Jordy Smith's Billabong Pro victory on Sunday vaulted him past Kelly Slater into the top spot in the ASP ratings. The third-year pro broke into tears after his hard fought win.

It's been a long road for Smith. After some white-knuckle moments during his rookie season that fed a ruthless press, he's managed to shake the critics, locate a few toeholds and start climbing his way up the ratings wall.

The evidence will show Jordy surfing strongly throughout the event. His most impressive victory was without question his last minute heroics versus Bede Durbidge. Contrast Jordy's amazing comeback to Dane Reynolds complete meltdown against Taj Burrow and you have a very telling picture.

Smith is likely to take more heat now that he's, once again, the world's biggest target. But from his elevated position it's much easier for him to fire back...and silence them.

Here's the tale of the tape from the historic final day at J-Bay.

Quarterfinal number 1: Jordy Smith takes down the always dangerous Adriano de Souza of Brazil.


Quarterfinal number 2: Bede Durbidge ends the amazing run of South African wild card Sean Holmes.


Quarterfinal number 3: Dane Reynolds cracks under the pressure of a Taj Burrow assault.


Quarterfinal number 4: Aussie Adam Melling knocks out the last remaining goofyfooter, Damien Hobgood.


Semifinal number 1: Jordy Smith makes his amazing last-minute charge to get past Bede Durbidge.


Semifinal number 2: Adam Melling upsets Taj Burrow to make is first-ever ASP final and solidify Jordy's new lead.


THE FINAL: Jordy Smith beats Adam Melling to take his first-ever ASP victory on a historic day in South Africa.


The final day highlight package from an incredible day of surfing in J-Bay.