In-form Medina wins in California

The 18-year-old had led the field throughout the competition and made no mistake in the final as he took the lead early on before holding on to secure the win.

“This is a very special win and it has been a long week,” Medina said. “I’m going to Brazil now with more confidence and this has been great.

“I love Trestles so much,” Medina said. “It’s just such a good wave and it’s one of my favorites, I just don’t even have words to explain how I’m feeling right now. I’m stoked.”

The Brazilian earned many of the week’s top scores, including the only single wave score of 10, out of a possible 10, during his semi-final win over Australian Adrian Buchan.

Hall took out dangerous, in-form John John Florence in his semi-final but was unable to produce the same form again in the final against Medina.

“It’s Lowers, it can turn on or off at any time in the day,” Hall said.

“You kind of have to be on to it and has to go your way as well. I had a few lucky heats earlier in the event and that heat was funny with Gabriel.

“I thought we were going to have an interference in the beginning and they didn’t call it, but it’s all good though. H surfed well and he won.

“This is a great result for sure. The way the system is now, if you don’t get results in PRIME events, you don’t qualify, so I’m relieved with this result and am in a good position to try and qualify now. I’m going to do all of the PRIMES and see how we go.”

Nike Lowers Pro Final Results:

1 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.67

2 – Glenn Hall (IRL) 10.87

Nike Lowers Pro Semifinals Results:

SF 1: Glenn Hall (IRL) 12.60 def. John John Florence (BRA) 12.17

SF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.80 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 8.43

Nike Lowers Pro Quarterfinals Results:

QF 1: Glenn Hall (IRL) 13.30 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.67

QF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 13.20 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 13.00

QF 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.20 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.03

QF 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.83 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.53