Harley Clifford: smiling after a tasty win at the 2017 Nautique Wake Open

Harley Clifford has taken out the 2017 Nautique Wake Open, in Orlando, Florida.

The Australian powerhouse stormed the event and proved he is ready to battle for another world title. Clifford has recently returned to the water after recovering from a serious knee injury.

The Men's Pro final included Mike Dowdy, Noah Flegel, and Cory Teunissen, but it was Clifford who stole the show by hitting a double indy tantrum on his first trick, a tail grab KGB, and a melon toe nine.

"What a rollercoaster to get back on this top spot! Dealing with my knee injury and a bunch of personal family stuff I could not be more stoked. Thanks so much to everyone who helped me get back here," expressed Clifford.

On the Women's Pro final, Tarah Mikacich started her run off with a big wrapped KGB, following it up with a clean batwing and indy tantrum, but Giorgia Gregorio's stunning whirlybird and moby dick proved unbeatable.

"I am so happy. Couldn't be more stoked to have taken the top spot at Nautique Wake Open! Congrats to all the other riders!" added the Italian wakeboarder.

The next stop on the Wakeboard World Series 2017 is the Campeonato Mundial de Wakeboard, held from May 6-7, in Nova Lima, Brazil.

2017 Nautique Wake Open | Final

Men

1. Harley Clifford (AUS) 91.67
2. Mike Dowdy (USA) 87.67
3. Noah Flegel (USA) 82.33
4. Cory Teunissen (AUS) 79.67
5. Tony Iacconi (AUS) 77.67
6. Dean Smith (AUS) 72.67
7. Shota Tezuka (JPN) 69.00
8. Nic Rapa (AUS) 64.00

Women

1. Giorgia Gregorio (ITA) 86.00
2. Tarah Mikacich (USA) 79.00
3. Erika Lang (USA) 74.00
4. Zahra Kell (USA) 72.00
5. Rebecca Gange (AUS) 68.33
6. Jamie Lopina (USA) 65.00