Keanu Asing has taken out the 2016 Quiksilver Pro France, in Seignosse.
The Hawaiian surfer defeated defending event winner Gabriel Medina and conquered his first Championship Tour (CT) event of his career. As a result, Asing, 23, climbed 13 places in the rankings.
Despite the small wave conditions, Keanu unleashed his backhand skills to build a comfortable lead. In the last minute, an interference penalty by Medina confirmed Asing's maiden win.
"This is a dream come true. The work's not done yet, but I hope I did something good for John maybe and helped him with the title race. I'm over the moon - it's so surreal. I'm super happy, and I feel like I'm dreaming right now," expressed Asing.
"I've never even made a Qualifying Series final, so this is crazy. The last time I won a contest was probably when I was a junior, so it's crazy to come here and win my first CT event."
The next stop on the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour will be the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. The beach break of Supertubos welcomes the world's best surfer from October 18th-29th.
2016 Quiksilver Pro France | Final
1. Keanu Asing (HAW) 13.94
2. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 7.00
2016 World Surf League Championship Tour | Top 5 After France
1. John John Florence (HAW) 48,150
2. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 45,450
3. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 38,250
4. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 35,700
5. Kolohe Andino (USA) 32,150