Photo: ASP / CI / KIRSTIN
Taj dominated the deteriorating conditions to win
the 2010 Quiksilver Pro

Perennial bridesmaid Taj Burrow claimed the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast over Jordy Smith in rippable two-to-three foot waves at Snapper Rocks.

The opening event of then 2010 ASP World Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast started the year off with a bang, bringing the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history to one of the most iconic pointbreaks in the world, and the world's best surfers shattered high-performance barriers once again.

Photo: ASP / CI / KIRSTIN
Mick Fanning, 2009 WCT Champion, bowed out early to
Kai OttonBurrow, who has been hunting an elusive 'CT title, is off to a tremendous start this year. "I'm so so happy right now it's the best feeling on Earth!" Burrow said. "It's unreal. I have a good group of friends with me and to have everyone cheering me on in the final is really really special."

While Jordy Smith led throughout the first half of the 40-minute Final, it was Burrow who changed the tide with a mid-heat assault, racking up several solid scores in larger set waves amidst the deteriorating conditions.

Photo: CESTARI / ASP / Getty Images
Bede Durbidge finished 5th thanks to shacks like
this

"I kind of just did what it took to win," Burrow said. "I just waited for the best waves, did a couple nice turns - nothing too wild. I'd rather have taken Jordy's approach - catch lots of waves and just let loose. Being a bit more patient and selective than usual definitely paid off."

Smith went on a giant-killing spree at the event, eliminating former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater in Round 4 before posting the best result of his young career.

"It's my first Final so I'm pretty stoked," Smith said. "It's unfortunate that the waves went kind of dead in our heat there, but we tried our best. It's been a great event though and I'm looking forward to the next one."

Dane Reynolds looked the form surfer of the event, defeating defending event winner Joel Parkinson with an impressive 19.20 out of a possible 20. However he was unable to find a rhythm in the challenging conditions, bowing out of the event with an Equal 3rd at the hands of Smith.

Photo: CESTARI / ASP / Getty Images
California native Dane Reynolds got off to a hot
start and finished equal 3rd

"I felt pretty good yesterday and it felt like my equipment was finally working," Reynolds said. "When the other guy gets a good roll going, it's hard to come back or it is for me anyway."

Bobby Martinez matched his best result on the Gold Coast today, collecting an Equal 3rd (his first in 2006), but the sole goofy-footer in today's event was clearly upset about the deteriorated conditions.

"We all want to surf when it's glassy," said Martinez. "I'm disappointed that we have to finish today. I did my best to mix it up out there, but it's very challenging out there on your backhand."

Next up for the 'CT boys is the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Australia.

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.57
2 Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.56

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Taj Burrow def. Bobby Martinez
SF 2: Jordy Smith def. Dane Reynolds

ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 5 (After Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast):
1 Taj Burrow (AUS) 10000 pts
2 Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8000 pts
3 Bobby Martinez (USA) 6500 pts
3 Dane Reynolds (USA) 6500 pts
5 Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5250 pts
5 Bede Durbidge (AUS) 5250 pts
5 Adriano de Souza (BRA) 5250 pts
5 Kai Otton (AUS) 5250 pts