Billabong Pro Rio - Final Day highlights

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 16, 2012) -- John John Florence (HAW), 19, has won his maiden ASP World Championship Tour event, taking out the Billabong Rio Pro over Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in barreling three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra da Tijuca.

Florence, currently in his rookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of Billabong Rio Pro competition, topping prodigious Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, on his way to triumph over Parkinson. Florence, who now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today's massive victory to the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

Parkinson utilized his complete skill set at Barra Da Tijuca, driving through barrels, lofting airs and unloading powerful carves en route to his Finals berth, but was unable to find a rhythm against Florence and finished runner-up overall. Parkinson's finish today propels the Australian into the frontrunner position for the ASP World Title, but Parkinson was humble in claiming his spot atop the rankings.