CULBURRA Beach's Mikey Wright has shown his true capabilities in the surf by winning an epic Gold Coast Pro final on Wednesday at South Stradbroke Island.
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The 24-year-old had to overcome a field of a number of Australia's best surfers in four-to-six foot waves to claim victory in the second event of the World Surf League (WSL) Australian Grand Slam of Surfing.
Wright showed his 18-month comeback from injury is complete with an incredible victory - displaying why he is considered one of the most exciting surfers on the planet, as he pulled into deep heaving barrels and laid his trademark power gouges to take his first event win in over two years.
He overcame local wildcard Liam O'Brien, with a dominating display in the final, winning with the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.83 (out of a possible 10).
The Culburra Beach Boardrider is now tied with Ethan Ewing as leader of the Australian Grand Slam of Surfing.
"It's great to take the win and I've had some great heats and waves through this event - these chunky barrelling waves really suited me," Wright said.
"Getting that barrel early in the final felt good.
"I stayed high on the takeoff and steered through with the wave cooperating for me which always helps.
"Taking the leaders jersey jointly into Margaret River feels good - I like Margaret River and it will be good to get there again and surf some serious waves.
"I'm just stoked to be back competing and performing well."
Isabella Nichols won the women's final, by defeating Sophie McCulloch 11.07 to 4.00.
Mikey's older brother and sister, Owen and Tyler, were eliminated from contention on Tuesday.
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