A THRILLING finals day saw Brazilian Gabriel Medina reign supreme and win the Fiji Pro, stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), in three-to-five foot (1 — 1.5 metre) surf at Cloudbreak.
The win moves Medina back to the top of the ASP World Rankings after he defeated Hawaiians John John Florence and Freddy Patacchia and American Kolohe Andino on his way to the final, with American Nat Young finishing runner-up.
Medina won his second WCT event of the season, taking the win over 2013 Rookie of the Year Nat Young (USA) in a hard-fought final.
The Brazilian got out of the gates first while Young waiting 10 minutes before posting a score.
Medina posted a near-perfect 9.87 for a series of barrel sections and sizzling snaps to extend his lead.
Young fought back but Medina posted another excellent score, an 8.53, leaving the American in need of two excellent scores. Young was unable to break the combination, cementing Medina’s fourth career ASP WCT victory.
“It’s great to be back at the top of the ratings, it’s still early but I’m feeling good,” said Medina.
“I’ve never surfed at Jeffreys Bay before but I’m going home after this to prepare and I’ll be working hard. Nat (Young) is a great guy and that was a good Final against him.
“I was so nervous inside those barrels, I couldn’t see anything, but when I came out I was stoked. “Thanks to the Namotu guys who were supporting me. Thanks to everyone in Fiji, I just love it here especially here with a win.”
Young (USA) posted his best result of the 2014 season today after finishing his third WCT Final as runner-up.
He topped reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning on route to the final but, despite being on excellent form throughout the competition, wasn’t able to find the scores he needed to surpass Medina for victory.
“Third final and third runner-up finish so that’s frustrating,” said Young.
“I felt good. My boards felt good and I waited for a good one to start the Final with. Unfortunately, I got a little out of rhythm and Gabriel (Medina) found waves with more opportunity.
“He’s been surfing really well so he was always going to be hard to beat, but I felt like I had it in me.
“Runner-up is a good finish, my best of the year, so hopefully it’s good for the momentum heading into J-Bay and Tahiti.”
