Wright Makes History at Quiksilver Pro, Defeats Slater in Finals

The first-ever professional surf competition to hit the east coast kicked off earlier this week with 36 contenders, but Friday it boiled down to the final eight.

Australia's Owen Wright clinched the title at the Quiksilver Pro NY this afternoon after a closing battle with world-renowned Kelly Slater - a battle that he lost just weeks ago in Tahiti.

Slater entered the last portion of the competition confident after landing a perfect 10 maneuver in the final minutes of his semifinal heat against Aussie Taj Burrow.

The 39-year-old American surfer was trailing behind, searching for a wave that could earn him 8.04 points to be back on top and, in typical Slater fashion, he delivered. Slater completed a full 360 while catching massive air. It was unclear if he landed, but the 10-time World Champion came out of the foam victorious with his arms in the air.

"He is committed to those turns," said an announcer after Slater's breathtaking comeback. "He does not give up."

Though Slater's big show in the semifinals defeated Burrow with an impressive 19.07 total, he couldn't catch up to 21-year-old Wright in the all-or-nothing heat that would close out the competition.

Wright displayed a clear sense of determination and perseverance to overcome his opponent, approaching the first wave that rode his way. Halfway through the battle, Wright had landed two solid rides to take the lead with a 17.23 score.

Slater was longing for air but struggled to keep control on the ride. He finally answered with a 8.0 move, but Wright upped the ante once more when he shot up to a total of 17.9. With only minutes left, Slater needed a near perfect score of 9.9 to survive.

Time was out, and Slater was defeated by first-time World Tour Champion Wright 17.9-14.53.

"I've always wanted to be in the final with Kelly," said Wright. "Definitely a big thanks to Quiksilver for putting on this event."

Slater said he was proud of his fellow Quiksilver-sponsored surfer.

"It's been an amazing week," he said. "We almost didn't have the contest last week and then it all came together. I'm stoked for Owen - first win."

Quarterfinal Results:

Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) def. Jadson Andrew (BRA) 14.77-14.37
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.50-15.00
Heat 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.10-10.10
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.93-12.44

Semifinal Results:

Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 19.07-18.33
Heat 2: Owen Wright (AUS) def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.84-9.63

Final Results:

Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) def. Kelly Slater (USA) 17.90-14.53