After a week of blistering action in some of the best Jeffreys Bay surf in recent history, the final heat between Adriano de Souza and Joan Duru was a bit anti-climactic. Nonetheless, the diminutive Brazilian took the opportunity to go to work in the less than consistent conditions, giving him the upper hand over Duru.

The final tally was 16.00 to 13.60. With the win, DeSouza moves to second in the World Rankings behind John John Florence. In making the final, France’s Joan Duru moves up to 36th, putting him in a great spot to qualify during the next half of the year.

Possibly the most surprising result of the event was a 3rd place from young Hawaiian Zeke Lau, who is emerging as a new hope out of the islands. Standing at over 6 feet, the 18 year old from Oahu has an impressive repertoire of tricks, power, and style. Contest director Luke Egan was quoted as saying that he surfs like a cross between Andy Irons and Sunny Garcia.

The next big event on the pro surf radar is the US Open, July 30, in Huntington Beach, which boasts an incredible heat draw including Kelly Slater and all top 32 World Tour surfers– unheard of for a WQS event– along with free-surfers like Dane Reynolds.