19-year-old American John John Florence claimed the top step of the podium afternoon at the Sunset Beach stop of the Vans World Cup of Surfing in Hawaii.
In the four man final heat Florence outdueled Tahitian Michel Bourez (2nd), Australian Adam Melling (3rd), and fellow American Hank Gaskell (4th) to win the $40,000 top prize.
Florence placed fifth in the opening round of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing which consists of three events on Hawaii's famous North Shore. The win at Sunset Beach moved the young American to the 19th spot in the world rankings with the third and final round to come next week at the Billabong Pipe Masters.
Sunset Beach defending champ, Brazilian Raoni Monteiro, failed to advance to the final round and finished in a tie for 7th place.
Final Standings:
1st John John Florence (USA) 17.00pts, $40,000
2nd Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.30pts, $20,000
3rd Adam Melling (AUS) 11.96pts, $12,000
Reuters