Jordy Smith returned to the top of the podium with his first World Championship Tour victory in eight years, claiming the Surf City El Salvador Pro title in Punta Roca.
In an all-South African final, the 37-year-old veteran outclassed compatriot Matthew McGillivray in long, overhead waves. Smith, who joined the tour in 2008, looked in top form as conditions improved in the final stages of the competition.
He dedicated the win to his family, especially his father, who shaped the board he rode to victory.
“I’ve always wanted to ride my dad’s board in a final and to win on it,” Smith said. “That dream has come true. I love you, Dad.”
Smith opened strongly in the final, scoring a 7.33 on his first wave and sealing the win with a 6.93 later in the heat for a total of 14.26 out of 20.
McGillivray, who had earlier defeated the previous two event winners, struggled to find high-scoring waves in the inconsistent conditions and finished with 9.33.
Smith’s win moves him up to fifth in the world rankings with four events completed in the 11-stop season.
The tour now shifts to Australia for the next three events before a mid-season cut reduces the number of competitors. The top five surfers after the regular season will qualify for a one-day, winner-takes-all finals showdown in Fiji.
Photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
