RIO DE JANEIRO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's 2015 world champion Adriano de Souza won the Rio Pro surfing event on Wednesday by beating Australian Adrian Buchan in the final.
De Souza posted a combined-wave score of 17.63 to eclipse his rival by less than half a point at Itauna beach in Saquarema, 100km east of Rio de Janeiro.
"It has been a while since I've stepped onto the podium," De Souza said. "But, I have been working for so long to be here. I am so grateful for all the support, especially all the fans here in Brazil. You can count on me because I am back in the game."
Buchan paid tribute to De Souza and event organizers.
"Brazilians do beach culture better than everyone else," the 34-year-old said. "I am looking forward to coming back next year. It was really special to have a final with Adriano.
"He is an amazing role model for all the young Brazilian surfers and I just want to say a huge congratulations to him."
Earlier, De Souza eliminated Australian Joel Parkinson in the quarterfinals and compatriot Yoga Dora, a wildcard entrant, in the semifinals.
