Jack Robinson takes out hometown Margaret River Pro in gripping final against favourite John John Florence

Hometown surf star Jack Robinson has cemented his place in world fandom by taking out the Margaret River Pro after defeating two-time champion John John Florence. The massive victory for Robinson – the first in 31 years since Dave Macaulay last claimed the title – was cheered on by spectators at the end of a long and gruelling day of competition. All eyes were on Florence to edge ahead in the contest, with the skilful American well-respected for his love and confidence in Margaret River waves. World Surf League commentators almost handed the contest to Florence halfway through the 35-minute final heat, and sensing the momentum going against him, Robinson turned on an impressive display. He charged hard in the surf to execute a near-perfect aerial rotation, coming down hard on the lip of the wave and somehow keeping his feet to ride out into the foam. Stunned commentators lauded Robinson’s risky move, which edged him close up behind Florence’s score, which Robinson then cemented with a tight two-turn combo. Conditions eased in the last 10 minutes of the heat, leaving Florence broken and unable to make a comeback on the slow-moving sets. Robinson won with a two-wave total of 16.24 against Florence’s 15.60. The final followed a close but less dramatic women’s showdown in which Queensland surfer Isabella Nichols came out ahead of Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan 12.94 against 10.00. Margaret River female star Bronte Macaulay tore through her competitors in previous heats – including five-time WSL champion Carissa Moore and seven-time WSL champion Stephanie Gilmore – but underwhelmed in the quarter-finals and was ousted from the Championship Tour under the new midyear cut rules. Robinson was absolutely ecstatic with his win against one of the most respected athletes in the game. “It’s so many hours, so much time when you win like this,” Robinson said. “I’ve had so many rounds, so close. “I just tried to channel the energy and stay level through the whole event,” he said. “So many things have come together – just being connected and so grateful.” The local champion harnessed the energy of his huge local following during the lead up to Wednesday’s final. Competing hard in three heats earlier in the day, Robinson was spotted taking a power nap just before his confrontation with Florence. Although Florence was the favourite going into the contest, Robinson upped the ante by playing to his strong aerial game and risking the wipe-out. Instead, his big rotation was met with rapturous applause and constantly replayed in the aftermath. Robinson paid tribute to his fellow competitor, who he said brought out the best in him. Florence, in turn, congratulated Robinson and admitted some nerves taking on the local in home surf. “We’ve been surfing together forever,” he said. “I was a bit nervous. It felt super-good being out there. I just wanted to surf my best, and yeah, it was quite a challenge.” Nichols, who also represents her home country of Denmark, said winning her first WSL event at Margaret River was surreal. “I’ve dreamt about this my whole life,” she said. The winners were awarded signature trophies made from wine barrels by local craftsman Gary Bennett as part of the West Is Best promotion in partnership with Tourism WA, which cements the Margaret River Championship Tour stop until at least 2024.