Over the weekend Brazilian Filipe Toledo blitzed the field at the Oakley Lowers Pro to claim victory, defeating Frenchman Jeremy Flores in the final.
It’s the third consecutive time a Brazilian has won the event, after Gabe Medina and Miguel Pupu raised silverware in 2012/2011 respectively. With the win Toledo moves up to second place on the QS rankings.
The slopey Californian reefs and beach breaks have become a second home for Filipe after the family relocated to Southern California in 2014.
“I was definitely super blessed this week and got to spend lots of time with my friends and family,” said Toledo after the win.
“It’s such a good vibe to be with them. I think that’s what happened, I got all their good vibes. I felt super comfortable and confident out there and my boards felt amazing. It was all just wonderful.”
After his win at the start of the season at the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast, Toledo placed 5th at Bells and took home a 25th at Margies. He is currently ranked third on the world rankings going into Brazil for Oi Rio Pro, an event earmarked for him to do well.
“The world title is definitely on my mind and I can’t wait to get that yellow jersey back again,” said Toledo.
“It’s going to be an amazing competition in Brazil and we’re going to have a lot of support. After Gabriel’s world title last year, this year is going to be amazing and the event will be packed and crazy.”
Oakley Lowers Pro Final Results:
1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) – 16.13
2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) – 13.70
Oakley Lowers Pro Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.24 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 13.27
SF 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.77 def. Wade Carmichael (AUS) 11.30
Oakley Lowers Pro Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.00 def. Charles Martin (GLP) 13.30
QF 2: Dusty Payne (HAW) 17.67 def. Yadin Nicol (AUS) 9.66
QF 3: Wade Carmichael (AUS) 15.73 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.50
QF 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.37 def. Michael Dunphy (USA) 14.23