Australian Julian Wilson has been beaten by 2018 world champion Gabriel Medina in the final of the season-ending Pipe Masters in Hawaii. In a high-quality battle between the year’s top two surfers, Medina had the highest score of the decider, a 9.57 barrel, to secure an 18.34 to 16.70 victory.

Medina dashed Wilson’s championship hopes when he qualified for the final and his maiden success at Pipeline ensured he finished the year with three tour wins, one more than the Queenslander. “All my big heroes won this contest and I really wanted that one. I’m so happy,” Medina said.

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Wilson defeated Medina in the 2014 final at Pipeline, the year in which the Brazilian won his maiden series title, with the now two-time world champion turning the tables.

“That was a good final. Julian is one of the toughest competitors,” Medina said. “He won against me in a final a few years ago and now I’ve got this one. I just feel great to be the Pipe Masters winner.”

Wilson accounted for 11-time world champion Kelly Slater in their semi-final on Monday, about half an hour after his championship aspirations were dashed. Medina, who had scored a rare 10 in his quarter-final, made the most of perfect conditions at Pipeline defeat Jordy Smith in their final four showdown to end the two-year championship reign of Hawaiian John John Florence.

“This means a lot to me,” Medina said after he was confirmed as the first Brazilian to win multiple world titles. “I put in a lot of work this year. It was an intense year, everything paid off. I can’t find words at the moment. I’m so happy to win it again, go Brazil!”

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Earlier in the day, 2012 world champion Joel Parkinson’s 17-year professional career came to an end when he was bundled out in a round four heat which included Wilson.

“Wow, it’s over, I’m so glad it’s over,” the 37-year-old Queenslander said. Parkinson’s elimination ended his hopes of a fourth Triple Crown of Surfing crown, with Brazilian world tour rookie Jesse Mendes joining the illustrious list of winners.