Julian Wilson wins the 2013 Mr Price Pro, Ballito

Julian Wilson just beat Jordy Smith in the final of the Mr Price Pro, Ballito. The Prime event in Durban is one that drags plenty of top shelf surfers into South Africa, despite the lack of a Dream Tour event to roll into afterwards (god we miss J-Bay). Which is why we found two of the most exciting men on tour in the final. Jules was trailing until he threw down a frontside revs for a 7.43, then immediately followed it up with the air y’see above – no, it ain’t the loop revert, but it was a completely rotated heelside grab alley oop, clean as whistle, and scooped him a 10. If that wasn’t enough, he followed up with an 8.93 and had Jordy combo’d needing and 18.94 combined total. Which he didn’t get. “I’m really happy to get the win,” said Jules. “It’s my third time in Durban and I’ve gotten a good result each time. I really enjoy spending time here, it’s a great place with friendly people where I feel warm and comfortable. It definitely helps with my results. Jordy put the pressure on me at the start but there were plenty of opportunities and I just had to flip the heat and put some scores on the board. That was the first time I’ve landed that air in a contest and I had to do something because I had my back against the wall. I’m stoked I could pull it off and come away with the win.” Jordy was gracious in defeat: “It was an honour to surf in the final against Julian, I’m just sorry I didn’t win it,” said the South-African. “Julian stuck that air and it was amazing. I went on a trip to Reunion with him and he tried it a million times and didn’t make it and then he goes into the final and sticks it first time!” Final: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.93 def Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.70 Semi Final Results: Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.80 def Stu Kennedy (AUS) 9.90Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.00 def Mitch Crews (AUS) 12.33 Quarter Final Results: Heat 1: Stu Kennedy (AUS) 12.70 def Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 12.16Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.36 def Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.34Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.40 def David Do Carmo (BRA) 9.44Heat 4: Mitch Crews (AUS) 13.84 def Mason Ho (HAW) 11.07 RESULTS Round 16 Results: Heat 7: Mitch Crews (AUS) 12.17 def Krystian Kymerson (BRA) 10.74Heat 8: Mason Ho (HAW) 14.67 def Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.26