Margaret River surf star Jack Robinson secures world No.2 spot despite loss at WSL Tahiti Pro

Despite coming unstuck in another stellar run at the latest World Surf League event, Margaret River product Jack Robinson has secured the No.2 spot on the Championship Tour rankings.

He goes into next month’s tour final a strong contender.

Robinson stunned the judges during last week’s Tahiti Pro with a perfect ride during the contest at Teahupo’o.

Competing in the third heat of the opening round, Robinson scored 9.43 with his third wave, going deep in a barrel before emerging from the wash to the cheers of the gallery.

That ride ensured the South West star won the heat against American Nat Young and local favourite Michel Bourez with a two-wave score of 16.26 to ease into the last 16.

The result not only secured Robinson a top-two seeding for next month’s finals, but put him firmly in the hunt for Australia’s first men’s world surfing crown since Mick Fanning’s triumph in 2013.

“Just working wave-by-wave,” Robinson said.

“I was happy to be in position.

“A pretty tricky day out here, waves are kind of all over the place. I thought it was a good call they were holding off because of the wind.”

Despite his great form, Robinson was defeated by fellow Australian Nathan Hedge, nudging him out of the contest for the world No.1 spot, with another Australian surfer, Ethan Ewing, going into the final.

Critics said Robinson had a golden chance to snare top seeding for California next month when world No.1 Filipe Toledo suffered a shock loss to 43-year-old Hedge in the elimination round.

Brazil’s Miguel Pupo went on to win the final against French surfer Kauli Vaast.