Filipe Toledo scored a Perfect 10 to conquer the Oi Rio Pro 2015, at Barra de Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Toledo's air game paid off. Once again. The Brazilian surfer defeated Bede Durbidge with a near-perfect final, i.e., a total heat score of 19.87. Filipe won two of the first four stages in the 2015 World Surf League season.
"I don't know what to say. The first thing I did was cry because look at the crowd, I've never seen anything like that before. It's been such a blessed week and I have such amazing friends and family. I need to be grateful for everything I have and everything God has done in my life," expressed Toledo.
"It's been my dream to win this contest here and since the year that I qualified I've been dreaming of this day. I'm feeling really confident right now. It's going to be a really amazing year for me and the Brazilians and I'm hoping to finish in the top 5 and fight for the title at the end of the year."
The capacity crowd at Barra da Tijuca Beach backed his hero. Filipe Toledo is ready to embark on a world title race. The upcoming challenge is Fiji. Will the Brazilian handle the pressure?
In the Oi Women's Rio Pro, Courtney Conlogue defeated Bianca Buitendag. The American put the Australian in combination situation with less than ten minutes gone.
"The passion of the Brazilians is unbelievable. They've been screaming and it really makes me want to do well. I haven't ever had two wins in a season so it's a great start. I'm feeling good and I want to keep this momentum going into Fiji. I can't wait for that wave, I haven't surfed it since I was 11 and it's going to be so fun," added Conlogue.
"The hard work is definitely paying off and the injury last year really made me reflect and see just how much I want it. I really broke everything down and why I do what I do. I'm just enjoying what I'm doing right now and I'm so happy to be able to surf in these events and give it my best performance. We'll see how that goes for the rest of the season, who knows."
Oi Rio Pro 2015 | Final
Filipe Toledo (BRA), 19.85 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS), 14.70
Oi Rio Women's Pro 2015 | Final
Courtney Conlogue (USA), 14.50 def. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), 11.10