight to match Slater's record on the men's tour (1994-98).

She'll have considerably more trouble getting seven or even nine overall titles in her career, however, because there are a handful of promising juniors who already are as good or better than some competitors on the present World Tour roster.

But Gilmore has a shot.

Photo: Stephanie Gilmore (left), showers Roxy Pro runner-up Melanie Bartels on stage after their final.Credit: ASP / SCHOLTZ