And so it came down to this, the last day in the Billabong Rio Pro waiting period. A waiting period that extended either side of a once-a-year Teahupoo swell that saw many epic waves get ridden - including some by Rio Pro wildcard, Ricardo Dos Santos, who threw caution, plus a few frequent flyer points, to the wind jetting from Rio to Tahiti and back in time for his heat.

And when the swell finally kicked the competition resumed with all the intensity you'd expect; there were plenty of huge improvised airs, a few 10-point rides, and a never ceasing roar from the beach. Even when the local lad, Adriano, was clearly outsurfed in the final by big Jordy the hum and holler continued.

With his second place finish Adriano now takes over the ratings led so while he lost the battle he's leading the war.

All photos ASP.