Matt Wilkinson has taken out the 2017 Outerknown Fiji Pro.
Wilkinson confirmed the third Championship Tour victory of his career after defeating rookie sensation Connor O'Leary in a tight final held in wind-affected four-to-five-foot waves at Cloudbreak.
"I am so stoked. It definitely feels good to pick up momentum rather than to have the yellow jersey to lose. Now, I have it to keep," said Matt Wilkinson.
O'Leary was the only surfer to find a barrel in the final but, with four minutes to go, Wilkinson paddled for a gem that would turn the heat in his favor.
"We've had an awesome week that started with pumping waves and then had some lay days. If you were going to have lay days anywhere, this is the place to do it. Happiness translates to results."
With a win in Fiji, Matt Wilkinson takes the top spot on the leaderboard. The next stop on 2017 World Surf League Championship Tour is the Corona Open J-Bay, running from July 12-23 in South Africa.
2017 Outerknown Fiji Pro| Final
1. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.60
2. Connor O'Leary (AUS) 15.70