Australia's Matt Hauser has won a sprint finish to secure his first World Triathlon Championship Series win of the season in Japan and go to the top of the standings.
Hauser held off Portugal's Vasco Vilaca in a thrilling race on Saturday, making him the man to catch after two of the eight races which culminate with the Championship Finals on home soil in Wollongong this October.
The result adds to a strong start to Hauser's 2025 season, following his silver at the opener in Abu Dhabi, where he was edged out in a sprint showdown by Kiwi star Hayden Wilde - who has subsequently suffered multiple broken bones in a bike crash.
"I couldn't settle for third, second, or anything less than first until I'd given everything to the line," said 27-year-old Hauser after his win.
"I tried to produce a bit of that Aussie spirit today and it got me home first, which I'm super glad about.
"Wollongong World Championships this year – it's the year of the Aussies. Hopefully we can go back and put on a show for you all.
"It should be a great year ahead. It's my first Olympic distance World Triathlon Championship Series win so I'm really proud of that."
The Queenslander was at his trademark best in the water, emerging second from the 750m swim and he was among the leaders coming off the rain-slick bike course.
Hauser, Vilaca and Brazil's Miguel Hidalgo broke clear and were left to slug it out for the medals over the final 2.5kms of the 10km run leg.
With 1km to go, Vilaca surged and Hidalgo was unable to respond, but Hauser dug deep before launching his own move and pulling clear down the blue carpet.
"I learned a few lessons in Abu Dhabi, not to go to early and burn my matches," Hauser said.
Hauser's heroics capped off a strong day for the Australians in both the elite and para triathlon events.
Luke Willian opened his season with a solid showing, finishing 12th, while Ellie Hoitink was 34th in the women's race, won by Jeanna Lehair (LUX).
Earlier in the day, Lauren Parker (PTWC) and Anu Francis (PTS2) both claimed gold medals in the World Triathlon Para Series, making it back-to-back wins to start their seasons.
Jack Howell (PTS4) secured a hard-fought silver medal, just edged out in a dramatic sprint finish by Martin Schulz (GER), while Maggie Sandles (PTVI) with guide Lauren Sprague, and Grace Brimelow (PTS5) bagged bronze medals.
