Fifteen-year-old Gerringong surfer Lucy Darragh has claimed her second major Qualifying Series victory of the year, taking out the 2025 Taiwan Open.

Held at Jinzun Harbor from November 5-9, Darragh entered the competition on the back of a breakthrough win at the Nias Pro earlier in the year and a 13th-place finish at the Siargao International Surfing Cup, placing her near the top of the Oceania rankings.

Darragh had a shaky start in the opening round, placing second in her heat with a combined score of 7.96. 

From there, however, she dominated every heat, posting totals of 15.33, 12.06 and 11.36 on her way to the final.

In the title decider against New Zealand’s Saffi Vette, Darragh struck early with a 5.17 on her first wave. Vette responded with a 5.43 on her second, but Darragh’s fourth wave - a 6.67 - sealed the victory as her rival was unable to improve.

Darragh finished with a combined total of 11.84, securing the win and catapulting herself to the top of the regional rankings heading into the final leg of the 2025/26 QS season.

“This is so crazy,” Darragh said.

“I’m just so stoked and grateful to be able to do these events and travel to amazing places like this and surf with my friends.

“It’s been such a good experience surfing against all of these amazing women in this series. I just can’t really believe it, to be honest. I barely have any words.

“I didn’t really know if I was going to do these comps this year, so to get two wins is incredible. I’m looking forward to celebrating with my friends.”

The 15-year-old recently qualified for the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, to be held in Peru from December 5–14, and is determined to carry her momentum into the event.

“My goal, results-wise, is to make the final and win a medal for Australia,” she said. 

“But personally, I just want to show my best surfing in my heats and represent Australia with pride and determination.”

Darragh now sits 2,500 points clear at the top of the Oceania Qualifying Series rankings, with her dream of reaching the World Surf League Championship Tour firmly within reach.