Australian surfer Julian Wilson has won the World Surf League event in Tahiti, beating 2014 world champion Gabriel Medina in the final.
Wilson was greeted by good mate Mick Fanning after winning the final and said the final had left him "worn out".
"It's so special to win and it was such a good final," an emotional Wilson said in a post heat interview.
"I'm speechless — I'm not going to cry but I feel like crying. I'm just so happy to win again."
Wilson trailed for much of the heat but posted two nine point-plus-rides to peg back the lead and eventually take the win, just the third in his career on the elite surfing circuit and first since winning the prestigious Pipeline Masters in 2014.
The win also sees the popular Australian move from eighth to fifth on the tour rankings behind fellow Australia's Owen Wright and Matt Wilkinson and technically into contention for the world title.
"It's been a few years," Wilson said.
"I've had a pretty steady start to the year and I'm so happy to be in the mix now. With so many events left, I'm really looking forward to it.
"I was already enjoying myself on tour and even more so now, I cannot wait for the rest of the year."
Ironically, Wilson's last win in 2014 was over Medina in the final event of the season and one which would hand the Brazilian his world title however Wilson again came out on top in a previous final in Portugal in 2012.
Despite having a lacklustre year himself, Medina also moves into title contention as the tour moves to the United States, France and Portugal-all venues where he has either won or placed.
"Julian has been surfing really well the whole event so good job to him," Medina said.
"It feels good to be back in the game now so I am happy."
Medina eliminated Owen Wright in their quarterfinal match-up while Matt Wilkinson relinquishes his ratings lead after losing his round five heat against Brazil's Wiggoly Dantos.
