You can't stop a veteran from chasing the sun. Mike Stewart has just won an APB World Tour event, in the southwest of Japan.
There you go. After a long journey, 54-year-old Mike Stewart returned to the highest spot on the podium. The Hawaiian won the 2017 Urban Research Tahara Pro, in Japan.
Stewart defeated three Japanese surfers in the final - Yoshitada Kondo, Yasuyuki Shibata, and Taira Takahashi - but victory only came in the last 30 seconds.
The nine-time world champion was needing an 8-point ride. He knew he only had one final shot to get the score. The truth is Mike Stewart not only rode the wave to the shore, but he also earned a Perfect 10 from the judges.
The most successful bodyboarder of all time showed high fitness levels and managed to read the challenging ocean conditions in his favor.
"What makes the perfect trip? Good surf, great hospitality, fantastic food, and amazing accommodation, sharing the stoke of wave riding to young and old, and starting a comp with a ten point ride and then winning it on your final wave with another 10 point ride," expressed Mike Stewart.
On the women's competition, the local talent Sari Ohhara made sure to honor her flag in front of her fans by defeating the world champion Isabela Sousa, in yet another classic clash.
"You don't know how I'm feeling. I still can't believe I've won this event! What great supporters, what great competitors, and what great waves! I want to thank you all for supporting me," concluded Ohhara.
2017 Urban Research Tahara Pro | Final
Men
1. Mike Stewart (HAW)
2. Yoshitada Kondo (JAP)
3. Yasuyuki Shibata (JAP)
4. Taira Takahashi (JAP)
4. Taira Takahashi (JAP)
Women
1. Sari Ohhara (JAP)
2. Isabela Sousa (BRA)
