Margaret River surfers Cyrus Cox and Mia McCarthy have captured their maiden victories on the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS), after dominant performances at the Mandurah Pro QS1,000 event on Tuesday.
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The Mandurah Pro concluded with a bang, as a much-awaited swell provided a fitting conclusion to the opening event of the Western Australian Pro Surf Series 2019.
In the best conditions of the event waiting period, Avalon Point provided long and reeling three-to-four foot lefts which saw competitors from four nations compete in a thrilling day of finals action.
Cyrus Cox claimed the biggest win of his career, taking down Callum Robson (Evans Head, AUS) in a memorable 30-minute final.
Using his forehand attack with pace and precision, Cox was able to put himself on the best waves in the final and in turn, drop the biggest scores.
An excellent 8.50 (from a possible 10) and a backup 7.40, saw Cox post an imposing total of 15.90 (from a possible 20) that Robson struggled to overcome.
"It's always good to get some waves, especially for the finals," said Cox.
"Thanks to my dad and Luke Campbell for their help and this is the best Avalon I've ever surfed. This win gives me great confidence going into the Yallingup event later this week."
Despite some clinical backhand surfing from Robson who posted a two-wave total of 13.70 (from a possible 20), he was still left chasing an 8.70 or better to take the win from Cox.
"The waves were great and it's been a fun trip to Mandurah with all the boys," said Robson.
"I'm stoked to be in the top 100 and this result hopefully helps me stay there, I'm really happy for Cyrus and it's been a great event."
In the Women's final, Mia McCarthy took down former WA resident Mikaela Greene (Manly, AUS) on the strength of a buzzer-beating last wave.
McCarthy powered to her first QS win thanks to an array of powerful backhand maneuvers that saw her post a game-changing 7.65 (from a possible 10) with just moments to spare.
Needing a 7.20 prior to taking off, McCarthy threw up three amazing turns to get the score required and the win ahead of Greene by just 0.45.
"I couldn't be happier right now," said McCarthy.
"It was awesome to share the final with Mikaela, she's such a good surfer and a really good friend. I was just really lucky to get my chance at the end of the heat and with waves like we had today I knew I could get a score if I found the right one."
After missing the past 18 months filming a reality TV show with her sister, Greene was stoked with her performance and is excited to be heading home to Yallingup to compete in the next event of the WA Pro Surf Series.
"I'm really happy with my performance and to be back competing," said Greene.
"Mia just pipped me on the last wave, I could see it was going to be amazing, but she had priority. I was a great event and congratulations to Mia, she's a deserving champion."
Surfing Western Australia's competition director Justin Majeks was thrilled with the result and the Mandurah Pro's return in 2019.
"It was great we got the chance to get onto the reef breaks today and the waves at Avalon were fitting of a final," said Majeks.
"Congratulations to our event champions and all of our competitors who traveled from far and wide to be here."
The WA Pro Surf Series will continue later this week with the Cape Naturaliste Pro QS1,000 set to commence in Yallingup on Thursday.
- With World Surf League
