Australia has another world surfing champion after Kai Ellice-Flint clinched the men's longboard title in a one-day showdown in El Salvador.
Ellice-Flint joins women's short-board world champion Molly Picklum, with the pair both hailing from the NSW Central Coast.
Competing on a board he shaped himself, 29-year-old Ellice-Flint entered the eight-surfer final as the No.2 seed after banking tour wins on the Gold Coast and at California's Huntington Beach and a second place in Noosa.
Watching on as the other surfers were eliminated from the competition at El Sunzal, Ellice-Flint entered the water against reigning world champion Taylor Jenson and outscored the American 15.27 to 9.17.
Fellow Australian Declan Wyton made it through to the third round before falling to Jenson in a tight battle.
Moving into the championship decider, Ellice-Flint faced No.1 seed Edouard Delpero.
The Byron Bay-based surfer again dominated to down the Frenchman in two heats, winning the first 16.00 to 10.33 and second also in convincing fashion, 17.67 to 12.84.
Securing his maiden crown, Ellice-Flint paid tribute to his American coach CJ Nelson.
"I wish I had words for it. I have so much love for what CJ (Nelson) has done for me, what my family has done for me, with all the support and how they've been there for me through my sacrifices in this life for me," said Ellice-Flint.
"It's been a hell of a journey. I lack a little bit of self-confidence and critique everything all the time, always trying to better something - a better board design or something.
"It's ingrained in me. I want to do better, be better, and be the best. Build the best boards that I possibly can and put them under my feet."
This marks Australia's eighth world longboard title, with retired Nat Young leading the way with four victories.
In the women's event, American Rachael Tilly claimed a historic third successive title after winning six straight heats.
