Gisborne surfer Bobby Hansen completed his comeback to the winner's dais at Whangamata today when he claimed the open men's division of the Billabong Pro.
After 24 months of battling injuries, Hansen is back to full fitness and his surfing was sublime throughout the event including today's final.
In deteriorating1.0m stormy conditions, Hansen posted 16.10 out of a possible 20 points to defeat Raglan's Larry Fisher. Hansen now leads the New Zealand Pro Series with two events remaining.
"I was thinking just before the final that it had been a while since I have won a national event, even made a final for that matter," said Hansen.
It was at Whangamata that Hansen claimed his last win back in 2009. He now heads into the next event at Gisborne with home town advantage and the hope of securing back to back wins.
Today Hansen used his powerful backhand to notch up a 9.25 point ride for three huge powerful turns. He then extended his lead with a 6.85 point ride to put the pressure on his opponents.
Larry Fisher (Raglan) finished runner up. Fisher scored 14.37 in the final after starting out with a 7.8 point ride for two huge forehand hacks. Fisher however finished the final still requiring an 8.44 point ride to catch Hansen.
"I thought he was ripping the whole event, I have never seen him surf that good before so I am stoked for him actually," said Hansen of Fisher.
Matt Scorringe (Whangamata), who scored 10.03 in the final, was third.
