BIARRITZ, France: Stephanie Gilmore has claimed her fifth women’s world surfing title with victory over fellow Australian Tyler Wright in the penultimate event of the year at Biarritz.

Gilmore was the first surfer ever to win four titles from four attempts from 2007-2010 but fell back to the No.3 ranking last year when her life was disrupted by a violent assault.

Stephanie Gilmore rides a wave during the Roxy Pro surfing competition in Biarritz, France. Credit:ASP/Aquashot

‘‘This year for me was all about improving my consistency and having fun with my surfing,’’ Gilmore said after beating teenager Wright 18.53 points to 13.10 in the final of the Roxy Pro.

‘‘From when I started five years ago to where we are now, women’s surfing has improved so much.