Hawaii s Bryan goes back to back in Western Australia waves

Hawaiis Gabriela Bryan defended her Western Australia Margaret River Pro title on Tuesday, showcasing her powerful forehand surfing to beat reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers and maintain her rankings lead over her Californian rival.

South African Jordy Smith won the mens event, stop seven on the world tour, by taking out Californias Griffin Colapinto. The 37-year-old now leads the world championship rankings 18 years after making his tour debut.

While conditions had slowed on Tuesday after big, perfect surf earlier in the competition period, Simmers and Bryan started their final swiftly.

Simmers, 19, notched up a solid 7.17 out of 10 only to see Bryan use her trademark power on a series of searing turns for a near perfect 9.5.

Both surfers followed up their initial keeper scores with some mid-range numbers before Bryan notched up another solid wave for a 7.83 and 17.33 total inside the first 10 minutes of the final.

I just went out there and was like, Ive just got to surf my heart out, and thats what I did on that (9.5) wave. And then I was lucky enough to get a backup before it went flat, so yeah, Im so stoked, Bryan, 23, said.

Smith, who joined the world tour in 2008 and is the oldest competitor on tour, also got off to a strong start, picking up an excellent 8.5 on his first wave after Colapinto garnered a modest 4.83.

With the ocean going quiet and needing a solid score, Colapinto waited in vain for another opportunity that never came, handing Smith his second win this year.

I think its just a testament to every day, keep showing up, trusting what youre doing, Smith said. This year has really been about having fun and enjoying this, because its not forever.

Colapinto finished third