Wright into surf quarter-final in Portugal

Tyler Wright is a step closer to her maiden world surfing title after her confident ride into the quarter-finals of the Cascais Pro in Portugal.

The world No.1 posted a total of 12.83 in her third-round heat in excellent conditions at Guincho on Saturday to beat compatriot Laura Enever and the US's Sage Erickson, who'll both surf in the fourth round.

"My body's feeling amazing at the moment," Wright said.

"I'm just going out there, reading the conditions and getting it done."

Wright joins world No.2 Courtney Conlogue in the quarter-final on Sunday, and can become Australia's 20th world surfing champion if her American rival fails to reach the semi-finals.

Aussie Sally Fitzgibbons gave Conlogue a serious challenge in their heat with Lakey Peterson, maintaining an early lead before the American prevailed in the final minutes.

Fitzgibbons and the US's Peterson will surf in fourth round.

Australians Nikki van Dijk and Keely Andrew were eliminated in their earlier rounds.