Italo Ferreira and Carissa Moore have taken out the 2021 Rip Curl Newcastle Cup at Merewether, New South Wales, Australia.
The second event on World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour (CT) - the first was the 2020 Billabong Pipe Masters - wrapped up in solid three-to-five foot waves.
It was also the first time in nearly 30 years that surfers competed in an elite level competition in Newcastle.
In a very tight all-Brazilian men's final, Ferreira defeated Gabriel Medina with long and wide left and right-hand waves peeling fast down the line.
All the best waves were ridden in the first half of the decisive heat, but it was Italo's signature air reverse on a closeout section that won him the trophy.
"I surfing against Gabriel. He is a machine, and he pushes me so much, so it's always fun to compete against him," expressed Italo Ferreira.
The Brazilian won his 26th CT event and is looking forward to securing a spot on the season finals at Trestles in San Clemente, California.
On the women's final, Moore tied South Africa's Wendy Botha 24 CT event wins. The Hawaiian beat Isabella Nichols in her home country.
"I want to dedicate this win to my family, and in particular, to my grandmother, who passed away just before we came to Australia," said Carissa Moore.
Moore stole the show with a spectacular air reverse in the quarterfinals.
The next stop on the 2021 Championship Tour will be the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic. The contest's waiting period opens on April 16 and runs through April 26.
2021 Rip Curl Newcastle Cup | Finals
Men
1. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.94
2. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.27
Women
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.73
2. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 8.34